SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF CLASSIFICATION: Under the supervision of the Division of Multilingual Education, the PreK-12 English Language Development (ELD) Instructional Specialist serves schools directly as part of a Cross-Functional Team, supporting teachers and school administrators in the delivery of high-quality English Language Development instruction. This position provides on-the-ground instructional support in schools by working alongside educators to co-teach, model lessons, facilitate collaborative planning, and lead professional learning communities (PLCs) focused on best practices in ELD instruction.As a core member of a cross-functional team, 80% of this role is dedicated to providing direct service and support to schools in the field. Cross-functional teams work collaboratively to ensure a coordinated and responsive approach to school support, integrating expertise from multiple disciplines to enhance instructional practices, build teacher capacity, and improve student outcomes. The instructional specialist is expected to work interdependently with other specialists, school leaders, and central office staff, demonstrating adaptability, shared problem-solving, and a commitment to continuous learning to best serve Emergent Multilingual Learners (EMLs).The instructional specialist collaborates with school-based teams to analyze student data, implement high-quality, differentiated Tier 1 instruction, and design targeted interventions to support EMLs within core content areas. By focusing on classroom-level instructional coaching and professional development, the specialist ensures that all students—including students with disabilities and those requiring enrichment—receive equitable access to rigorous, grade-level curriculum.

ACCOUNTABILITY SUPERVISION:The instructional specialist is accountable to the School Leadership Director but is supervised and evaluated by a subject-matter expert supervisor. This structure ensures alignment between school-based priorities and system-wide instructional initiatives, fostering a collaborative and coordinated approach to improving ELD instruction.

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF CLASSIFICATION: Under the supervision of the Division of Multilingual Education, the PreK-12 English Language Development (ELD) Instructional Specialist serves schools directly as part of a Cross-Functional Team, supporting teachers and school administrators in the delivery of high-quality English Language Development instruction. This position provides on-the-ground instructional support in schools by working alongside educators to co-teach, model lessons, facilitate collaborative planning, and lead professional learning communities (PLCs) focused on best practices in ELD instruction.As a core member of a cross-functional team, 80% of this role is dedicated to providing direct service and support to schools in the field. Cross-functional teams work collaboratively to ensure a coordinated and responsive approach to school support, integrating expertise from multiple disciplines to enhance instructional practices, build teacher capacity, and improve student outcomes. The instructional specialist is expected to work interdependently with other specialists, school leaders, and central office staff, demonstrating adaptability, shared problem-solving, and a commitment to continuous learning to best serve Emergent Multilingual Learners (EMLs).The instructional specialist collaborates with school-based teams to analyze student data, implement high-quality, differentiated Tier 1 instruction, and design targeted interventions to support EMLs within core content areas. By focusing on classroom-level instructional coaching and professional development, the specialist ensures that all students—including students with disabilities and those requiring enrichment—receive equitable access to rigorous, grade-level curriculum.

ACCOUNTABILITY SUPERVISION:The instructional specialist is accountable to the School Leadership Director but is supervised and evaluated by a subject-matter expert supervisor. This structure ensures alignment between school-based priorities and system-wide instructional initiatives, fostering a collaborative and coordinated approach to improving ELD instruction.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATION STANDARDSKNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:Experience analyzing Every Student Succeeds Act data requirements and other student performance data, providing effective English Language Development (ELD) instruction, aligned to grade-level Maryland College and Career Readiness Standards (MCCRS), and using the WIDA English language development framework and resources required. Strong collaboration and coaching skills, working effectively with principals, teachers, and central office staff to support high-quality instruction. Experience formulating instructional strategies to meet student needs required. Ability to understand and support students in the process of adjustment to the academic and cultural environment in MCPS. Excellent oral and written communication and human relations skills. Demonstrated elevation of language in tandem with content through collaboration with content teachers across the curriculum areas of English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies.Strong presentation and facilitation skills, with the ability to lead professional learning experiences for diverse audiences. Proficiency in using multiple data platforms, Google Suite, Microsoft Suite, Canvas, and other MCPS technology platforms used for collaboration, coaching, and instructional design.

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE: Master's degree or equivalent from accredited college or university , certificate in Pre-K - 12 ELD instruction required; minimum 5 years successful classroom experience teaching elementary, middle, and/or high school EMLs, including implementing instructional connections to the content areas, using assessments to monitor student progress and plan instruction, and using technology to enhance instruction. Experience in ELD Pre-K - 12 program and general educational settings required. School leadership experiences preferred. knowledge of current research, theory, and best practices in curriculum instruction of EMLs, curriculum implementation, assessment; experience coaching teachers and leaders in making content accessible; knowledge of multicultural teaching approaches and materials; experience teaching across disciplines and with diverse populations. Applicable education, training, and experience, which provide the knowledge, abilities, and skills necessary to perform effectively in the position, may be considered.

CERTIFICATE AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS: Must hold Maryland teacher certification/licensure in ELD

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: (Special requirements such as lifting heavy objects and frequent climbing.) As required by the duties and responsibilities of the job.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: (Frequent overtime or night work required, etc.) As required by the duties and responsibilities of the job.

OVERTIME ELIGIBLE: No