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Esl Program Director Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

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Esl Program Director information

What does an ESL Program Director do?

An ESL (English as a Second Language) Program Director oversees the development, implementation, and administration of ESL programs within educational institutions or organizations. Their responsibilities include curriculum planning, staff recruitment and training, budgeting, and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and standards. They also assess program effectiveness, support instructors, and facilitate communication between students, teachers, and administrators. Ultimately, their goal is to ensure high-quality English language instruction for non-native speakers.

What are some common challenges ESL Program Directors face when managing diverse instructional teams?

ESL Program Directors often lead teams comprised of instructors from various cultural and educational backgrounds, which can present challenges in aligning teaching methods, communication styles, and program goals. Managing these differences requires strong interpersonal skills, adaptability, and a commitment to fostering a collaborative environment. Regular training, open communication channels, and clear expectations are essential for ensuring that all team members work effectively toward student success.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an ESL Program Director, and why are they important?

To thrive as an ESL Program Director, you need expertise in language education, curriculum development, and program management, often supported by a master's degree in TESOL, education, or a related field. Familiarity with student information systems, learning management platforms, and assessment tools is typically required. Strong leadership, cultural sensitivity, and effective communication are essential soft skills for guiding staff and engaging diverse student populations. These skills ensure the successful design and administration of programs that meet learners' needs and maintain high educational standards.

What is the difference between Esl Program Director vs Esl Instructor?

AspectEsl Program DirectorEsl Instructor
CredentialsBachelor's degree, TESOL/TEFL certification, experience in program managementBachelor's degree, TESOL/TEFL certification, teaching experience
Work EnvironmentAdministrative offices, program planning, staff supervisionClassrooms, language labs, teaching settings
Employer & IndustryLanguage schools, universities, educational organizationsLanguage schools, colleges, private institutions
Primary FocusManaging and developing ESL programs, overseeing staffTeaching English to students, curriculum delivery

The main difference is that an Esl Program Director focuses on managing ESL programs, overseeing staff, and curriculum development, while an Esl Instructor primarily teaches students in classroom settings. Both roles require TESOL/TEFL certification and relevant experience, but their responsibilities and work environments differ significantly.

What are the most commonly searched types of Esl Program jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Esl Program jobs in Illinois are:

What are popular job titles related to Esl Program Director jobs in Illinois?

For Esl Program Director jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Esl Program Director jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Esl Program Director jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Esl Program Director jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Esl Program Director job openings:

Infographic showing various Esl Program Director job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, and 28% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

ESL Teacher - IHSCA


COMPANY DESCRIPTION

Instituto Health Science Career Academy along with Chicago Public Schools (CPS) has set ambitious goals to ensure that every child-in every school and every neighborhood—has access to a world-class learning experience from birth, resulting in graduation from high school college- and career-ready. In alignment with CPS/ISBE, our school strives to provide high quality and specially designed instructional supports and services for all students with disabilities within the least restrictive environment. We work collaboratively with the goal of improving the academic achievement of all students with disabilities by ensuring they receive meaningful and relevant access to grade level core instruction within the school. Teachers provide appropriate, effective, and culturally relevant instruction for grades 9-12 aligned to SAT,  AVID College Readiness, WIDA Standards and state/national standards. IHSCA ensures that students are provided a safe learning environment that supports student social-emotional growth as well as academics.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The English  as a Second language (ESL) Teacher provides instruction to high school students (9th – 12th )  in the ELL Program. The goal of this position is to guide English Language Learners toward gaining proficiency in listening, speaking, reading and writing. This position reports to the Assistant Director of Culture and Language or their designee.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Provide ESL instruction to students in grades 9th – 12th.
  • Assist in administering required language proficiency and academic achievement tests for determining placement for students along with ongoing monitoring of student progress.
  • Assist in administering ACCESS to EL students
  • Assist in developing appropriate curriculum to help ELL students acquire the English language.
  • Ensure all EL components from the state and the district are being implemented in lesson plans and in the classroom
  • Employ a variety of instructional techniques and teaching strategies to meet different aptitudes and interests of students, including whole group (co-teaching)/ small-group or individual learning.
  • Assist in gathering and reporting data for reporting requirements and other required reports (to the State, Charter School Board, Dept of Education, census, grant applications, annual report, etc.).
  • Establish and maintain communication with parents of students in the program.
  • Engage parents and families in their student’s learning and acting as an ambassador for the school in the community.
  • Participate in department meetings
  • Assist and or Provide Professional Learning in the area of English Language Learners
  • Contribute productively to the school as a whole.
  • Participate in in-service and staff development activities and staff meetings as required or assigned.
  • Attend IEP, 504’, or other related meetings necessary for student assessment and/or compliance with federal and/or state law.
  • Attend IEP/504 meetings as an English/Bilingual Language Specialist
  • Attend and participate in established traditional school-sponsored activities (i.e, back-to school night, open house, and other activities customarily attended by classroom teachers and/or faculty members), which may be outside of regular school hours.
  • Participate and or assist in the Bilingual Advisory Committee (BAC)
  • Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor’s degree in education, preferably with a concentration in English
  • Professional educator’s license (preferred)
  • Must be ESL endorsed/certified
  • Two years teaching experience in ESL/bilingual education 
  • Technologically literate including using Microsoft Office is required
  • Ability to maintain a high sense of confidentiality
  • Ability to work with a diverse group of people
  • Ability to work as a member of a team
  • Exceptional organization and time management skills
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills, bilingual English/Spanish preferred
  • Dependability and punctuality
  • Ability to adhere to deadlines, react to unpredictable events quickly and efficiently, be resourceful, manage conflict and challenges
  • Advanced skills with Microsoft Office

The above is intended to describe the general conditions of and requirements for the performance of this job.  It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities and requirements.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS  

Nature of work requires an ability to operate standard business office equipment.  Requires ability to communicate and exchange information, collect, compile and prepare work documents, set-up and maintain work files.   Approximately 50% of time spent standing as well as some lifting (under 30 lbs.)

WORKING CONDITIONS  

Majority of work performed in a general school environment.  Position requires availability for extended hours; non-traditional hours may be required to perform job duties.  Attendance at school sponsored events and meetings is also required.

BENEFITS

Medical

Dental

Vison

Life Insurance

Short Term Disability

Long Term Disability

403b retirement saving plan 

Chicago Teachers Pension Fund (Only with ISBE License)