Leominster Public Schools

Director of Multi-Language Learner Education Programs

JOB DETAILS:

POSITION TITLE: Director of Multi-Language Learner Education (MLE) Programs, Services, and Cultural Integration

REPORTS TO: Renee Kostka, Adminstrator of Teaching and Learning

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

This position is a District-wide administrative position and serves staff, students and families at all grades  in every school throughout the LPS. This is an administrative position within the Leominster Administrative Unit (Unit B).

The Director of MLE Programs is responsible for the direction, leadership, supervision and evaluation of the effective implementation of the Multi-Language Learner Education Program and related services.  These services include, but are not limited to: staffing and related professional development; all aspects of teaching, learning, curriculum, assessment and related data collection and reporting; parental notification and engagement (ELPAC and other school and community venues);  appropriate translation services for parents/community; community engagement; effective communications with local, state and other MLE Program-related organizations.  

MLE programming may include various models described in MA DESE guidance documents.  Sheltered English Immersion (SEI) is the currently deployed model in LPS, along with English as a Second Language (ESL) services and culturally responsive inclusive practices. The Director ensures that the models/programs and services offered in LPS are provided in a coordinated and integrated manner that is consistent with the policies, strategic plans and goals of the Leominster Public Schools and are in compliance with MA DESE, state and federal regulations. 

The Director also ensures EL students’  equitable access to all MLE services as well as special education and regular education programs, services and opportunities that support students attaining English proficiency in order to successfully exit the MLE program and reach their potential to succeed in school and beyond. 

The MLE Program Director oversees the cultural integration of culturally and linguistically diverse new students and groups of students, including refugees, immigrants, and Students with Limited or Interrupted Formal Education (SLIFE) students into the Leominster Public Schools. 

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Leads and oversees the design, implementation, monitoring, and continuous evaluation of all MLE programs and curriculum activities, using formative and summative data, curriculum-embedded assessments, district and state assessment and data collection systems and reporting  and staff evaluation tools.
2. Delivers department leadership that provides clear and consistent expectations for excellence and accountability and advocates for inclusion and rigorous academic preparation for all English  Learners (ELs).
3. Supports, assists and collaborates with the school Principals in the hiring, supervision and evaluation of MLE teachers and support staff.
4. Works with the Teaching and Learning Director to assure that all SEI and ESL educators are involved in high quality professional development programs that are integrated with and mirror those of general education.
5. Writes and manages all grants pertaining to the MLE and Title IIIA programs.
6. Continuously updates and/or evaluates MLE service delivery model and curriculum materials and resources with/for MLE Program teachers in order to make evidence-based recommendations for new purchases (considering student performance data, state/federal ratings and requirements- ex: EL -inclusive curriculum and/or WIDA-alignment, and culturally responsive practices).
7. As a member of the LPS District leadership team, collaborates with colleagues to close student achievement gaps and to ensure alignment of MLE programming to student needs in special education,  grade-level classrooms and for success in all levels of secondary-level coursework.
8. Assures that curricula implementation, textbooks and supplies are consistent with high-quality general education materials in order to assure both equity and successful transition for EL students.
9. Ensures program compliance with district, state and federal guidelines.
10. Prepares and coordinates the implementation of a comprehensive plan to prepare ELL students to successfully take all state required testing.
11. Implements and utilizes appropriate technology resources within the MLE Program, for teaching, learning and assessment, for translation services as needed, and to improve avenues for cultural integration based on data-based decision making.
12. Expertise in and ability to coordinate the screening, assignment, evaluation and transition of students in  SEI, ESL and any other instructional model in the MLE Program through the use of multiple assessment tools including, but not limited to ACCESS, WIDA Model/Screener, Pre-LAS,  Pre-IPT Oral, MCAS, etc in accordance with  DESE Guidance.
13. Ensures that the District, each school and all MLE Program staff maintain complete and accurate records on all students receiving instructional, assessment, monitoring and/or support services within  the MLE Program.
14. Responsible for district-wide compliance with laws and regulations relating to English Learner Education Programs and all related services.
15. Prepares budget recommendations for MLE Programs, and manages and monitors the approved budget, including budgets for federal and state  grants (ex: Title IIIA).
16. Prepares all MLE Program plans and reports required by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, the federal government and LPS.
17. Articulates the goals and objectives of the MLE Program to the Leominster community through collaboration with parents and community advocates re: EL initiatives and/or issues.
18. Develops and implements, in collaboration with school and departmental leadership,  a cultural integration program.
19. Coordinates with various community groups that support English Learners, new immigrant, refugee and/or SLIFE students and their families.
20. Works with MLE Program staff along with parents of EL students to help students and families to understand the culture of LPS educational programming, opportunities and expectations and to help them to become active partners in their student's education.
21. Performance of other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Massachusetts DESE licensure as a Supervisor/Director. for MLE/ESL
2. Prefer experience as a Teacher and/or  Administrator of MLE/ESL Programs in public education, preferably in the area of SEI/English Language  Education and/or language development /reading.
3. Knowledge of state and federal laws and requirements for ELL programs, including SEI, ESL and other models:re: DESE Guidance.
4. A minimum of a Master's Degree in an appropriate field.
5. Experience with preparing grant proposals and  supervising implementation and budgets.
6. Ability to communicate orally and in writing with sensitivity and tact so as to interact with and collaborate  effectively with parents, students, and community members; demonstrate expertise with providing translation services and/or the effective use of technology to further effective communication across languages.
7. Ability to work effectively with principals and other administrators with regard to program implementation and staff supervision/evaluation..
8. Preferred bi-lingual or multi-lingual candidate
9. Such alternatives to the above as the Superintendent may find appropriate or acceptable