26-27 Department Chair - Multilingual Learner Education

Position Summary

Provide school-based instructional leadership to ensure equitable and accessible programming that supports multilingual learners to achieve at their highest potential. Ensure compliance with federal and state guidelines regarding all aspects of the education of students classified as English learners and former English learners.  

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

The essential functions or responsibilities listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position

Instructional Leadership:

• Participate on district MLE Leadership team and attend district administrator/leadership meetings 
• Participate on the SHS Department Chair/Supervisor team and SHS Admin Team; attend meetings and complete tasks as assigned by principal or designee
• Supervise and evaluate Multilingual Learner Education Department teachers in collaboration with SHS Principal or designee and in alignment with state and district Educator Evaluation requirements
• Serve as an instructional leader, providing ongoing and actionable feedback to teachers regarding effective instructional practices for multilingual learners across all departments and content areas
• Collaborate with district and school-based instructional leaders to provide leadership and support regarding effective instructional practices for multilingual learners
• Oversee and support curriculum development and alignment for ESL and SEI courses, including the review, adoption, and/or modification of high quality instructional resources 
• Lead and facilitate school-based Multilingual Learner Education Department meetings, PLCs, NEST meetings, and other MLE district-wide professional development initiatives 
• Regularly review and analyze student data to establish instructional goals and priorities for multilingual learners, including special populations such as Newcomers, SLIFE, students with disabilities, LTELs 
• Provide guidance and expertise in MTSS and referral process and instructional interventions for multilingual learners. 
• Co-facilitate and support the development of the Goal Seminar class as needed

Assessment, Data Management, and Compliance:

• Coordinate district-developed common assessment and progress monitoring systems for multilingual learners at Somerville High School
• Maintain and share accurate and up to date student and program data
• Collaborate with school-based teams to organize and administer ACCESS testing and other language proficiency assessments and progress monitoring systems
• Provide technical support in the implementation of required assessments and monitoring of EL/LEP and FEL/FLEP students and facilitate required reporting in adherence to federal and state guidelines 
• Collaborate with school-based testing coordinator regarding the administration of MCAS and other high stakes assessments for multilingual learners
• Conduct regular reviews of student schedules to ensure adherence to local, state, and federal guidelines regarding ESL instruction for students classified as English Learners
• Facilitate and collaborate on annual Language Acquisition Team (LAT) meetings to review student data, placement, and classification when appropriate.
• Facilitate the completion and distribution of Reclassification forms and other associated documentation for students reclassified as Former English Learners
• Conduct FEL monitoring for students classified as Former English Learners (FEL/FLEP) at Somerville High School in accordance with local, state and federal policies and guidelines
• Facilitate the completion and distribution of Annual Notification Forms for SHS students classified as English Learners in accordance with local, state and federal policies and guidelines
• Facilitate the completion and distribution of quarterly parent/guardian progress reports for SHS students classified as English Learners in accordance with local, state and federal policies and guidelines
• Support district MLE team in other state and federal compliance initiatives as needed, including DESE CPR process.

Program Management:

