Multilingual Learner (ML) Department Head

Job Description

Multilingual Learner (ML) Department Head   

Reports to:

Building Principal and ELA Supervisor

Mission Statement: 

Middletown Public Schools cultivates the brilliance in each student.

Values and Belief Statements:

Empowerment: Middletown Public Schools empowers its students with the knowledge and skills to create lives brimming with purpose, passion and fulfillment.

Community: Middletown Public Schools harnesses the power of community by fostering an environment of mutual understanding and appreciation.

Growth: Middletown Public Schools encourages a culture of growth and exploration, inspiring lifelong learners.

Authenticity: Middletown Public Schools embraces each person’s authenticity and cultivates an inclusive culture that brings about a sense of belonging. 

Broad Function:

This position is responsible for fostering increased student learning by improving the overall coordination and implementation of ESL instruction by managing and coordinating teaching and learning which takes place within the department. In addition, this position is responsible for ensuring compliance with State Department of Education regulations for ESL/Bilingual. 

Essential Functions:

• Utilizes PowerSchool to update and keep current ESL student and teacher data. Create updated file folders, copies of all pertinent data in files, keep centralized data. Updates PowerSchool each month, check for changes, send a report-consult with PSIS for Oct/Jan/June PSIS report; Check weekly for new students to MPS 
• Coordinates screening of students for eligibility, assists with making schedules for service. 
• Ability to balance administrative duties with 20% or two classes per day of time dedicated to teaching responsibilities, including but not limited to, curriculum design, implementation, grading students, classroom management, etc. 
• Assesses EOY LAS Links, Review LAS Links. Prepare/send Las Links report for ESL department.
• Prepares and sends letters of eligibility and/or exit for all identified students. 
• Proactively collaborates with EISTs/Guidance/Building Principals regarding SBAC/ NGSS accommodations.
• Writes Title III ML/ESL Grant(s), in accordance with grantor requirements.
• Writes Bilingual Grant in accordance with grantor requirements.  
• Coordinates LAS Links testing. Creates test tickets. Enters any accommodations and track testings
• Attends CAPELL meetings for state updates and pertinent EL info. Attend CAPELL- CT Administrators of Programs for ELs. Attend ConnTESOL Conference for professional development. 
• Attends District Data Team meetings for EL representation, district data information. Attends District Leadership Team meetings for EL representation, help plan for district goals and activities. 
• Collaborates with middle and high school guidance counselors regarding next year's EL students. 
• Update initial report for ML department. Prepare, gather data, send Annual Evaluation Report to the State. 
• Requests for student scores to different districts re: transferred students both in-coming and out-going 
• Responsible for checking  Home Language Survey/EL status. 
• Leads department staff meetings covering issues, info, data, students, collaboration, data analysis, assessments, share resources, prof. development, 
• Assists and/or leads varied levels of hiring and training staff. 
• Performs other duties as directed. 

Qualifications, Experience and Job Requirements:

• Connecticut State teaching TESOL (111) certification required. 
• Connecticut Administrators’ Certificate (092) preferred.   
• Excellent organization, communication, and interpersonal skills required. 
• Knowledge of state and local policies and procedures related to curriculum, instruction and related areas of ESL required.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience serving as ML, Bilingual or TESOL teacher. 
• Capacity to supervise others in a manner that leads to quality performance in a team atmosphere required.
• Ability to teach classes and manage department responsibilities required. 
• Ability to evaluate instructional programs and teaching effectiveness required.
• Working knowledge of computer technology and the associated software tools required. 
• Ability to establish rapport with both students and adults required. 
• Ability to analyze data for the purposes of decision making and planning required.
• Previous administrative or leadership experience in an academic setting preferred. 
• Ability to demonstrate excellent leadership and team management abilities required. 
• Strong understanding of academic program development required. 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills required. 
• Ability to work collaboratively with faculty, students, and staff required. 

• Ability to demonstrate knowledge of core subject area curriculum standards, language acquisition and understanding of biliteracy  instructional practices required.

Salary & Compensation:

• In accordance with MFT CBA. 

Physical and Mental Demands / Work Environment:

The physical demands and environmental characteristics 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 essential functions.

• Must be mobile with the ability to get from one location in the office or work site(s) to other locations in the office or work site(s)
• Ability to sit or stand for long periods of time required.
• Ability to lift or carry objects less than thirty (30) pounds required.
• Ability to perform manipulative skills such as writing and typing required. 
• Ability to see and read objects closely, such as wiring, labels on equipment, reading/proofreading a report, using a computer monitor, filing and/or retrieving information from a filing system and verifying the accuracy of financial information required. 
• Ability to hear normal sounds with background noise, as in using a telephone or radio, distinguish verbal communication and communicate through speech, including using a radio required. 
• Memory adequate to perform tasks/assignments given over long periods of time required.