Disney English

Disney English History

The Walt Disney Company is world-renowned for their engaging stories and characters. In addition to providing a great source of family entertainment, Disney has developed a number of language learning resources and published hundreds of children’s books. Disney has become increasingly dedicated to providing exceptional educational materials to language learners around the world.

With the objective of creating a unique and dynamic learning system, the Walt Disney Company worked with an academic advisory board to establish a program that stimulates children’s natural learning abilities. After much research and preparation, Disney English was founded, and the first Disney English center opened in Shanghai in 2008. Since then, Disney English has expanded throughout the country, with centers in several major cities in China.

Teaching Philosophy
The Disney English program aims to awaken a passion for learning English, with a focus on engaging young learners in a fun, positive and productive environment.

Program Details
The method used at Disney English is known as the Disney ISA (Immersive Storytelling Approach). The ISA is based on Multiple Intelligences theory, and entails using Experiential Learning in the class. Teachers, called “trainers”, use a variety of interactive activities, songs, visual materials, and plenty of movement in the classroom, to captivate students’ attention and show them that learning is fun! In-class learning is combined with home study materials and online tools to provide a comprehensive learning experience for all students.

Professional Environment

Disney English prides itself on providing an outstanding work environment for its trainers. During the training and orientation period, trainers will learn more about the company and the learning model, the materials and technology available, and they will have a chance to sit in on Disney English classes. Trainers are paid during the training and orientation period.

Disney provides ongoing professional development opportunities to its trainers, and trainers are also eligible for promotions within the company after 6 months of service.

English Foreign Trainers at Disney English

English Foreign Trainers will help students improve their English reading, writing, listening, and speaking abilities. By using the provided state-of-the art technology, activity books, listening materials, sing-along exercises, and various onsite supplies and props, trainers will provide a fun and exciting English learning experience.

Trainers work 40 hours per week, spending 20-24 hours in the classroom with the students. When not working in the classroom, trainers will attend staff meetings and training sessions, prepare lesson plans, and lead demonstration lessons for prospective parents and students.

Trainers will use hands-on activities, games, songs, and story-telling to engage students and captivate their imaginations, while maintaining a fun, exciting learning environment. English Foreign Trainers will also be involved with marketing and social events at their learning centres, and will communicate with the Language Learning Director about student achievement in order to ensure effective program delivery.

Trainers should be enthusiastic, energetic, creative and dedicated in order to make the most of this great opportunity.

Language Learning Directors at Disney English

Language Learning Directors will oversee their Language Centre, with the overall goal of maintaining an exciting, effective learning environment for all Disney English students. Directors will ensure student and parent satisfaction, manage foreign and local trainers, monitor student achievement, and deliver ongoing professional development. While primarily expected to oversee administration and daily operations, Directors may also be required to cover classes, and as such, should be flexible and adaptable. Directors must have substantial management experience, the ability to motivate teammates, and should be excited and enthusiastic about supervising an innovative program.