• Coordinate the new student enrollment process for Multilingual Learners, and participate in the creation of Multilingual Learner Education course schedules and the assignment of teaching and support staff in adherence with federal and state guidelines
• Facilitate the course selection/schedule creation process for the Multilingual Learner Education Program to ensure adherence to local, state, and federal regulations
• Collaborate with K-8 Counselor Educators and 9-12 School Counselors regarding scheduling for students classified as English learners in adherence with state and federal guidelines 
• Collaborate with school and district administrators regarding enrollment trends and staffing needs to support the annual budget planning process
• Collaborate with middle school and high school teams to support the 9th grade transition process for students classified as English learners
• Collaborate with school and district leaders, and community partners on programs and initiatives to support Multilingual Learners’ social and emotional well-being, attendance, engagement, and academic progress
• Act as a liaison between SHS and Enroot regarding programming and partnership needs
• Support AP of Elm Community with supervision of the Welcome Center Support Liaisons
• Directly supervise GOAL Transition Counselor and Multilingual Learner Academic Support Coordinator, adhering to local payroll and grant reporting systems where applicable
• Collaborate with community partners to increase opportunities for social and emotional and academic opportunities and supports in and out of school time
• Collaborate with Multilingual Learner Academic Support Coordinator to manage the placement and support of program volunteers and Enroot College Success tutors
• Collaborate with Adult Education and community partners to design and support drop-out prevention and college and career preparation programming
• Represent the school and district in state professional and program development meetings on Multilingual Learner Education and Drop-out prevention topics
• Support the implementation of the district Multilingual Learner Parent Advisory Council (ML PAC)
• Collaborate with school and district staff to support the development and maintenance of alternative Multilingual Learner Education Pathways including but not limited to the GOAL program 
• Secure and maintain partnerships with local colleges and universities to support MLE programming and staff development, including but not limited to securing student teacher placements and participating in research partnerships
• Participate in the recruitment and hiring of SHS MLE Program staff
• Manage department budget and purchase instructional materials and supplies in accordance with department priorities and local policies and procedures
• Collaborate and provide guidance to educators and administrators for effective communication with multilingual families and community members
• In collaboration with school and district leaders, conduct program evaluation and share guidance and recommendations to support and maintain equitable opportunities for Multilingual Learners at Somerville High School
• All other duties assigned by the Superintendent, Principal, MLE Director or designee

Qualifications, Knowledge, Abilities, & Skills

• Possession of a Master’s Degree
• MA licensure: ESL 5-12 and Supervisor/Director 
• Eight or more years of experience as an ESL teacher or MLE program administrator
• Strong leadership skills and a deep commitment to improving the quality of public education in urban communities
• Demonstrated commitment to removing barriers for Multilingual Learners to succeed at the highest levels and closing proficiency gaps
• Knowledge of research-based instruction and assessment practices for Multilingual Learners, including SLIFE
• Experienced with analysis and use of data to improve student learning and strong accountability orientation
• Experienced with federal and state English Language Learner (ELL/LEP) regulations and compliance; ability to monitor and ensure that all functions are consistent with DESE regulations as well as department vision, goals, and policies
• Bilingual/bicultural strongly preferred
• Demonstrated commitment to educational equity and culturally responsive practices
• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse students, family members, colleagues, and community stakeholders

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the position’s essential functions.

• Mobility: Frequent walking, standing, and navigating stairs.
• Lifting/Strength: Ability to lift, push, pull, or carry objects ranging from 10 to 30 lbs (e.g., books, supplies, equipment).
• Physical Dexterity: Bending, crouching, kneeling, stooping, and reaching to assist students.
• Stationary Tasks: Remaining in a stationary position (sitting/standing) for long periods. 

Reporting Relationships

• The school building principal and Director of Multilingual Learner Education

Terms of Employment

• Position Type: Full time
• Schedule: 220 days
• Union association: SAA
• FLSA Classification: Exempt
• Salary shall be commensurate with education and experience, in accordance with the Somerville Administrator’s Association Collective Bargaining Agreement

Pre-Employment Requirements

MA Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) Clearance

Fingerprints

The Somerville Public School does not discriminate in its programs, facilities or employment of educational opportunities on the basis of race, color, age, religion, disability, pregnancy, home status, marital/civil union status, sex/gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, citizenship status, place of birth, national origin, ancestry, cultural identity, genetics or military status, and does not tolerate any form of retaliation, or bias-based intimidation, threat or harassment that demeans individuals' group or interferes with their ability to learn or work.

The Somerville Public School does not discriminate in its programs, facilities or employment of educational opportunities on the basis of race, color, age, religion, disability, pregnancy, home status, marital/civil union status, sex/gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, citizenship status, place of birth, national origin, ancestry, cultural identity, genetics or military status, and does not tolerate any form of retaliation, or bias-based intimidation, threat or harassment that demeans individuals' group or interferes with their ability to learn or work.

Salary : $138,569 - $151,069