Director Of Language Acquisition

BARRINGTON COMMUNITY UNIT SCHOOL DISTRICT 220

BARRINGTON, ILLINOIS 60010

JOB DESCRIPTION

TITLE: DIRECTOR OF LANGUAGE ACQUISITION 

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS:

Education:

• Master’s Degree in Education, Curriculum & Instruction, Educational Leadership, or a related field
• Professional Educator License with Administrative Endorsement 
• Bilingual and ESL or Bilingual and ENL Endorsements required

Experience:

• Minimum of five (5) years of teaching experience working with multilingual learners or in language immersion programs
• Demonstrated experience in educational leadership, program coordination, program development, and professional learning
• Experience with Title grants 

Skills and Knowledge:

• Strong knowledge of curriculum design, instructional strategies, and assessment practices related to language acquisition
• Deep understanding of best practices and state and federal requirements related to multilingual education 
• Knowledge of Illinois Learning Standards for World Languages, WIDA standards, and Spanish Language Arts Standards 
• Demonstrated leadership skills to collaborate with teachers and administrators, build educator capacity, and support continuous improvement
• Proven ability to engage stakeholders, identify barriers to student achievement, analyze data, and problem-solve strategically
• Strong written and oral communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders

POSITION OVERVIEW: 
The Director of Language Acquisition provides district-level leadership and vision for language acquisition and multilingual education to ensure equitable access, high-quality instruction, and improved learning outcomes for all students. This role oversees the development, implementation, and evaluation of programs supporting multilingual learners, including Spanish Dual Language Two-Way and One-Way Immersion programs, Transitional Bilingual Education (TBE), Transitional Program of Instruction (TPI), and world language programs.. 

In addition, the Director of Language Acquisition supports the Chinese Immersion program, ensuring alignment with district goals and compliance with all applicable state and federal requirements. Working collaboratively with building leaders and district departments, this position advances coherent, research-based language acquisition practices across the district.

REPORTS TO: 
Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning 

SUPERVISES:
OWI Teachers, Spanish Dual Language Teachers, Chinese Immersion Teachers, Multilingual Learner Teachers
(Direct and shared supervision in collaboration with principals and department chairs)

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Program Leadership & Oversight:

• Provide leadership and oversight for Spanish Dual Language Two-Way and One-Way Immersion, Chinese Immersion, TBE, TPI, and World Language programs. 
• Ensure high-quality curriculum, instruction, assessment, and professional learning aligned with district goals and best practices.
• Ensure all language acquisition programs comply with state and federal laws, regulations, and guidance.
• Develop and implement systems to evaluate program effectiveness, including analysis of student achievement and language proficiency data.
• Design and oversee programming that supports pathways to the Seal of Biliteracy.

Instructional Leadership & Professional Learning:

• Provide vision and leadership for effective instructional practices that support multilingual learners across grade levels.
• Plan, coordinate, and facilitate professional learning for educators related to language acquisition, immersion models, and culturally responsive practices.
• Coach, support, and mentor educators working with multilingual learners, including new teachers.
• Stay current with research, trends, and best practices in language acquisition and multilingual education and apply findings to district programming.

Assessment and Compliance:

• Oversee the administration of language proficiency assessments, including ACCESS, WIDA Screener, STAMP, and other required assessments.
• Ensure accurate implementation of assessment procedures and appropriate use of results to inform instruction and placement.
• Prepare and submit required state and federal reports for grants and compliance monitoring related to multilingual education and language acquisition programs.

Collaboration & District Alignment:

• Collaborate with district and school administrators to ensure equitable services and consistent program implementation across schools. 
• Coordinate with district departments to support effective communication, alignment of services, and family engagement, including family liaison supports.
• Serve as a liaison to key committees, including the Bilingual Parent Advisory Council (BPAC), District Equity Team, and Framework 220 teams. 

Grant Management:

• Administer Title-funded programs and corresponding grants, including budgeting, implementation, reporting, and compliance monitoring.

Community and Family Engagement:

• Foster strong partnerships with families and engage them as active partners in their children’s language acquisition and academic success.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Perform other duties and assume additional responsibilities as assigned by the Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning.

PHYSICAL & WORK ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS:

This position requires advanced cognitive, organizational, and interpersonal skills to lead complex districtwide programs and initiatives. The role involves extensive use of computers and office technology; frequent meetings; collaboration across schools, departments, and community partners; and regular travel between district buildings. Occasional evening commitments may be required to support district initiatives, professional learning, and family engagement. The position may involve light lifting (up to 25 lbs.), prolonged periods of sitting or standing, and frequent walking.

GENERAL COMMENTS:

The Director of Language Acquisition is a key member of the district’s Teaching and Learning leadership team. The position requires strong instructional leadership, strategic thinking, collaboration, and a commitment to equity and continuous improvement. Professional judgment, discretion, and the ability to balance districtwide priorities with building-level needs are essential to success in this role.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: (Completed by Office of Human Resources)

Days

260 days

Salary Placement Range

$140,000 - $155,000
Starting placement within the range is based on qualifications and experience.

Benefits

D220 Benefits

Status

Administrator

January 2026