Head of English – Middle School
Shanghai, China | August 2027 Start
Are you an inspirational English educator with a passion for literature, language and developing outstanding teaching and learning? Are you ready to take the next step in your leadership career and shape an ambitious English department?
We are looking for an experienced, dynamic and forward-thinking Head of English to join a highly regarded international school in Shanghai.
This is an exciting opportunity for an established English teacher and subject leader who can bring vision, creativity and academic ambition to the department. We are looking for someone who understands how to develop an engaging and challenging English curriculum, drive student progress and inspire a team of teachers to deliver exceptional learning experiences.
Importantly, we are keen to hear from candidates who have a strong foundation in their home country's education system and are confident working with the US Common Core State Standards (CCSS).
The Role – Lead English to the Next Level!
As Head of English, you will provide strategic and academic leadership for the department, ensuring high standards of curriculum delivery, assessment and teaching practice.
Your responsibilities will include:
-
Leading, developing and inspiring the English department.
-
Driving curriculum development in line with the Common Core State Standards (CCSS).
-
Ensuring a coherent, challenging and engaging English curriculum across relevant year groups.
-
Leading the development and implementation of effective assessment strategies.
-
Monitoring student progress and using assessment data to raise academic achievement.
-
Promoting outstanding teaching and learning through coaching, mentoring and professional development.
-
Supporting teachers in developing engaging approaches to reading, writing, speaking and listening.
-
Encouraging a love of literature, critical thinking, analytical writing and confident communication.
-
Leading departmental planning, curriculum reviews and quality assurance.
-
Establishing high expectations and a culture of collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement.
-
Working closely with wider academic leadership to support whole-school priorities.
Who Are We Looking For?
We are looking for an experienced English educator with the leadership skills, curriculum knowledge and vision to take a department forward.
The successful candidate will ideally have:
-
A relevant degree in English, English Literature or a related subject.
-
A recognised teaching qualification.
-
At least two years of teaching experience in their home country, rather than having worked exclusively in international schools.
-
Experience teaching English within a recognised national curriculum.
-
A sound understanding of the US Common Core State Standards (CCSS), with the ability to apply these effectively to curriculum planning and classroom practice.
-
Proven experience or expertise in leading curriculum development, assessment and teaching and learning.
-
Previous experience as a Head of Department, subject leader or equivalent leadership role.
-
The ability to lead, motivate, coach and develop a team of English teachers.
-
Strong knowledge of effective literacy development, reading comprehension, writing and analytical skills.
-
Excellent communication, organisational and interpersonal skills.
-
A strategic mindset, combined with a hands-on approach to improving classroom practice.
Curriculum & Academic Leadership
A key priority for this appointment will be the ability to lead an English department within a Common Core-based curriculum.
We are looking for someone who can:
-
Translate CCSS standards into a coherent and progressive English curriculum.
-
Ensure appropriate rigour and consistency in teaching and assessment.
-
Develop effective systems for tracking student progress and identifying learning needs.
-
Support teachers in delivering high-quality, standards-aligned lessons.
-
Use evidence and assessment outcomes to inform departmental improvement.
Why Consider This Opportunity?
This is an excellent opportunity to join an exciting international school community in Shanghai and take on a significant academic leadership position.
You will have the opportunity to shape curriculum direction, develop a talented teaching team and make a meaningful difference to students' literacy, academic development and future success.
What's on Offer?
-
An exciting departmental leadership opportunity.
-
The chance to shape and develop an ambitious English curriculum.
-
A collaborative and supportive international school environment.
-
Opportunities for professional development and career progression.
-
A competitive international salary and benefits package, dependent on experience and contract.
Ready to Lead the Way?
If you are an ambitious English educator with strong academic foundations, a passion for curriculum development and the leadership skills to inspire a department, we would love to hear from you!
We are looking for someone who can bring fresh thinking, raise standards and create an English department where both teachers and students thrive.
Our client is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all the students in their care and expects all applicants to share this commitment.
