Position Type:
Administrator - District Level/Director of Language Acquisition and Equity

Date Posted:
4/9/2019

Location:
Administrative Service Center

Date Available:
07/01/2019

The Director of Language Acquisition and Equity works with the Chief Academic Officer to formulate and implement a vision of effective Language Learner and World Languages instruction for students district-wide aimed at developing and sustaining the highest possible level of progressive educational programs and services. As a key member of the district Teaching & Learning team, the Director of Language Acquisition and Equity collaborates with the Teaching & Learning Leadership Team and other district administrators in providing strategic direction and implementing systemic improvement in curriculum, instruction, assessment, social-emotional and other school improvement initiatives, as well as the professional development of principals, assistant principals, and professional staff. As a strong leader for the design, implementation, and management of a complex district-wide system focused on continual improvement of student performance and achievement, the Director of Language Acquisition and Equity formulates and interprets policies and procedures, ensures compliance with state and federal regulations, administers a department budget including the Title III grant, and supervises departmental personnel. Furthermore, the Director of Language Acquisition and Equity will promote a culture of equity and inclusion for all students, families, employees and the community. Additionally, s/he will guide efforts to define, assess, nurture, and cultivate diversity as an institutional and educational value throughout the district.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
The following identifies the primary and essential functions of the assignment and is not intended to be an exhaustive listing of all duties.

1. Provide strong leadership and mentorship for Language Learner programming (ELL and World Languages) by pursuing an innovative, equitable, and research-based vision for instructional programs and services;Focuses the work of all ELL and World Languages (ELL/WL) personnel on ensuring that all students are on track to graduate college, career, and citizenship ready, with an emphasis on bi-literacy and bilingualism across the district;Define, implement, and monitor the proper implementation of ELL/WL program components such as co-teaching, push-in/pull-out services, resource support, etc.;Promote and monitor the systemic implementation of progressive educational practices such as mastery learning, standards-based learning and grading, social-emotional learning, and inquiry-based instruction for ELL/WL programs;Collaborate with the Chief Academic Officer and members of the Teaching and Learning team to provide vision, direction, management and oversight for all aspects of the ELL/WL programs, including; goals; budgets; curriculum; student assessment; program evaluation; data collection and analysis; school improvement plans; compliance; and the selection, allocation, development, and supervision of personnel;Work with district teaching and learning department to support curriculum that is equitable, unbiased, and reflective of the district's diversity;Monitor and suggest improvements for programs and processes that promote and sustain diversity as a district value;Collaborate with district and building administrators and key stakeholders to develop and sustain classroom practices that work to maintain high achievement for all students and foster equity;Support ELL and building administrators in implementing best-practices in supporting English Language and World Languages learners;Ensure that ELL/WL program protocols and guidelines are implemented and followed throughout the district;Ensure state and federal regulations that guide ELL and WL programs are met;Prepare and administer the budget for assigned departments to include staffing for ELL/WL programs and the administration of the Title III grant;Lead ELL/WL teams including facilitating team meetings and staff development opportunities;Promote, facilitate, and monitor the effective and systemic improvement of education in ELL/WL programs to improve student outcomes including supervising the development, implementation, and revision of curriculum and instructional programs and course offerings;Establish and monitor standards of performance for the evaluation of student progress and direct continuous evaluation of the instructional programs based on student data;Work with department staff to maintain records of all ELL and ELL eligible students, insure that all federal and state reporting requirements are met, including assessments and grants;Develop, implement, and monitor systems for testing and placing ELL and WL students effectively including intake assessments, language proficiency assessments, school-to-school articulation, and state assessments;Gather and report data for state required reports and other required reporting as needed;Work with the Director of Professional Learning to facilitate professional development for district staff in the areas of ELL, WL, equity, and social justice with attention to district strategic plan initiatives, Board of Education goals, and school improvement plans;Supervise and coordinate the adoption, ordering, use, and maintenance of departmental resources including appropriate allocation of financial and physical resources to support department and district goals;Know of and engage in program-related outreach to partners in the community, in business, and in higher education, with a goal of improving equity across the district and facilitating student success in post-secondary opportunities;Establish and maintain communication with students, parents, families, and community and parent groups, and responds to requests for information about the department;Establish and maintain communication with building administrators and staff to communicate about ELL/WL programs;Present to a variety of audiences about the ELL/WL programs and goals;Conduct program reviews and analyze ongoing formative and summative evaluation data of program effectiveness for ELL/WL programs;Direct and monitor the district's translators and translation request systems;Participate in activities for continued professional growth and keeps informed about current trends and practices in the field and disseminates relevant professional information and materials to staff;Represent the district at professional meetings and conferences;Serve as a member of the district's Teaching and Learning Leadership Team;Performs other duties as assigned

Necessary Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
The following identifies the knowledge, skills, and abilities that are essential for the Director Language Acquisition (this is not intended to be an exhaustive listing of all duties).

1. Ability to plan, organize, and direct a district-wide ELL/WL education program aimed at preparing every student for success.Ability to lead improvement efforts toward identified instructional targets by motivating and mentoring administrators and facilitating systemic change strategies, with an emphasis on progressive educational practices.Commitment to equity in educational opportunities for students and leadership opportunities for staff, especially with regard to members of traditionally underserved and underrepresented groups.Excellent interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with parents/guardians, the community, institutions of high education, business leaders, and administrative staff.Strong knowledge of best practices in curriculum and instruction, program evaluation, leadership development, school improvement, budget management, and data analysis.Demonstrated knowledge of state / federal regulations and accreditation requirements governing public education programs.

Required Qualifications & Experience:

1. Master's degree in education or applicable fieldAdministrator Licensure issued by the State of IllinoisESL and/or Bilingual endorsement or related certificationAt least five years of experience as a classroom teacher in ELL / Bilingual programs strongly preferredSpanish speaker strongly preferredDemonstrated knowledge and application of effective ELL/WL education principles, practices, and trends.Demonstrated knowledge of curriculum best practices in instruction and assessment, school operations, and management, and leadership development.Demonstrated record of success in leading strategic educational initiatives that resulted in measureable improvements in student achievement.In-depth experience in the systemic implementation of progressive instructional practices.

Note: The above statements are intended to describe the essential functions and related requirements of persons assigned to this job. They are not intended as an exhaustive list of job duties, responsibilities, and requirements.

Physical Requirements:
Individuals appointed to these assignments must have adequate physical strength, stamina, physical agility and visual and auditory acuity and must maintain such physical fitness as to be able to perform the duties of the assignment.

Reports To:
This job assignment falls under the direction of the Chief Academic Officer.

Begining Salary Range:
$104,831.52
Position Classification: FLSA Designation: Administrative Position Exempt