EL Literacy/Professional Development/Program Specialist

POSITION TITLE: EL Literacy/Professional Development/Program Specialist 

RECRUITED BY: Director of Bilingual Services

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS: Director of Bilingual Services, Bilingual Services Department Staff, and School Personnel

IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR: Director of Bilingual Services

SALARY: Teacher Contract

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Literacy/Professional Development/Program Specialist for Multilingual Learners (MLs) serves as assistant to the Director and is expected to understand and accept the mission of the South Bend Community School Corporation in reference to the education of Multilingual Learners.  Must have knowledge of research-based instructional strategies, methodology, and materials for MLs, demonstrate knowledge of second language acquisition theory and practice, and be committed to ongoing professional learning. Provide a variety of services for the Bilingual Services Department through planning, supervising, and coordinating programs.

MINIMUM EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s Degree required; Master’s degree preferred
• Valid Indiana teaching license with ENL or reading endorsement preferred
• Minimum 3 - 5 years successful teaching experience at multiple grade levels preferred
• Proficiency in English Language Development (ELD), Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol (SIOP), WIDA Standards, WIDA ACCESS and Placement Screeners 
• Has a working knowledge of Dual Language Immersion programs

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:  

• Above average ability to communicate in English and collaborate with others
• Excellent organization, initiative, and self-direction
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of Indiana Academic Standards for English/Language Arts and WIDA English Language Development Standards preferred
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol (SIOP) and English Language Development (ELD)
• Must have excellent oral and written communication skills
• Above average ability to disaggregate and analyze data

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Support the work of the Bilingual Services Department in areas of curriculum, instruction, testing, and professional development

• Provide SIOP coaching and professional development to teachers

• Provide professional development in ELD/DLI strategies across the school community

• Help teachers plan instruction in line with the Indiana Standards and WIDA English Development Standards

• Assist the Bilingual Program Coordinator with annual WIDA ACCESS testing as needed

• Administer the English Language Placement Screeners

• Support teachers with the implementation of  Individual Learning Plans

• Collaborate with teachers and Bilingual Department staff to identify professional development needs and to plan and implement professional development for all department initiatives and programs

• Provide mentoring to new ML/DLI  teachers

• Provide coaching to teachers as directed by the Director

• Assist and support colleagues in the implementation of techniques and materials appropriate for Multilingual Learners

• Assist the Bilingual Services Director with the development of curriculum for Multilingual Learners and the Dual Language Immersion magnet.

• Assist in developing and implementing professional development in-service programs for non-certified staff

• Assist in developing and analyzing student data in order to meet departmental performance goals 

• Provide support for other Bilingual Services Department endeavors

• Assist the Bilingual Services Director in choosing instructional materials appropriate for Multilingual Learners

• Work collaboratively with Bilingual Services Department staff to solve problems
• Attend webinars, conferences, and other professional development events as directed
• Represent the Bilingual Services Department on committees as directed
• Assist in coordination of the Bilingual Services Program initiatives (including Dual Language Immersion)

• Assist in evaluating department programs

• Assist with providing instructional data for grant applications (Title III, NESP, Migrant, DLI, and Refugee) as needed

• Administer tests to ML students in schools as needed

• Assist with decisions on exiting students from ML program

• Assist with Multilingual Learner student placements for various school corporation programs (magnet, traditional, academies) 

• Conduct workshops for teachers and Education Specialists on interpreting WIDA ACCESS tests results and developing lessons based on these results

• Assist in the monitoring of grant project outcomes and outcomes as specified by the strategic plan for the department
• Complete other duties as assigned by the Director

WORK-RELATED CHARACTERISTICS:

• Is sensitive to the needs of Multilingual Learner students and their families
• Maintains confidentiality about student and family information
• Has consistent daily attendance and follows procedures for reporting absences
• Reports for work on time
• Uses time constructively
• Works cooperatively with other BSD/MRSC and building staff
• Displays a positive attitude
• Adapts to changes in work assignments
• Accepts direction and constructive criticism in a positive manner
• Displays appropriate initiative and self-direction with minimal supervision
• Contributes with innovative ideas and changes
• Recognizes situations where staff response is necessary and reacts appropriately

SPECIAL NOTATION:

The position requires a flexible scheduling of work responsibilities and, at times, evening work.