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

Portland Public Schools

Central Office - Portland, Maine Job Details

Job ID:

5894675

Application Deadline:

Posted until filled

Posted:

Aug 20, 2026 1:00 PM (UTC)

Job Description

TITLE:

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

POSITION OVERVIEW

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.

Position Type:

Full-time