Specialist - ELAD (English Language Acquisition) - Teaching and Learning 2025-2026

• Forbes named Mesa Public Schools in their list of 2024 Best Employers in Arizona.
• East Valley Tribune names Mesa Public Schools as Best Place to Work in East Valley for multiple years.

Full-time

Base Salary:

$77303.00

Calendar:

Certified Exempt 261 workdays

Benefits:

Vacation sick leave holidays matched retirement through the Arizona State Retirement System health and life insurance

Performance Pay:

Available annually

New Hire Experience:

$500 for each full-time year of certified teaching or verified like experience beyond the five year requirement

New Hire Education:

$65/hour of graduate level credits: BA 45 hours max MA 60 hours max $1000 for advanced degrees

Job Summary:

The Specialist for the English Language Acquisition Department (ELAD) facilitates processes and procedures for the ELAD program; collaborates with school personnel to facilitate English learner instruction to increase student outcomes provides guidance direction and instruction to school sites and is a liaison between MPS and the Arizona Department of Education.

Candidates must complete anon-lineapplication which requires appropriate Arizona certification valid IVP Arizona fingerprint clearance card evidence of highly qualified status three letters of recommendation and transcript of credits.

Key Responsibilities:

This section outlines the primary duties and key responsibilities required for this role detailing the essential tasks and functions necessary to perform the job successfully with or without reasonable accommodations.

• Develop and implement systems for assessing ELAD program strengths needs and effectiveness.
• Design and implement program models that align with district and federal requirements.
• Coordinate the collection analysis and use of data (e.g. site action plans surveys evaluations) to inform program improvement.
• Design and facilitate training for certified and classified staff to build capacity for English learner success.
• Provide targeted coaching and support to site teams to improve instruction for English learners.
• Partner with site leaders teachers and other departments to improve student achievement outcomes for English learners.
• Collaborate with school staff to plan and deliver parent and family engagement programs that support language development and student success.
• Build partnerships with community organizations to extend program impact and access.
• Oversee the distribution and implementation of ELAD instructional materials including training on effective use.
• Identify and curate content for district staff and community-facing platforms (e.g. ELAD website)
• Monitor implementation of ELAD-related district initiatives and staff practices to ensure alignment with policy and program goals.
• Represent the ELAD department in district and state-level meetings trainings and collaborative planning sessions.
• Maintain a professional demeanor and contribute to a culture of continuous improvement.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by administration
• Assists with other assigned duties as appropriate to the area of assignment and Mesa Public Schools.

Required Qualifications:

To be eligible for this position an applicant must meet the following required qualifications. Verification of these required qualifications is necessary.

Education:

• Bachelors Degree education linguistics English as a Second Language (ESL) bilingual education or a closely related field.
• Masters Degree in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) applied linguistics curriculum and instruction or a related area preferred
• Valid State of Arizona administrative certification completed or in progress preferred

Experience:

• Minimum five years successful classroom teaching experience
• Evidence of at least three (3) years of successful leadership experience at school and/or district level preferred
• Experience designing or implementing curricula that support English language acquisition
• Leadership experience in managing ESL or bilingual education programs may be required for specialist or administrative roles.

Skills & Competencies:

This section outlines the critical skills and competencies required to excel in this role enabling effective performance adaptability and consistent achievement of job responsibilities.

• Models the attributes and skills of the MPS Portrait of a Graduate.
• Demonstrates commitment to the MPS Promise that every student is known by name served by strength and need and graduates ready for college career and community.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Demonstrates exceptional verbal and written communication skills tailored to diverse audiences.
• Builds collaborative relationships with school personnel families and community partners to support program success.
• Applies deep knowledge of English language acquisition to support instructional improvement and program development.
• Effectively plans delivers and evaluates professional learning for certified and classified staff.
• Exhibits strong organizational and time management skills to coordinate complex projects across multiple school sites.
  Interprets and applies district state and federal policies related to EL programs with accuracy and clarity.
• Utilizes digital tools and software (e.g. Microsoft Office Suite data dashboards) to analyze information and communicate effectively.
• Leverages data to inform decisions guide instructional strategies and monitor program effectiveness.
• Demonstrates adaptability and professionalism in a dynamic educational environment.
• Willing to work flexible hours including evenings weekends and summer to meet program and stakeholder needs.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements:

This section outlines the work environment and physical conditions associated with this role. It includes information on whether the job involves working in an office classroom or other settings and if there are physical activities like standing walking or lifting.

• Primarily in schools district offices or educational training facilities.
• Time spent in an office for administrative tasks such as planning data analysis and program documentation
• Travel may be required for site visits conferences or community engagement especially if overseeing multiple schools or districts.
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods during meetings workshops or desk work
• Frequent use of computers tablets and other devices for presentations data analysis and communication
• Occasional lifting or carrying of materials (e.g. training supplies books technology) weighing up to 25 pounds

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:

Mesa Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal state and local laws regarding equal employment opportunity and anti-discrimination. The District strictly prohibits and does not tolerate discrimination against employees applicants or any other covered persons because of race color religion creed national origin or ancestry ethnicity sex (including gender pregnancy sexual orientation and gender identity) age physical or mental disability citizenship past current or prospective service in the uniformed services genetic information or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal state or local law.

Applicants and employees may contact Human Resources to request reasonable accommodations needed to perform the essential functions of this position.

Required Experience:

Unclear Seniority