ESL Department Head

JOB TITLE:    ESL Department Head

LOCATION:  Multiple High Schools

Reports to: Building Principal 

Work Schedule/ FLSA Status:   188 Days plus the time equivalent of 9 additional duty days as per negotiated agreement / Exempt.

Salary Schedule: Commensurate with experience and education plus 5 percent of the regular teaching salary/ As outlined in applicable negotiated agreement

*Please note the Department Head position is considered a teaching position and is not reported to the state of Nebraska as an administrative position.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

• Minimum of a Master’s Degree in education related fields.


• A valid Nebraska Teaching Certificate with applicable area endorsements.  Endorsement in ESL Required and Endorsement in the area of administration and supervision or curriculum and instruction for secondary education preferred.


• Minimum of four years successful teaching experience.  Successful teaching experience in a multicultural diverse urban setting preferred.


• Demonstrates a clear understanding of the philosophy, purpose and function within an urban school district. 


• Demonstrates an empathy for helping to lead a strong diverse urban educational environment. 


• Demonstrated philosophy that all students can and will learn.


• Demonstrated record of success which exemplifies instructional leadership, standards of academic excellence and personal integrity.


• Knowledge of current educational trends/issues impacting the high school. 


• Skills in building and maintaining strong relationships with students, staff, parents, administration and the community.


• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment including appropriate handling of all confidential matters with a minimum of supervision.


• Exemplary problem solving, organizational, and time management skills.


• Demonstrated technology skills and experience with software including Infinite Campus, Microsoft Suite.


• Excellent written and oral communication skills.


• Assists in Implementing Board policies and the Academic Action Plan School wide for the staff and students.


• Ability to make plans, schedules, decisions, and solve problems with only general direction.


• Ability to recognize, encourage and stimulate professional growth and initiative on the part of the staff


• The skills pertinent to positive human relationships and the ability to work effectively with all staff, students, parents, administrators and the community.  A willingness and demonstrated abilities conducive to a continuous quest for quality education.


• Knowledge of OPS’s mission, purpose, goals and the role of every employee in achieving each of them

Essential Performance Responsibilities

• Promote a school environment that is safe and conducive to student learning.


• Demonstrated philosophy that all students can and will learn.


• Serve as a member of the building leadership team.


• Monitor the delivery, coordination, and articulation of instruction in area(s) assigned.


• Adjusts to events, processes and behaviors which disrupt daily routines.


• Works extended hours, including evening activities, to meet job demands.


• Assists with teacher evaluation procedures and teachers as assigned by building principal


• Inventories, monitors and requests department supplies, materials and equipment.


• Supervises the work of substitute teachers.


• Provides for new teacher orientation and staff in-service needs.


• Promote continuous curriculum and instructional improvements.


• Work collaboratively with the Principal, Administrative Team, and school staff to best meet the educational needs of the student population based on individual student needs.


• Work collaboratively with the Principal and Administrative Team in conducting, coaching visits and providing feedback for continuous growth to staff.


• Works collaboratively with the Principal and Administrative Team in guiding decision making and problem solving in relation to student, family, or team needs.


• Maintain the District’s overall mission; assist in supporting and implementing board policies and the academic action plan school wide with students, staff, parents/guardians, and community members.


• Maintain the School’s overall mission; assist in supporting and implementing school guidelines with students, staff, parents/guardians, and community members.


• Demonstrates the promotion of life-long learning by participating in pertinent professional development in both the academic curriculum as well as cultural proficiency and awareness of understanding diversity


• Maintain effective communication with all supporting divisions within the Omaha Public School district as well as students, staff, parents/guardians and community members.


• Communicates with a wide range of job-required personal contacts in a constructive, professional manner.


• Serves as a positive, mature role model.


• Meets regular and predictable attendance requirements.


• Prepares special and/or routine reports and letters of correspondence.


• The skills pertinent to positive human relationships and the ability to work effectively with students, members of the instructional staff and the community.

ESL Key Responsibilities:

Instructional Leadership & Teaching

• Teach a minimum of one block per day of an EL-designated course.


• Provide instructional coaching and support for EL teachers and Core+ teachers to ensure effective strategies for multilingual learners.


• Collaborate with curriculum specialists and school leadership teams to align EL instruction with district standards and goals.

