Director of English Learners

Position Description

Director of English Learners

Salary: Competitive Salary and Benefits

Location: Chicago, IL

Reports To: Chief Education Officer

How to Apply: https://platform.teachermatch.org/jobsboard.do?districtId=569404168

Position Overview

The Director of English Learning plans, develops, implements, and evaluates programs for English Learners (EL) across our network of 15 Acero schools. The Director provides training to EL staff, general education staff, administrators; monitors program compliance; provides curricular resources to teachers and staff; provides consultation and support to administrators and staff in the area for English Learners and related supports; other related functions as directed.
 

Core Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with State and Federal mandates for English Learners
• Lead the development, management, and evaluation of English Learner programs and/or projects for the purpose of carrying out and achieving Acero EL goals and objectives
• Prepare documentation for the purpose of providing written support and/or conveying information to local and state education agencies
• Ensure curricular resources and instructional methods in the area of English Learning match current research-based best practices
• Supervise network staff in the area of English Learners, and support Principals in the supervision of school-level EL staff.
• Present information on programs, services, regulations, etc. for the purpose of serving as a resource to other school personnel
• Observe, consult with, and assist teaching staff and specialists in the development and implementation of bilingual, dual language, and transitional programs of instruction
• Provide training and consultation to administration, teachers, support staff and parents in the area of English Learning to improve instructional capacity and student outcomes
• Plan, organize and conduct comprehensive professional development programs for teachers, administrators, apprentices, specialists and parents
• Work cooperatively with parents, community, colleagues, and agencies
• Plan, organize and coordinate site and network-wide EL programs and services
• Establish and maintain cooperative organizational, public, and educational community relationships
• Demonstrate ethical behavior

Core Competencies

• Understanding of instruction, assessment, and support strategies for English Learners
• Understanding of laws, regulations and education code pertaining to English Learners
• Understanding of principles, practices and trends in the field of language acquisition, including dual language and bilingual education systems
• Understanding of the continuum of EL services and placement options
• Knowledge of philosophical, educational, fiscal, and legal aspects affecting a school system operation as it pertains to English Learners
• Experience with human relationships, conflict resolution strategies and procedures, and team management building methods and techniques
• Able to work with a linguistically and culturally diverse group of individuals

Key Characteristics

Commitment to Equity: Passionate about ensuring that every child, regardless of background or circumstance, receives an excellent education
Leadership: Coaches, mentors, and challenges others to excel despite obstacles and challenging situations. Builds positive relationships in and out of the organization
Focus on Data-Driven Results: Makes informed decisions to improve organizational outcomes by utilizing a data-driven approach
Innovative Problem-Solving: Approaches work with a sense of possibility and sees challenges as opportunities for creative problem solving; takes initiative to explore issues and find potential innovative solutions
Teamwork: Increases the effectiveness of surrounding teams through collaboration, constant learning and supporting others; sensitive to diversity in all its forms; respects and is committed to learning from others
Dependability: Does whatever it takes to consistently deliver with high quality under tight deadlines
Communication and Customer Service Skills: Communicates clearly and compellingly with diverse stakeholders in both oral and written forms; anticipates and responds to stakeholder needs in a high-quality and courteous manner

Required Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree
• Master’s Degree in Education or a related field (preferred)

Experience

• Minimum of 3 years’ teaching experience in Bilingual Education or closely related field (required)
• Experience in site administration or district administration with increasing levels of responsibility (required)
• Communicate effectively in oral and written form
• Effectively utilize computer technology in day-to-day work
• Bilingual in Spanish

Certification

• Valid Professional Educator License issued by the Illinois State Board of Education with Bilingual Endorsement
• Must hold permanent residency in the United States

The nature of the work requires an ability to operate standard business office equipment, and the ability to communicate and exchange information, collect, compile and prepare work documents, set-up and maintain work files. Physical demands include the ability to stand, bend, reach high and low, stoop, and walk around the classroom 60% of the day. In addition, candidates must be able to lift and/or push and pull 15 to 20lbs. for short periods of time, and walk up and down stairs several times a day.

Working Conditions

Majority of work performed in a general office environment.  Position requires availability for extended hours plus non-traditional hours required to perform job duties.  Also requires participation and attendance at organization-sponsored events and meetings.

NOTE: The foregoing list of essential duties and responsibilities is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. It is not necessarily descriptive of any one position in the class. The omission of an essential function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed herein if such functions are a logical assignment to the position.

The Acero Schools is committed to a policy of equal treatment for all individuals. Acero Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, handicap, age, religion, sexual orientation, or national or ethnic origin.

www.aceroschools.org