Duties
The Language Program Specialist works within the Department of Teaching and Learning. This individual is responsible for supporting the district-wide Multilingual Program which serves EL/Dual language students. The Program Specialist will provide guidance and support related to the Multilingual Program and will work with teachers and administrators to ensure compliance with ISBE requirements. The Specialist will also support teachers with EL/Dual strategies for instruction and assessment practices. The Program Specialist will work with parents as the lead for the Multilingual Parent Advisory Committee (MPAC). This position works closely with the BSD2 Curriculum Director and the Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning.
Job Responsibilities
- Reviews annual program expectations, deadlines, and compliance requirements with EL and Dual Language Department; responsible for reminding team of upcoming tasks; providing support and accountability and monitoring compliance of green folders.
- Coordinates with Admin on PreK and Kindergarten Registration events to coordinate screeners, processes, data entry into SIS, and communication with parents. Schedules and facilitates summer language testing of ELs.
- In collaboration with principals, establishes caseloads and develops and supervises caseload management processes and the class placement of EL/Dual students.
- Monitors entrance/exit of students to the EL/Dual program including monitoring EL Data within PowerSchool SIS.
- Attends PLCs and supports teachers with instructional strategies and planning to meet the needs of their students.
- Meets regularly with the Curriculum Director to identify and collaborate on support for students and staff. Co-facilitates and plans with the Curriculum Director the professional learning for EL and Dual Language staff.
- Collaborates with special education teams to ensure that EL and Dual Language students with disabilities receive the proper services.
- Assists in the collection of data for mandated State reports and grants. Provide input into student and staff needs to develop grant allocations.
- Works with the MtSS & Assessment Coordinator to ensure that proper accommodations are provided for EL students for local and state assessments.
- Directs the different assessments for the EL/Dual program (ACCESS, etc.) to include monitoring training/certification of those administering the test; order ACCESS test materials; collaborates with principals in the development of ACCESS testing schedules for each school.
- Visits and observes EL/Dual teachers-serves as an instructional Coach for EL/Dual teachers across the district. Not responsible for evaluation of staff.
- Schedules and facilitates Multilingual Parent Advisory Committee Meetings (MPAC) 4 times a year. Plans and facilitates parent engagement opportunities.
- Attends Statewide Multilingual Conference to stay current in best practices and instructional strategies.
Qualifications
- At least 5 years of teaching experience (K-8); with either a Bilingual or ESL endorsement - preferably both.
- Knowledgeable about Multilingual programming including state requirements and instructional best practices.
- Strong communication skills, including communicating with staff and administrators, advocating for students, and building partnerships with families/guardians.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with community agencies, students, families, team members, and other stakeholders.
- Ability to utilize critical-thinking and data-based decision making skills.
- An individual with strong organizational, problem-solving, and human resources skills.
- Instructional coaching experience not required but preferred.
The Language Program Specialist, in addition to the primary responsibilities of the position, shall assume the stipend duties of Subject Area Coordinator for the Language Program and shell be entitled to the stipend amount specified in the prevailing Bensenville Education Association (BEA) Agreement
Salary/Benefits
Work Year: Defined by the teacher contract plus additional days as required by the stipend.