Job Description

TITLE: Director of Elementary English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Programming

The Director of Elementary ESOL Programming plays a vital role in supporting Multilingual Learners (MLs) within Portland Public Schools. Reporting to the Assistant Superintendent of the Elementary Network Team, this position focuses on meeting the academic, social-emotional, cultural, and legal needs of MLs. Collaboration with the Family and Communications' Multilingual Center Intake team is essential for success in this role. The Director will provide vision, manage compliance, and support school leadership and ESOL staff within the District's English Language Development (ELD) program to enhance student achievement and proficiency in English while valuing students' home languages. The Director of ESOL will also work closely with the Director of Academics, and other Elementary Network Team directors, to implement various priorities in the Strategic Plan in service of Multilingual Learners (ML).

KEY OUTCOMES:

• Ensure all PPS schools meet the district'sLau Plan requirements for direct English instruction and Individual Language Plans for all MLs
• Provide timely and accurate communication regarding ELD programming to students and families
• Conduct comprehensive evaluations of school-level and district-level ELD programs
• Deliver professional development to all ESOL staff in accordance with best practices and current research
• Integrate the PPS Lau Plan into the Strategic Plan
• Achieve 100% direct English instruction and current Individual Language Plans for MLs, including those with IEPs
• Attain annual increases on all Section 11 ELD Programming Measures and meet 2026-27 program goals per the Lau Plan

• Support elementary schools in the identification of ML students who qualify for Chapter 104 (sometimes referred to as Gifted and Talented)

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:

+ Vision and Compliance

• Establish and lead the strategic vision for ELD programming in alignment with the district's Lau Plan
• Ensure all staff are informed and compliant with the district's expectations

+ Curriculum Development

• Oversee the development and implementation of the district's language development curriculum, instruction, and assessment.
• Design professional development for language specialists, general education teachers, administrators, and support staff.

+ Special Education Support

• Work with Student Support Services to identify and serve Multilingual Learners in Special Education.

+ Community Engagement

• Co-lead the Lau Plan Advisory Council, examining data and publishing annual review reports to the community.
• Communicate regularly with school staff and community members about English language and language development programs.

+ Representation

• Serve on the Maine Department of Education's ML Advisory Council as needed
• Attend School Board meetings and public forums to advocate for MLs and the Lau Plan

+ Documentation and Professional Development

• Maintain and update documentation in ELLevation and Vector, utilizing these platforms for professional development

• Help develop talent and support for teachers new to the field of ESOL

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Strong understanding of the needs of Multilingual Learners
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills
• Ability to analyze data and use it to drive program improvements
• Commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive educational environment

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE:

• Proven experience in ESOL programming and leadership, and positive student results
• Master's Degree in Education from accredited college or university
• Minimum of five (5) years teaching experience or equivalent experience
• Minimum of five (2) years of successful administrative experience at school, District or organizational level.
  

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

• Maine State fingerprint (CHRC) authorization (more info)
• Maine State Teacher Certificate with 660 Endorsement (ESOL, PK-12) (more info)
• [Preferred] Maine State Administrator Certificate with 045 Endorsement (more info)

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Light physical effort may be required
• District-wide travel required
• Attendance at evening meetings required
• Ability to work effectively in stressful situations
• Occasional national or statewide travel
  
  

EMPLOYMENT DETAILS:

• Schedule: Full Time, Full Year (1.0 FTE)
• Assignment: Permanent
• Contract: Non-represented
• Salary: Will be posted by 8/21/2026
• Reports to: Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Schools
• Benefits: Eligible for benefits as outlined here

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Portland Public Schools is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation, or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws.