District Multilingual Learner Program Coordinator

2026-2027 School Year

PEA Contract

The District Multilingual Learner Program Coordinator provides districtwide leadership for the design, implementation, monitoring, and continuous improvement of programs that support language development, language access, and language learning across the district. The coordinator ensures that multilingual learners are identified, assessed, monitored, and supported in alignment with federal law, Michigan Department of Education requirements, WIDA standards, and district instructional priorities. The coordinator also supports building administrators, EL teachers, general education teachers, counselors, office staff, paraprofessionals, families, and district leaders. The coordinator works to ensure equitable access to grade-level instruction, English language development, family language access, and meaningful participation in curricular and extracurricular opportunities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Provide districtwide leadership for the Multilingual Learner Program K-12.
Support the design, implementation, monitoring, and continuous improvement of language programs across the district.
Collaborate with district leaders, building administrators, EL/MLL teachers, general education teachers, counselors, paraprofessionals, office staff, and families.
Maintain the Multilingual Learner Program Handbook and ensure alignment with federal law, MDE guidance, WIDA standards, and district procedures.
Lead monthly MLL staff meetings to support consistent implementation of policies, procedures, and instructional practices.
Participate in regional and state professional learning related to multilingual learner education, WIDA, MDE guidance, and language programming.
Collaborate with the supervisor to use grant funding and resources effectively to support student achievement, family engagement, and program goals.
Ensure compliance with state and federal MLL requirements, including identification, placement, service delivery, monitoring, reclassification, reporting, parent notification, and documentation.
Coordinate WIDA Screener and WIDA ACCESS administration in collaboration with assessment staff and building teams.
Monitor MLL progress data, service implementation, former EL monitoring, and access to core, elective, advanced, and extracurricular opportunities.
Oversee MLL records, documentation, and required compliance reporting.
Coordinate language access services, including translation and interpretation support for families.
Monitor enrollment, participation, course offerings, and program needs to inform planning and continuous improvement.
Support district language recognition opportunities, including the Michigan Seal of Biliteracy, as applicable.
Use the PPS Instructional Coaching Model to support effective multilingual learner instruction, English language development, and language acquisition practices.
Provide coaching and support to new MLL teachers.
Build collaborative relationships with teachers to support reflection, professional growth, and improved instruction.
Meet regularly with PPS District Coaches to align coaching cycles, identify needs, and plan next steps.
Maintain documentation of coaching interactions and professional growth evidence.
Design and facilitate professional learning for MLL teachers, general education teachers, administrators, paraprofessionals, office staff, and other staff as needed.
Support staff understanding of WIDA standards, language objectives, accommodations, co-planning, culturally responsive practices, and language-rich instruction.
Support PLCs and collaborative teams in using MLL data to identify needs
Collect and analyze MLL program data to evaluate effectiveness and inform decisions.
Use multiple data sources, including WIDA results, local assessments, achievement data, participation data, and staff/family feedback.
Collaborate with district and building leaders to develop action steps based on needs.
Prepare program updates, summaries, and reports for district leadership and staff.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Regular and consistent attendance.
Must have knowledge of and comply with the policies and procedures contained in the Portage Public Schools Employee Handbook.

The above duties and responsibilities are intended to be representative of the nature of the work by this position. The listing is not all-inclusive.

Qualifications:

Master’s degree in Education or an education related field.
Valid Michigan Professional Teaching Certification with the NS Endorsement for EL or bilingual endorsement (YA, YB, YC, YE, Yf, YH, YI, YJ, YK, YM, YN, YO, YP, YR, YS, or YT).
Minimum of five years of successful EL/MLL teaching experience.
Experience with curriculum development, implementation, and professional learning.
Knowledge of Michigan Academic Standards, WIDA standards, and effective instructional practices for multilingual learners.
Experience developing, facilitating, and coaching professional learning.
Experience supporting Professional Learning Communities (PLCs).
Demonstrated ability to collect, analyze, and apply data to improve instruction and student learning.
Strong communication and relationship-building skills with diverse stakeholders.
Ability to manage multiple projects, work independently, and problem-solve effectively.
Ability to collaboratively develop and implement clear, actionable plans.
Commitment to educational equity, multilingualism as an asset, and continuous professional growth.

The above duties and responsibilities are intended to be representative of the nature of the work by this position. The listing is not all-inclusive.

PPS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Apply online at: https://www.portageps.org/page/employment-at-pps

Who is PPS? View our Strategic Commitments
Notice of Non-Discrimination: The Board of Education does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), disability, age, religion, height, weight, marital or family status, military status, ancestry, genetic information, or any other legally protected category, (collectively, "Protected Classes"), in its programs and activities, including employment opportunities. The following positions at Portage Public Schools have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policy: Human Resources Director Jennifer Meisterheim and Assistant Superintendent of Operations Russell Gerbers. Contact information: 269-323-5000, 8107 Mustang Drive, Portage, Mi 49002