English Language Program Specialist

The EL Program Specialist (English Language) provides strategic leadership, oversight, and support for all English Learner (EL) programs across the organization. This position ensures compliance with federal and Arizona state laws, including the Arizona English Language Learner (ELL) requirements, while promoting high-quality instructional practices that accelerate English language acquisition and academic achievement for multilingual learners. This position will travel between AZ campuses to provide support, coaching, and program oversight. The EL Program Specialist will report directly to the VP of Exceptional Student Services.

The EL Program Specialist collaborates with school leaders, teachers, and network departments to develop systems that ensure English Learners receive equitable access to instruction, appropriate language services, and opportunities for academic success.

• Develop, implement, and continuously improve the organization's English Language Development program.
• Ensure implementation of Arizona English Language Proficiency (AZELLA) procedures and state EL requirements.
• Lead the development of policies, procedures, and guidance related to English Learner identification, placement, services, monitoring, and exit.
• Oversee compliance with federal, state, and local laws regarding English Learners, including Title III requirements.
• Monitor implementation of Structured English Immersion (SEI) instructional models and language acquisition services through conducting yearly internal campus EL audits.

Ensure compliance with:

• Arizona Revised Statutes related to English Learners
• Arizona Department of Education (ADE) guidance
• Title III
• Office for Civil Rights (OCR) requirements

Oversee and ensure campus compliance with:

• Home Language Surveys
• AZELLA placement and reassessment testing
• EL student identification timelines
• Parent notification requirements
• Annual language proficiency reporting
• Monitoring of recently reclassified fluent English proficient (RFEP) students

Conduct campus visits to audit English Learner programs for compliance and ensure accurate, complete, and compliant documentation.

• Provide coaching and professional development to administrators, EL Coordinators, and teachers regarding:
• Effective EL instructional practices
• Provide resources, lesson plans, and activities for campus EL Coordinators
• Language objectives
• Differentiated instruction
• Academic language development
• Culturally and linguistically responsive teaching

Support schools in analyzing EL achievement data to improve instructional outcomes.

Collaborate with curriculum departments to ensure equitable access to grade-level standards.

Oversee campus administration of:

• AZELLA Placement Tests
• Spring Reassessment
• EL data submissions

Analyze and Report to the VP of ESS:

• AZELLA proficiency data
• State assessment performance
• EL subgroup achievement
• Program effectiveness

Develop reports for network leadership and school administrators.

• Ensure meaningful communication with families in their preferred language.
• Develop systems for translation and interpretation services.
• Support schools in increasing family engagement among multilingual communities.
• Facilitate parent education regarding EL services and language acquisition.
• Support schools in serving English Learners who also receive special education services or other specialized supports.

Design and facilitate professional learning on:

• Arizona EL requirements
• Language Assessment administration
• Effective language instruction
• Language objectives
• Academic vocabulary
• Progress monitoring
• Cultural competency

Coach campus EL Coordinators in implementing high-quality EL programs.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in: Education, Bilingual Education, Curriculum & Instruction, Educational Leadership or related field

• Must possess or be eligible for:
• Valid Arizona teaching certificate
• Arizona SEI Endorsement

• Minimum five years of successful teaching experience, including English Learners
• Minimum two years of instructional leadership or administrative experience
• Experience leading professional development
• Experience with Arizona EL compliance requirements

Strong knowledge of:

• Arizona English Learner laws and regulations
• Arizona Department of Education EL guidance
• AZELLA administration procedures
• English language acquisition theory
• Structured English Immersion (SEI)
• ESSA Title III requirements
• Office for Civil Rights language access requirements
• Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS)
• Data analysis and continuous improvement

Ability to:

• Lead system-wide initiatives
• Interpret educational laws and regulations
• Analyze assessment and achievement data
• Facilitate professional learning
• Build collaborative relationships across departments
• Communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders
• Manage multiple projects and deadlines
• Coach instructional leaders and teachers

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to travel between AZ school sites.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to sit, stand, and use a computer for extended periods