EL Instructional Specialist

The Chicago Public schools (CPS) has set ambitious goals to ensure that every child-in every school and every neighborhood - has access to a world class learning experience from birth, resulting in graduation from high school, college - and career-ready.

The EL Instructional Specialist will be responsible for providing instructional support, technical and teacher quality assistance to district staff, working in collaboration with other CPS central offices and supporting the work of EL Network Specialists on the development and implementation of high quality instruction, curriculum, assessment and intervention for all schools with English Language Learners (ELs) and language programs in grades PreK-12.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities of Position:

• Supports the development of curriculum guides and rubrics that address the needs of ELLs enrolled in bilingual education programs for English Learners K-12 and universally-designed related tools and resources aligned to the Common Core State Standards and college readiness;
  
  
• Researches, evaluates, and prepares recommendations on curricula, instructional methods, assessments, technology, and materials for ELs that include native language, English Language Development, and ESL materials and curricula;
  
  
• Supports the development of performance assessments designed to assess English language learners language and literacy skills
  
  
• Supports the vetting of high quality instructional and intervention materials for ELs in grades K-12
  
  
• Informs the district's framework for effective literacy and language instruction;
  
  
• Creates common tools and resources that demonstrate effective literacy practices for ELs in both the native language and English.
  
  
• Supports the implementation of curriculum and instructional strategies that create a clear pathway for the success of ELs;
  
  
• Collaborates across departments to ensure alignment and coherence;
  
  
• Develops and delivers professional development in a variety of venues and formats for different audiences
  
  
• Supports the development of and professional learning around coaching for OLCE staff
  
  

In order to be successful and achieve the above responsibilities, the EL Instructional Specialist will possess the following qualifications:

Type of Experience and Number of Years :

• Master's degree in Education required
  
  
• Minimum of five years' experience working with English Learners
  
  
• Administrative and leadership experience preferred
  
  
• Experience with coordinating and/or providing professional development required
  
  
• Bilingual, or multilingual preferred
  
  

Additional knowledge and skills :

• Experience in standards-based instructional planning process: backwards mapping from standards to instruction.
  
  
• Expertise in designing quality bilingual/ESL instructional programs
  
  
• Solid understanding of language acquisition and literacy development
  
  
• Demonstrate ability to communicate effectively with all stakeholders
  
  
• Ability to establish efficient working relationship with colleagues, district and school staff and community-based organizations
  
  
• Ability to manage, problem solve, and delegate as situations dictate
  
  
• Able to improve conditions for working and learning as a team
  
  
• Able to travel to schools and other locations throughout the district
  
  
• Demonstrate willingness and disposition to learn
  
  
• Demonstrate excellent organization skills
  
  
• Demonstrate exceptional written, verbal, and oral skills
  
  
• Demonstrate proficiency with technological tools and software, such as Google docs, Microsoft Office and Mac applications, among others.
  
  

Residency Requirement: As a condition of employment with the Chicago Public Schools (CPS), employees are required to live within the geographic boundaries of the City of Chicago within six months of his or her CPS hire date and maintain residency throughout their employment with the district.