Program Director Jobs in Lyons, IL (NOW HIRING)

The Multilingual Program Director reports to the Assistant Superintendent of Academics and is responsible for the leadership, development, implementation, and continuous improvement of the following PreK8 multilingual programs: Transitional Bilingual Education (TBE), Transitional Program of Instruction (TPI), Dual Language (Two-Way Immersion), and ESL services. This role ensures full compliance with Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) regulations and Title III requirements, while advancing equitable, research-based instructional practices that promote biliteracy, academic achievement, and multilingual identity development for English learners. This position provides strategic leadership to administrators and staff, builds districtwide capacity, and ensures that multilingual learners receive high-quality, standards-aligned instruction in both English and partner languages.

The Multilingual Program Director  is responsible for the following:

Program Leadership & Development

• Lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of PreK8 multilingual programs, including TBE, TPI, Dual Language, and ESL services
• Ensure program alignment with ISBE regulations, district goals, and best practices in multilingual education
• Develop and monitor program models (e.g., 80/20, 50/50) to ensure fidelity and effectiveness
• Oversee curriculum development and instructional resources to support biliteracy and academic achievement

Compliance & Accountability

• Ensure full compliance with ISBE Part 228, Title III, and all state and federal regulations related to English learners
• Oversee and coordinate:
  • Home Language Surveys
  • Student identification, placement, and exit criteria
  • ACCESS for ELLs administration and data use
  • Program monitoring and audits
• Prepare and submit required state and federal reports, including Title III plans and evaluations
• Maintain accurate records and documentation for compliance purposes

Instructional Leadership

• Provide coaching and guidance to principals and instructional leaders to strengthen support for English learners in all program models (TBE, TPI, Dual Language)
• Lead professional development on:
• Sheltered instruction strategies
• Language objectives and content integration
• Biliteracy development and cross-linguistic transfer
• Culturally and linguistically responsive practices
• Support classroom instruction through walkthroughs, feedback, and collaboration with school leaders

Data & Assessment

• Collaborate with Research, Accountability, and Assessment teams to:
  • Analyze student performance data (ACCESS, state assessments, local measures)
  • Monitor progress of English learners and former ELs
  • Inform program improvements and instructional practices
• Develop systems for ongoing program evaluation and continuous improvement

Staffing & Human Capital

• Collaborate with Human Relations and school leaders to:
  • Recruit, hire, and retain qualified bilingual and ESL staff
  • Recommend staffing allocations based on student needs and program requirements
• Support induction and mentoring for multilingual educators

Budget & Resource Management

• Develop and manage Title III budgets in alignment with federal guidelines and district priorities
• Ensure appropriate use of funds to support supplemental services for English learners
• Oversee procurement of instructional materials and program resources

Family & Community Engagement

• Partner with families and community organizations to promote engagement and understanding of multilingual programs
• Ensure communication is accessible and culturally responsive
• Support initiatives that elevate student voice, identity, and belonging
• Supports the BPAC and ensures providing the BPAC with the Bilingual Service Plan (BSP), the EL portions of the Evidence-Based Funding Spending Plan, and relevant grant applications (such as Title III).

Collaboration & Communication

• Work collaboratively with district departments to ensure alignment of services for multilingual learners, including Special Education and MTSS
• Provide regular updates and reports to district leadership on program effectiveness
• Lead district-wide initiatives related to multilingual education

Other Duties

• Operating with significant independence under the direction of the Assistant Superintendent
• Leading, supervising, and supporting staff across multiple schools
• Directly impacting district-wide programming, compliance, and student outcomes for multilingual learners
• Perform other duties as assigned to ensure the effective operation of multilingual programs

Education Required: 

• Master's degree in Education, Educational Leadership, or a related field (required per ISBE)

• Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) with:
  • General Administrative Endorsement (required)
  • Bilingual Education Approval (preferred)
  • ESL/ENL Endorsement (required)
• High level of proficiency in (speaking, reading, writing) in Spanish and English
• Solid understanding of the Hispanic/American culture and a variety of cultures of the the other linguistic groups in our district

Experience Required: 

• Minimum of 5 years of teaching experience in bilingual, dual language, or ESL settings; Demonstrated leadership experience (e.g., instructional coach, coordinator, administrator); Experience supporting or leading TBE, TPI, and/or Dual Language programs; Experience with ISBE compliance, Title III programming, and multilingual learner services

• Language Skills: Reads and interprets documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instruction, and procedure manuals. Writes routine reports and correspondence. Speaks effectively before groups of individuals.

• Mathematical Skills: Adds, subtracts, multiplies, and divides in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Computes rate, ratio, and percent and draws and interprets bar graphs.

• Reasoning Ability: Solves practical problems and deals with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.  Interprets a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

Computer Skills: Microsoft Office, Google Drive and additional which varies by department.

Salary and Benefits:

This is a 12-month (year round) position

Salary range: $125,000-$145,000
Benefits:

• Medical and dental insurance
• Teachers' Retirement System pension plan
• Life insurance
• Pet Insurance
• Long term disability
• Flexible benefits plan
• 20 Vacation Days
• 12 Sick days
• 2 Personal days
• Employee assistance program

Application Procedure:
Apply online at www.district65.net

Selection Procedure:
Selected qualified candidates will be notified to schedule an interview

Every Child, Every Day, Whatever It Takes