Bilingual Education Specialist SY 26-27

Bilingual Education Specialist

Position Title: Bilingual Education Specialist

Recruited By: Director of Bilingual Services

Working Relationships: School Personnel, Students and Families

Immediate Supervisor: Director of Bilingual Services, Building Principal

Position Summary: Candidate must have the ability to understand and accept the Mission of the South Bend Community School Corporation in reference to the education of English Learners (ELs). Candidate must have basic knowledge of second language acquisition and its terminology. Candidate must be able to work with linguistically and culturally diverse groups of students and parents. Candidate must be fluent in English and Spanish. This is a twelve-month position.

Minimum Education Requirement: Bachelor's Degree required

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• English/Spanish fluency with ability to translate and interpret between both languages
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Ability to maintain a professional demeanor at all times
• Ability to work independently and take initiative
• Ability to exercise tact and discretion when dealing with students, parents, and staff
• Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding staff and student information
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English/Spanish
• Basic understanding of WIDA ELD Standards and WIDA ACCESS

Performance Responsibilities:

Program:

• Carry out the policies and procedures of the South Bend Community School Corporation
• Oversee the completion of Individualized Learning Plans (ILPs) for students in home school and at other buildings as assigned
• Manage WIDA ACCESS administration in assigned building/s
• Assist with implementation and monitoring of the EL program, including Kindergarten recruitment
• Assist with the identification, assessment and placement of EL students
• Monitor the progress of EL students and report data to the Director of Bilingual Services and the building principal
• Maintain accurate records for each EL student, including student information sheet, ILP, Home Language Survey, report card, PowerSchool, and Ellevation
• Assist in scheduling for the following school year
• Assist with the summer Migrant/Bilingual Programs
• Supervise and coordinate instructional and tutorial services provided by Instructional Resource Specialists
• Facilitate appropriate student placement from 4th to 5th grade and from 8th to 9th grade
• Help students and parents to access support services
• Receive, distribute, and keep an inventory of materials purchased
• Assist with non-certified staff attendance and Time and Task logs
• Attend all Bilingual Services Department staff meetings and building meetings as directed by the principal and the Bilingual Services Director
• Participate in professional development activities at the building and district level
• Complete other duties as assigned

Students:

• Develop positive and supportive relationships with EL students
• Identify students experiencing school-related difficulties and refer as needed
• Assist with meeting the particular needs of migrant students
• Coordinate instructional support for identified students
• As needed, provide instructional interventions under a teacher's direction

Parents:

• Coordinate participation of parents and students in all school activities
• Advise parents regarding their child's school performance including WIDA ACCESS, NWEA, and ISTEP/ILEARN test results
• Assist with translations (written) and interpretations (oral) for parents for Special Education case conferences, parent/teacher conferences, school bulletins, parent meetings, etc.
• Develop workshops and activities for parents and students to address identified needs
• Assist parents and students in completing forms
• Make home visits when necessary

Building Staff:

• Coordinate case conferences with school personnel and parents
• Assist teachers with interpreting WIDA ACCESS test results
• Assist building staff with parent communications and student services

Work-Related Characteristics:

• Is sensitive to the needs of EL/Migrant/Bilingual students and their families
• Maintains confidentiality about student and family information
• Has consistent daily attendance and follows procedures for reporting absences
• Reports for work on time
• Uses time constructively
• Works cooperatively with other BSD and building staff
• Displays a positive attitude
• Adapts to changes in work assignments
• Accepts direction and constructive criticism in a positive manner
• Displays appropriate initiative and self-direction with minimal supervision
• Contributes with innovative ideas and changes
• Recognizes situations where staff response is necessary and reacts appropriately

Special Notation: The position requires flexible scheduling of work responsibilities and, at times, evening work.