Executive Director of English Language Services, Allentown School District

About Allentown School District

Allentown School District (ASD) is one of the largest K-12 districts in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, proudly serving approximately 16,700 students across 25 schools. Founded in 1828, the district is a dynamic, thriving and diverse place where over 25 languages are spoken. With a vision of being a learning community that cultivates positive relationships and offers rigorous and meaningful curricula, and a mission of meeting the unique educational needs of each student by igniting their passion for learning and fostering an academic culture, the 2,500 teachers and staff at ASD take pride in their central role in shaping the future by nurturing the minds of students through an unparalleled educational experience. 

About the Executive Director of English Language Services

Reporting to the Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer, , the Executive Director of English Learner Services is a key member of the Superintendent’s Executive Leadership Team. This role provides strategic, visionary, and forward-thinking leadership for the Office of English Learner Education Programs and the Newcomer Academies. The Executive Director is responsible for the educational performance and programmatic excellence of Allentown School District’s bilingual, ESL, and World Language programs and ensuring all English Learners have access to high-quality instruction, equitable services, and a clear pathway to academic success. This leader monitors data systems to meet state and federal mandates, oversees compliance, and serves as a critical bridge between the district and the linguistically and culturally diverse communities ASD proudly serves.

What You’ll Do (“Key Responsibilities”)

• Provide strategic leadership, direction, and supervision both personally and through curriculum specialists and supervisors for all bilingual, ESL, and World Language programs across the district.
• Develop and refine the philosophy, policies, and operating procedures for bilingual education, ESL, and World Language programs in alignment with district policies, Pennsylvania state statutes, and federal law.
• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the Office of English Learner Education Programs, including ELL placement, language assessment and monitoring, curriculum development, and supervision of bilingual, ESL, and World Language staff.
• Monitor the language acquisition and academic achievement of English Learners from point of entry through program exit, ensuring students meet state and federal Annual Measurable Achievement Objectives.
• Hold quarterly meetings with bilingual and ESL principals to disseminate information and provide professional development on programmatic and compliance matters, including Title III requirements.
• Develop, monitor, and manage the office budget and Title III budget to adequately meet personnel and programmatic needs; participate in the development of the district’s ESEA Consolidated Plan.
• Collaborate with the Assessment Office on academic and language assessment requirements and mandates for English Learners.
• Partner with the Department of Learning and Teaching to ensure equitable participation of linguistically and culturally diverse students in all district curricular activities and to support professional development for their teachers.
• Advocate for and expand services for linguistically and culturally diverse populations across Special Education, Title I, Gifted & Talented, IB, AP, and other district initiatives.
• Initiate and promote innovative programs for linguistically and culturally diverse student populations, responding proactively to shifting community demographics and student needs.
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with community organizations, civic groups, institutions of higher education, and community-based agencies that serve linguistically and culturally diverse families.
• Collaborate with central services departments to ensure all compliance requirements are met in a timely and accurate manner.
• Work with the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) on policies, procedures, reports, and grants pertaining to the Bilingual Education Program.
• Serve as a member of the Superintendent’s Executive Leadership Team, providing counsel and contributing to district-wide strategic priorities.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Superintendent or Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer.

Requirements

Skills You’ll Need to be Successful (“Core Competencies”)

Strategic Leadership

• Proven ability to lead a complex, multi-program office with strategic vision and operational discipline.
• Experience serving on an executive leadership team and contributing to district-wide decision making at the highest levels.
• Ability to advocate boldly for underserved student populations and drive systemic change on their behalf.
• Comfortable managing compliance, policy, and program responsibilities simultaneously across a large urban district.

Instructional & Program Expertise

• Deep knowledge of bilingual education, ESL program models, World Language instruction, and Dual Language programming.
• Expertise in English Learner language acquisition research, instructional best practices, and state and federal compliance requirements including Title III and ESEA.
• Experience developing and delivering professional development that meaningfully improves instruction for English Learners.
• Ability to use data systems to monitor ELL language development and academic progress and adjust programming accordingly.

People & Communication

• Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust and strong working relationships across schools, departments, and the broader community.
• Communicates clearly, persuasively, and with cultural humility — written and verbal — across diverse audiences including families, community partners, and district leadership.
• Skilled at facilitating meetings, presenting to stakeholders, and translating complex compliance requirements into accessible guidance for school staff.
• Bilingual proficiency (Spanish preferred) with a deep appreciation for the linguistic and cultural assets of ASD’s student and family community.

Organizational & Strategic Thinking

• Manages complex budgets, including Title III and office-level funds, with accuracy, equity, and strategic intent.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to oversee multiple programs, timelines, and compliance obligations simultaneously.
• Aligns departmental work to district-wide goals, ensuring EL services are embedded in and not separate from ASD’s broader instructional priorities.
• Skilled at analyzing data, identifying trends, and developing responsive action plans to improve outcomes for English Learners.

Personal Character

• Deeply committed to educational equity and the belief that every English Learner deserves access to a rigorous and affirming education.
• Works with integrity, sound judgment, and cultural competence, treating all people with dignity and respect.
• Demonstrates persistence, takes ownership of outcomes, and responds constructively under pressure.
• Committed to ongoing professional growth and staying current with trends in English Learner education, policy, and research.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree required, with a major in TESOL, Bilingual Education, or Educational Leadership from an accredited college or university; Doctorate preferred.
• Minimum of five (5) or more years of administrative experience, including school and/or central administration experience at a director, principal, or executive level. Supervisory experience preferred.
• Eligible or hold a Pennsylvania PreK–12 Administrative Certificate.
• Successful experience working with English Learners and/or Dual Language instruction in an urban school district.
• Deep knowledge of state and federal requirements governing English Learner programs, including Title III and ESEA compliance.
• Satisfactory work record & criminal/child abuse clearances (Acts 34, 114, and 151).
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to collect and analyze data to drive improvement.
• Bilingual in Spanish preferred.
• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Benefits

Salary range for this integral leadership position is between $138,000 to $194,000 and commensurate with prior experience. In addition, a comprehensive benefits package will be included in the ultimate offer for the identified sole finalist. We look forward to discussing details with you as the interview process progresses.