Head of English - August 2026
GEMS EducationLeadership
Status
Live Now
Date Listed26 April 2026
ContractPermanent
Listing Typegems
About This Role
The Head of English is responsible for providing both strategic and academic leadership to the English Department throughout the school. This position is key in ensuring that high standards are maintained in the teaching and learning of English Language and Literature, spearheading curriculum development, monitoring student progress, and fostering professional development within the department.
The Head of English fosters a culture that values literacy, critical thinking, creativity, and academic excellence, while also ensuring that practices align with school standards and, when appropriate, international guidelines such as the International Baccalaureate or American curriculum standards.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Leadership
- Develop and clearly communicate a vision for English education across all grades.
- Lead the creation, implementation, and evaluation of the English curriculum.
- Ensure both vertical and horizontal coherence of curriculum standards.
- Contribute to the strategic planning and enhancement initiatives of the entire school.
- Curriculum & Instruction
- Supervise the planning, execution, and assessment of English Language and Literature instruction.
- Guarantee curriculum alignment with applicable standards (e.g., IB programs, American/Common Core, or other adopted frameworks).
- Advocate for inquiry-based learning, critical analysis, and effective writing instruction.
- Support the incorporation of digital literacy and research competencies.
- Teaching & Learning Excellence
- Conduct lesson observations and offer constructive, actionable feedback.
- Mentor and coach teachers to enhance their instructional practices.
- Lead professional development initiatives within the department.
- Promote differentiated instruction to cater to the diverse needs of learners.
- Assessment & Student Achievement
- Monitor student performance metrics and examination results.
- Oversee both internal and external assessments.
- Ensure uniform grading and feedback practices within the department.
- Implement intervention and enrichment strategies informed by data analysis.
- Staff Management & Development
- Oversee the recruitment, induction, and evaluation of English teachers.
- Chair department meetings and encourage collaboration.
- Foster professional development and continuous improvement among staff.
- Manage departmental resources and budget effectively.
- Literacy Across the Curriculum
- Advocate for school-wide literacy initiatives.
- Support strategies for writing and communication that span across subjects.
- Lead activities that promote reading and enrichment programs.
- Student Engagement & Enrichment
- Organize literary events, debates, writing contests, and drama projects.
- Encourage student participation in external competitions and academic opportunities.
- Assist students with university preparation and advanced course selections when applicable.
Apply via the WhatSchool platform.