Finding Your Tribe: A Guide for Academic Managers in ELT

Stepping into the role of an Academic Manager or Director of Studies is an exciting career move. You’re shaping curriculum, supporting teachers, and ensuring students receive a top-quality education. Yet, it can also be a surprisingly lonely position. You’re no longer just “one of the team,” and finding peers who truly understand the unique challenges you face can be difficult.

Many in this role find themselves asking: Where is my professional community?

The Search for a Professional Home

It’s common to discover that the vibrant networks you relied on as a teacher don’t directly translate to the management sphere. You might find general international education groups or broad special interest groups. While these can be valuable, they often lack the specific, localized focus you need.

The core issues you grapple with—UK compliance, local hiring practices, or specific accreditation standards—require a nuanced understanding that a global forum might not provide. The question isn’t just about finding a community, but finding the right one.

Beyond the General: Seeking Specificity

The key to building your support system is moving from broad networks to targeted connections. A large, international group is a great starting point, but the real value often lies in smaller, more focused collectives. You need a space where you can ask:

• How are other schools handling the latest visa regulation changes?
• What does effective teacher appraisal look like in practice?
• Where can I find a reliable template for a specific academic audit?

These are the conversations that happen in dedicated, active communities of practice.

Building Your Network from the Ground Up

If a ready-made, UK-centric group for Academic Managers feels elusive, don’t be discouraged. You have the power to cultivate your own network. Here are a few practical steps you can take:

• Leverage Existing Organizations: Look into the special interest groups (SIGs) of major teaching associations. While they may be international, they often have a strong UK membership. Actively participate in their online forums and events to connect with like-minded professionals closer to home.

• The Power of Small Groups: Consider starting your own local, informal network. Reach out to other DoSes in your city or region. A simple monthly coffee meet-up or a dedicated WhatsApp group can become an invaluable source of support and shared knowledge.

• Focus on Engagement, Not Size: A group with twenty highly active and engaged members is far more valuable than a thousand-member group where no one posts. Prioritize finding a community where real conversations are happening.

Why a Dedicated Community Matters

Having a circle of peers isn’t a luxury; it’s a professional necessity. It’s where you find:

• Mentorship: Learn from those who have been in your shoes.
• Problem-Solving: Crowdsource solutions to your trickiest challenges.
• Resource Sharing: Swap lesson plans, policy documents, and training ideas.
• Moral Support: Commiserate and celebrate with people who truly get it.

Investing time in finding or building your professional tribe is one of the most impactful things you can do for your career and your well-being as an academic leader.