Overview:

The Assistant Director of ELE Services supports the Director of Student Services in overseeing the district's English Learner Education programs, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. This role focuses on providing leadership and support in the development and implementation of instructional programs and services that enhance the academic achievement and well-being of English Learners (ELs). The Assistant Director collaborates with educators, staff, and families to ensure equitable access to educational opportunities for EL students across the district. This position is a .6 FTE.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Program Leadership and Development:

• Support the Director in designing, implementing, and evaluating ELE programs that align with state and federal guidelines (e.g., Title III, ESSA).
• Assist in developing a comprehensive curriculum and instructional strategies for English Learners to support language acquisition and academic growth.
• Collaborate with curriculum coordinators, instructional leaders, and classroom teachers to integrate EL supports in general education.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of district-wide initiatives to improve academic outcomes for ELs, including after-school and summer programs.

2. Compliance and Program Monitoring:

• Ensure that the ELE program complies with all federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and policies, including the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) and state guidelines for EL education.
• Monitor student progress using data-driven approaches to evaluate program effectiveness and adjust services as needed.
• Assist with annual reporting, including SEI endorsements, program audits, and compliance documentation for state and federal reviews.
• Oversee the administration of English language proficiency assessments (e.g., ACCESS) and collaborate on student placement and exit decisions.

3. Professional Development and Staff Support:

• Develop and deliver professional development for teachers, administrators, and support staff on effective instructional practices for ELs.
• Mentor and provide guidance to ELE teachers, ESL coaches, and general education teachers on best practices for supporting ELs in the classroom.
• Facilitate training on topics such as sheltered English instruction (SEI), cultural responsiveness, differentiation strategies, and EL accommodations in content areas.
• Support the hiring and evaluation of ELE personnel, including ESL teachers, paraprofessionals, and language support staff.

4. Family and Community Engagement:

• Act as a liaison between the school district and EL families, ensuring strong communication and cultural understanding.
• Oversee the coordination of translation and interpretation services for school meetings, IEP meetings, and other parent communications to ensure EL families have access to critical information.
• Develop resources and strategies to engage EL families in their children's education, including hosting family outreach events and informational workshops.
• Collaborate with community organizations to enhance support for EL students and their families.

5. Data Analysis and Reporting:

• Analyze EL student achievement data, including test scores, attendance, and other performance metrics, to inform instructional decisions and program adjustments.
• Prepare and present reports on program effectiveness, student progress, and resource allocation to district leadership.
• Collaborate with data teams to track EL student progress and provide recommendations for instructional interventions.

6. Special Education and Language Needs Support:

• Collaborate with the Special Education Department to ensure that English Learners with disabilities receive appropriate services, including support for Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
• Assist in the identification and development of language accommodations and modifications for EL students in special education.
• Ensure the ELE team participates in IEP meetings and advocates for the language needs of EL students.

7. Budget and Resource Management:

• Assist in developing and managing the ELE department's budget, ensuring appropriate allocation of resources to support EL students.
• Identify and apply for grants and funding opportunities to enhance EL programming and services.

8. District and School Collaboration:

• Collaborate with building administrators and district leaders to integrate ELE services with broader district initiatives and support systems.
• Represent the ELE department in district-level meetings and discussions related to curriculum, assessment, and professional development.

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Education, TESOL, Bilingual Education, or a related field.
• Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) licensure as a Director/Supervisor or eligibility for licensure.
• At least 5 years of experience in an ELE or ESL role, with demonstrated success in improving outcomes for English Learners.
• Strong knowledge of federal and state regulations related to English Learners (e.g., Title III, ESSA, SEI).
• Experience in program development, curriculum design, and professional development for educators working with English Learners.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills.
• Experience working with diverse cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic communities.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bilingual or multilingual proficiency.
• Experience in a leadership role within an ELE department or program.
• Familiarity with data-driven decision-making and using data to inform program improvement.

Reports To:

Director of Student Services