English Learner Program Teachers (ELPTs)
The Office of Language and Cultural Education (OLCE) annually asks principals to nominate an English Learner
Program Teacher (ELPT). The ELPT should be a teacher leader who supports school leadership in the
administration of the EL program, leads professional development of teachers regarding English Language
Development (ELD) and instruction for English Learners (ELs), and engages parents of ELs to participate in the
education of their children. Here is the link to the ELPT nomination form available on the OLCE KC page.
District-managed schools with 20 or more ELs receive supplemental positions (0.5-2.0 FTE, depending on the
EL student population). The ELPT must be staffed in that position. At least 50% of the ELPT position has to be
dedicated to ELPT coordination duties exclusive of teaching duties (in schools with 250+ ELs, 100% of the ELPT
position has to be dedicated to ELPT coordination).
The ELPT is not the sole person responsible for providing English Learner services for English Learners who are
in classes without a certified Bilingual and/or English as a Second Language teacher, except in schools with 19
or fewer English Learners. Teachers in schools with 1-19 English Learners have the option to accept or reject the
principal’s assignment of the ELPT role compensated with the ELPT stipend. If no one accepts the role then the
Principal shall assign it to a qualified administrator and when not possible, to a qualified teacher.
ELPTs participate in quarterly training from OLCE, which include professional development sessions/tools
around high-quality instruction for English learners. ELPTs provide these professional development
opportunities during the school day to preK-12 grade teachers who provide instruction to ELs at their school.
English Learner Program Teacher Roles and Responsibilities
QUALIFICATIONS
● Share CPS and OLCE’s Vision and Mission
● Hold a Bilingual and/or ESL Endorsement*
● Knowledge of standards (e.g., WIDA ELD, CCSS, etc.)
● Understanding of district policies and procedures for ELs
● Strong organizational and communication skills
● Promote high-quality instruction for all ELs
● Advocate equity and respect for all EL cultures and languages represented in the school
Chicago Public Schools is looking for teachers, leaders, and non-instructional staff to transform the face of urban education. We are a team of passionate, committed, and talented professionals who believe that every CPS student will graduate prepared for success in college, career, and life. Come join us in making CPS a model for public school districts throughout the nation. CPS is the third largest school district in the United States with more than 600 schools providing education to over 340,000 children.
