Department Lead for World Language

POSITION:             Department Lead for World Language 

START DATE:        July 1, 2026

LENGTH:                225-day contract

SALARY:                $104,000 - $130,000 (based on experience)

DESCRIPTION:        

The Department Lead reports directly to the principal and or designee.  The Department Lead provides leadership and direction for all departmental instructional programs including professional development.  The Department Lead serves as an advisor to the Principal and Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum, Instruction, and Professional Development. 

MAJOR POLICY RESPONSIBILITY:    

The Department Lead is responsible for ensuring that all instructional programs are administered in concert with the policies established by the Board of Education and the state and federal governments.  The Lead is also expected to make recommendations to the principal for policy creation, revision, and deletion as related to his/her department.

KEY FUNCTIONS:

Curriculum and Instruction:

Authority/Responsibility - Supervise the development, implementation, and evaluation of equity-centered and culturally responsive curriculum and instructional programs.

Representative Activities

1. Leads the development, implementation and monitoring of curriculum in department
2. Build the capacity of department faculty to implement recommended instructional practices that promote high learning outcomes for all students in a culturally responsive and inclusive learning environment.
3. Monitors the departmental data and assessments to help ascertain the quality of the instructional program through common assessments
4. Articulates curriculum with elementary districts and post-secondary institutions.
5. Research and stay up to date on recommended practices in subject area content, grading and reporting practices, social-emotional learning standards, and standards-based learning.
6. Selects and recommends instructional resources for adoption to the Director of Curriculum and Instruction.
7. Promote continuous improvement of student learning through effective PLC structures.

Departmental Leadership:

Authority/Responsibility - Provide instructional leadership that promotes the district's vision, mission, and strategic priorities.

Representative Activities:

1. Leads an equity-centered vision for teaching and learning in the department
2. Leads regular meetings to improve the instructional program.
3. Fosters a sense of community and belonging to increase the psychological safety of faculty and staff
4. Serves as the department liaison in the areas of complaint management, conflict resolution, and academic inquiries
5. Participates in local, state and national organizations related to the academic area and curriculum and instruction
6. Develops PLC/Collaborative Team Leads within the department based on school PLC practices   
7. Serves as the EL Coordinator for the district: Identifies and places EL students correctly, oversees bilingual/ESL services, manages ACCESS/WIDA and exit decisions, ensures parent notices, records, and reporting are compliant, supports staffing and professional development, and serves as the district compliance lead with ISBE.

Personnel:

Authority/Responsibility - Supervise all personnel activities within the department.

Representative Activities:

1. Evaluates, supervises and makes departmental employment recommendations.
2. Recruit, hire, and retain staff using processes that promote equity, diversity, inclusion and transparency.
3. Proactively manage workload assignments for faculty and staff members,
4. Recommends, implements and evaluates professional learning programs for departmental faculty and staff.
5. Coordinates the placement of student teachers and clinical observations within the department.
6. Provides staff with multiple opportunities for growth.

Operational Management:

Authority/Responsibility - Coordinate the development of day-to-day operational tasks and departmental resources.