EL Instructional Development Specialist, Dual Language

hicago Public Schools (CPS) is a district on the rise, serving over 325,000 students in 500 schools and employing over 45,000 people, most of them teachers. CPS has set ambitious goals to ensure that every student, in every school and every neighborhood, has access to a world-class learning experience that prepares each for success in college, career, and civic life. Aligned with our transformed philosophy, we are steadfastly focused on ensuring that the District provides resources equitably to support every student, every school, and every community. Six core values guide the work we do every day for our students – student-centered, whole child, equity, academic excellence, community partnership, and continuous learning. Each role in the district supports our vision that every student deserves a rigorous, joyful, and equitable learning experience.

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is a district on the rise, serving over 325,000 students in 500 schools and employing over 45,000 people, most of them teachers. CPS has set ambitious goals to ensure that every student, in every school and every neighborhood, has access to a world-class learning experience that prepares each for success in college, career, and civic life. Aligned with our transformed philosophy, we are steadfastly focused on ensuring that the District provides resources equitably to support every student, every school, and every community. Six core values guide the work we do every day for our students – student-centered, whole child, equity, academic excellence, community partnership, and continuous learning. Each role in the district supports our vision that every student deserves a rigorous, joyful, and equitable learning experience.

The Office of Multilingual-Multicultural Education (OMME) exists to guide CPS in providing a high-quality education for all language learners that is attentive to a culturally and linguistically diverse community of students, families, and educators. OMME aims to achieve its mission through strategic planning, collaborative partnerships, professional development, and the production of tools and resources to improve instruction.

Job Summary: 

Reporting to the Dual Language Program Manager, the EL Instructional Specialist, Dual Language is a key member of our educational team responsible for enhancing and supporting dual language programs within our school district. This role plays a pivotal role in promoting bilingualism and biliteracy among students, fostering cross-cultural understanding, and ensuring the effectiveness of dual language programs. The EL Instructional Specialist, Dual Language will support schools to ensure high-quality education in the district's dual language programs. This role will play a pivotal role in dual language best practices in CPS schools. This role requires a deep understanding of bilingual education, curriculum development, program expansion, and a commitment to promoting multilingualism and cultural competence.

The EL Instructional Specialist: Dual Language will be held accountable for the following responsibilities:

• Conduct classroom observations and data analysis to assess program effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.

• Provide teachers and staff with targeted support and professional development to enhance instructional practices and ensure program alignment with educational standards.

• Support curriculum specialists to develop and refine dual language curriculum aligned with district standards, state frameworks, and best practices in bilingual education.

• Ensure the curriculum integrates culturally relevant content and diverse perspectives to foster inclusivity and equity.

• Utilize student performance data, language proficiency assessments, and program evaluation results to inform decisions related to program modifications, interventions, and improvements.

• In coordination with the EL Instructional Practice team, design and facilitate professional development opportunities for dual language teachers, administrators, and support staff, focusing on bilingual teaching strategies, language acquisition, and cultural competence.

• Collaborate with school administrators, teachers, and instructional leaders to establish and maintain high program quality standards in our dual language initiatives.

• Collaborate across departments to ensure alignment and coherence for instruction

• Other duties as assigned

In order to be successful and achieve the above responsibilities, the EL Instructional Specialist: Dual Language must possess the following qualifications: 

Education Required: 

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university, bilingual and/or dual language education, or related field; 

• Master's Degree preferred

• Illinois Professional Educator Licensure, Bilingual and/or ESL endorsement.

Experience Required: 

• Five (5) years of teaching and/or leadership experience in dual-language education

• Previous experience with coordinating and/or providing professional development required

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Ability to communicate effectively with all stakeholders; establish efficient working relationships with colleagues, district and school staff, and community-based organizations

• Ability to manage, problem-solve, and delegate as situations dictate

• Ability to recognize failures and learn from  mistakes to improve conditions for working and learning as a team

• Ability to travel to schools and other locations throughout the district

• Ability to be a self-learner and demonstrate excellent organizational skills

• Demonstrate proficiency in a range of technology tools and software:  Google docs, Microsoft Office, and Mac applications

• Bilingual/multilingual preferred

• Able to improve conditions for working and learning as a team

• Demonstrate effective organizational skills

• Demonstrate exceptional written, verbal, and oral skills

Conditions of Employment

As a condition of employment with the Chicago Public Schools (CPS), employees are required to:

Establish/Maintain Chicago Residency - Employees are required to live within the geographic boundaries of the City of Chicago within six months of their CPS hire date and maintain residency throughout their employment with the district. The Chicago residency requirement does not apply to temporary/part-time positions, however, all CPS employees must be residents of Illinois.