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The American Center
Mieres, Oviedo

In an effort to respond to the need for modern English language teaching and learning in the mining region of Spain, The American Center opened its doors in downtown Mieres as an independent school in 1985. Our staff is entirely made up of college-educated, native speakers of English, to ensure up-to-date communicative standards.

Now a well-established local learning institution, we gain new clients just by word of mouth. Many of the people who learned to speak English at our school, even those who have moved away, stay in touch with us. The positive contribution our school has made over the years, not only to individuals but to society as a whole, means a lot to us.

We also provide a wide selection of language courses abroad, including summer programs and year-round academic courses.

Winner of the UNESCO Aula de Paz Camín de Mieres Associated School "Valuable Foreign Language Teaching Contribution" Award, organized by the Consejería de Cultura del Principado de Asturias, the Mieres City Hall, and the Dirección Provincial de Educación y Cultura en Asturias, 1997

What our Teachers Say

"I have worked at the American Center, and the experience has lent so much to my development, not only as a teacher, but also as a person. There I have taught everyone from three-to sixty-year-olds and have learned more about the intricacies of English than I ever felt necessary! The flexible and open environment has allowed me to develop my teaching abilities and build confidence in my skills as a teacher. Although I don't plan on dedicating my life to teaching English, here I have been able to explore being a teacher and will be able to move on to teaching what I love with a strong sense of confidence."

-Autumn Kycia

"The American Center was the first academy I worked as a TEFL teacher. They were able to provide the one to one training needed to teach these particular types of students. I was offered the support of following a structured course as well as the opportunity to use my own creativity once I gained teaching experience. I was introduced to a variety of contacts and was able to proctor Cambridge exams and travel internationally as a monitor for summer language courses. Since I am from the United States, I needed a work visa to stay in Spain as a teacher. The American Center was able to help with all of the papers, went to the appointments with me (I didn't know much Spanish) and allowed all the time off to return to my country to get the visa and see my family. The students are excited to learn English and have a great time in class. With the youngest children I can sing, dance and make all kinds of crafts and with the teenagers and adults I can have thoughtful conversations ranging in topics. Not only did the American Center provide me with a job they also provided me experiences to last a lifetime."

-Lisa Malmgren

"The American Center team consists of a team of four teachers plus two directors. The atmosphere amongst us is relaxed and very supportive. You will teach classes of pretty much all levels and a wide range of students of all ages. In general students here are really nice and motivated to learn. Every class has got their teaching books, but there is also lots of space to introduce new methods and ideas (such as games etc.) into the lesson plan. It is a pleasure to work here."

- Jorg Michael Alber

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Job Info

We need professional, enthusiastic and well-prepared teachers for mostly general English classes.

Hours of teaching are from Monday to Thursday 4/4.30pm until 9/10pm and Friday 4pm until 8pm; there may be some morning/noon classes, but no Saturday classes. Dress code is smart casual, and wearing a smile is important. Classes are often small, personal and communicative, and meet two hours a week.

A full timetable usually consists of 12 groups with a total of 24 contact hours. Levels range from absolute beginners to advanced levels; we have students of all ages, from as young as 4, though the vast majority are older children, teens and adults, mostly young professionals. Many take Cambridge exams. Classes are normally held on school premises but some are given elsewhere.

We offer a competitive package with salary in accordance with national pay agreements and full national health and social security cover. Contracts are from the end of September to the end of June. A full-time contract consists of 24 contact (teaching) hours per week. There are two weeks' paid holiday at Christmas and a week at Easter, as well as all local and national holidays. Long term teachers are eligible for permanent positions which include twelve month contracts and an extra months' paid holiday in summer.

Duties & Responsibilities

• To teach English to different levels of Spanish students, children, teenagers and adults, leading to internal and external examinations.
• To plan effective and suitable lessons following the content in the course books for each level.
• To plan lessons in advance using the extensive range of resources and facilities available within the school and to achieve the course program for each level.
• To attend training sessions and meetings, and external training sessions.
• To provide feedback on student performance.

Requirements

• Native English speaker
• European Union work permit
• University degree
• CELTA or similar TEFL qualification

Relevant experience and some Spanish are definite advantages

How to Apply

Please email or mail your resume to:
Ibrahim Hag-Omer
Director of Studies
The American Center
Leopoldo Alas Clarin 33
Mieres 33600, Asturias
americancenter@fade.es