EAL Coordinator

Crescendo International School; Johor; On-site; MYR 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

An international school in Malaysia is seeking an EAL Coordinator to lead the development of effective EAL programmes for Primary and Secondary students. The role focuses on supporting EAL students, ensuring their smooth transition into mainstream classes, and equipping teachers with strategies for language learners. Candidates should have relevant teaching qualifications, experience with EAL learners, and strong interpersonal skills. This is a full-time position offering a dynamic and inclusive educational environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years' teaching experience, with significant experience working with EAL learners.
• Experience working across both Primary and Secondary settings is preferred.
• Experience in leading or coordinating an EAL programme is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of EAL programmes across Primary and Secondary.
• Collaborate with staff to support EAL students' language intervention.
• Deliver induction sessions for parents of EAL students.

Skills

Understanding of second language acquisition theory

Excellent interpersonal skills

Organisational skills

Commitment to inclusion

Education

Relevant teaching qualification (e.g., PGCE or equivalent)

CELTA, TESOL, or other recognised EAL/ESL qualification

Job description

Overview

The EAL Coordinator will lead the development and delivery of effective EAL programmes across both Primary and Secondary, with a particular focus on supporting students who require language intervention either in-class or more intensively. The role is central to ensuring that EAL students are well-prepared for successful transition into the mainstream curriculum and that classroom teachers are equipped with the knowledge and tools to support language learners in an inclusive setting.

Key Responsibilities

Admissions

• Act as the lead point of contact for admissions involving EAL students, liaising with the Admissions department and academic team as necessary.

• Ensure effective initial language assessments for prospective EAL students to determine suitability for entry and to recommend appropriate support strategies.

• Provide recommendations to the leadership team, including any conditions for admission based on language support needs.

• Collaborate with marketing and admissions staff to ensure communication materials appropriately reflect the school’s inclusive and supportive approach to EAL learners.

• Monitor and support the transition of new EAL students post-admission to ensure successful settling and early progress.

Student Support and Intervention

• To develop and maintain an EAL Register to support all stages of a student's journey at CHIS.

• Design, implement, and monitor language intervention programmes tailored to the language development needs of EAL students.

• Track student progress and adjust support strategies accordingly to enable smooth transition into mainstream classes.

• Collaborate with teachers to identify students requiring additional EAL support using data, observations, and assessments.

• Ensure the effective provision of language intervention focused on key vocabulary, academic language, and subject-specific content where appropriate.

Induction

• Develop and implement the induction programme for newly enrolled EAL students to support their social, emotional, and academic integration.

• Coordinate with pastoral, academic, and administrative teams to ensure that all aspects of induction (academic orientation, buddy systems, cultural familiarisation, etc.) are effectively delivered.

• Deliver induction sessions for parents of EAL students to explain available support, language development expectations, and ways they can assist their child's transition.

• Monitor the progress of new EAL students during the first term and adjust induction support where necessary to ensure a positive start.

• Provide early intervention strategies for students who show signs of difficulty adjusting during their induction period.

Collaboration and Leadership

• Work closely with English and wider academic teams in both Primary and Secondary to align EAL support with the school’s broader language and literacy goals.

• Support within training and resources for mainstream teachers in differentiating instruction for EAL learners.

• Contribute to the development of an inclusive curriculum that takes into account the linguistic and cultural diversity of the student body.

Professional Development

• Lead and facilitate CPD sessions across the school focused on EAL pedagogy, differentiation / adaptive teaching, and strategies for supporting multilingual learners in mainstream classrooms.

• Provide on-demand coaching and mentoring for teachers working with EAL students.

Whole School Impact

• Support to foster a culture of multilingualism across the school.

• Develop and maintain a whole school EAL policy in collaboration with school leadership.

• Analyse school-wide EAL data to inform planning and reporting.

• Ensure that EAL provision is compliant with inspection frameworks and reflective of international best practice.

Person Specification

Qualifications and Experience

• A relevant teaching qualification (e.g., PGCE or equivalent).

• CELTA, TESOL, or other recognised EAL/ESL qualification is highly desirable.

• Minimum 3 years' teaching experience, with significant experience working with EAL learners highly desirable.

• Experience working across both Primary and Secondary settings is preferred.

• Experience in leading or coordinating an EAL programme is advantageous.

Skills and Attributes

• Strong understanding of second language acquisition theory and best practices.

• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to build strong working relationships with staff, students, and parents.

• A flexible, proactive approach and strong organisational skills.

• A commitment to inclusion, student well-being, and academic progress for all learners.

Interested candidates should submit their application addressed to our School Principal at ***********@chis.edu.my, which should include:

• An updated resume/CV

• A cover letter outlining:

  • The reason for applying to Crescendo HELP International School

  • Why you believe you are a good fit for our school community

  • Your relevant qualifications and experience

Applications should include the above and be addressed to the School Principal.