Student Placement & Scheduling

• Review EL class rosters for accuracy and placement; coordinate schedule changes with curriculum specialists and counseling.


• Maintain and update the Pending List weekly to ensure timely testing, placement, and submission of forms to the EL Placement Office.


• Work with liaisons and counselors to screen and schedule new EL enrollments throughout the year.


• Collaborate with EL department to identify students ready for level changes at semester; submit recommendations to counseling.


• Assist with master scheduling: review course requests, determine sections, and collaborate with department chairs and counselors to resolve conflicts.

Assessment & Progress Monitoring

• Monitor EL students’ academic progress and attendance monthly; identify students needing additional support.


• Coordinate ACT and Pre-ACT accommodations for EL students: run reports, collect consent forms, enter accommodations into TAA system, and assist with testing.


• Create and manage ELPA21 testing schedule; coordinate training, test prep, and administration.


• Complete ELPA21 Goal Setting forms with students and ensure teachers utilize practice tests for preparation.


• Review ELPA21 test results and celebrate student successes.

Program Coordination & Compliance

• Orient TLC students and coordinate freshman first-day activities; ensure handbook presentations and signed cards.


• Apply for ESL tutoring funding and set up after-school tutoring programs.


• Collaborate with SPED and district personnel to support dual-coded ESL/SPED students, monitor IEPs, and attend meetings.


• Ensure compliance with district and state requirements for EL program processes, including data cleanup and secure handling of testing materials.

Family & Community Engagement

• Communicate schedule changes and program updates to families; coordinate with liaisons for home calls as needed.


• Notify families regarding NLL registrations and confirm attendance.

Data & Reporting

• Run reports for EL monitoring, dual-coded students, and ACT/Pre-ACT accommodations.


• Maintain accurate records for scheduling, placement, and assessment throughout the year.

* NOTE: The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification.  They are not intended to be construed, as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.

Additional Duties
Performs other related tasks as assigned by the Principal and other central office administrators as designated by the Superintendent.

Equipment:  This position may require the ability to use SMART boards and iPads in addition to basic office equipment such as computers, copiers, scanners, and fax machine.  Must always comply with OPS’s guidelines for equipment use.

Travel:  Limited travel may be required.

Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards:

• Must be able to respond rapidly in emergency situations.


• Must have organization, time management, communication, and interpersonal skills.


• Work in school building environments.

Interrelations:

• Contact with personnel within the district and with customers and vendors.


• Will be working under the direct supervision of the department supervisor in order to complete day to day tasks.


• Will be working with a diverse population requiring the ability to handle all situations with tact and diplomacy.


• Must understand and respond appropriately to customer needs and maintain a positive attitude with all customers and colleagues.


• Expected to interact with all internal and external customers in a friendly, professional manner and provide quick, responsive customer service.

Employee Punctuality and Appearance

• In order for schools to operate effectively, employees are expected to perform all assigned duties and work all scheduled hours during each designated workday, unless the employee has received approved leave.


• Any deviation from assigned hours must have prior approval from the employee’s supervisor or building administrator.


• All employees are required to report to work dressed in a manner that reflects a positive image of Omaha Public Schools and is appropriate for their position.

Terms of Employment

This position is treated as a full-time exempt certified position. The terms of your employment will be governed by applicable state laws regulating employment or teaching in a Nebraska public school and Board of Education policies, as those laws and policies may change from time to time, and the Teacher Contract. If your position is represented by a collective bargaining representative, then your employment will also be governed by a negotiated agreement between OPS and collective bargaining representative.

Terms of employment are contingent upon:

• Verification of a valid Nebraska Teaching License or other required license.


• A background check which demonstrates background is acceptable for the position sought and working with or around students.


• Verification of U.S. Citizenship or legal authorization to work in the United States.


• Successful completion of a tuberculosis skin test (if required by federal law for your position).


• Execution and delivery to OPS of a Teacher Contract presented by OPS.

Omaha Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), marital status, sexual orientation, disability, age, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation or economic status in its programs, activities, employment, and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following individual has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Director for the Office of Equity and Diversity, 3215 Cuming Street, Omaha, NE 68131. (531-299-0307)   

The Omaha Public School District is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process please contact the human resources department at 531-299-0240.