English Language Acquisition Specialist

Position Summary

The English Language Acquisition Specialist supports the implementation, monitoring, and continuous improvement of English Language Development programming across assigned OKCPS schools. This role provides curriculum support, high-quality professional learning, and job-embedded coaching and modeling to ensure effective instruction for English Learners in alignment with OKCPS Goals. The Specialist partners with school and district leaders to strengthen EL program implementation, improve instructional practice, and support schools in meeting ELPA proficiency and growth targets in alignment with district, state, and federal expectations.

Essential Duties

Great People (Talent Management):

• In partnership with the department of Curriculum, Instruction and Professional Learning, plan and facilitate ongoing professional learning for administrators, ELD Site Coordinators, ELD teachers, bilingual paraprofessionals, general education teachers, and other staff serving English Learners.
• Provide sustained modeling, mentoring, and coaching to instructional staff to strengthen language acquisition instructional practices.
• Identify high-impact instructional practices through observation and data review, and provide clear, actionable feedback and resources to educators and site administrators.

Great Teaching & Learning (Instructional Infrastructure):

• Collaborate with district and school staff to implement OKCPS-approved curricula, instructional models, and assessments for English Learners.
• Support teachers in planning and delivering lessons aligned to ELD standards and grade-level content standards.
• Assist with the analysis of student data to inform instructional decision-making, targeted interventions, and appropriate instructional placement for English Learners.
• Ensure English Learners are identified, placed, and served in compliance with federal, state, and district guidelines, and that school ELD programs meet district expectations.

Great Culture (Systems Leaders):

• Observe and provide feedback to ELD teachers, bilingual paraprofessionals, and general education teachers serving English Learners in ELD, sheltered, and mainstream settings to support inclusive and equitable instructional practices.
• Foster culturally and linguistically responsive practices that promote positive school climates and affirm the assets of multilingual learners and their families.

Great Systems (Support & Accountability):

• Monitor ELD program implementation and effectiveness across assigned schools to support continuous improvement and progress toward ELPA targets.
• Contribute to the overall effectiveness of the Office of Language Acquisition under the department of Curriculum, Instruction and Professional Learning by sharing responsibilities, supporting cross-functional initiatives, and assisting during peak workload periods or as departmental needs arise.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, And/or Abilities)

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Current Oklahoma teaching certificate with certification in ESL/Bilingual Education required.
• Master's Degree in ESL and/or Bilingual Education preferred.
• Possess SIOP training or five (5) years of successful EL/BE teaching experience preferred.
• Ability to adjust teaching/training styles to a variety of ages, disciplines, levels, and competencies.
• Sensitive to cultures represented in OKCPS.
• Skilled in working cooperatively with others; e.g., bilingual assistants, teachers and administrators.
• Proven performance in educational language program management; developing and implementing instructional strategies for English Language Learners.
• Background in laws, policies, and research related to ELs.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities):

• Master's Degree in School Administration or related degree
• Bilingual or multilingual preferred.
  
  

Physical/Mental Requirements

• Must have adequate manual dexterity to write legibly and perform required duties on the computer.
• Must have adequate visual acuity to read, interpret, and transcribe written material and other required duties.
• Requires normal range of hearing and clear speaking abilities to interact appropriately with others in person and on the telephone.
• Requires some stooping, bending, stretching, and occasional lifting not to exceed 25 pounds.
• Sitting for prolonged periods of time.
• Work may periodically require work outside of normal business hours, including weekends, under sometimes stressful conditions to meet business needs and strict deadlines.
  
  

Work Environment

• Office duties will be performed in a well-lighted, climate-controlled environment.
  
  

Reports To: Director of Language Acquisition

FSLA Status: Exempt

Compensation: Schedule 906

Work Days: 242

FTE: 1.00

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. The employee will also perform other reasonably related business duties as assigned by the supervisor or appropriate administrator. Oklahoma City Public Schools reserves the right to update, revise, or change job duties as the need prevails. This document is for communication only and is not intended to imply a written or implied contract of employment. The Board of Education and Superintendent may approve alternatives to the listed qualifications.