Executive Director of English Language Services, Allentown School District

About this role

About Allentown School District
Allentown School District (ASD) is one of the largest K-12 districts in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, proudly serving approximately 16,700 students across 25 schools. Founded in 1828, the district is a dynamic, thriving and diverse place where over 25 languages are spoken. With a vision of being a learning community that cultivates positive relationships and offers rigorous and meaningful curricula, and a mission of meeting the unique educational needs of each student by igniting their passion for learning and fostering an academic culture, the 2,500 teachers and staff at ASD take pride in their central role in shaping the future by nurturing the minds of students through an unparalleled educational experience.
About the Executive Director of English Language Services
Reporting to the Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer, the Executive Director of English Learner Services is a key member of the Superintendent’s Executive Leadership Team. This role provides strategic, visionary, and forward-thinking leadership for the Office of English Learner Education Programs and the Newcomer Academies. The Executive Director is responsible for the educational performance and programmatic excellence of Allentown School District’s bilingual, ESL, and World Language programs and ensuring all English Learners have access to high-quality instruction, equitable services, and a clear pathway to academic success. This leader monitors data systems to meet state and federal mandates, oversees compliance, and serves as a critical bridge between the district and the linguistically and culturally diverse communities ASD proudly serves.
What You’ll Do (“Key Responsibilities”)
Provide strategic leadership, direction, and supervision both personally and through curriculum specialists and supervisors for all bilingual, ESL, and World Language programs across the district.
Develop and refine the philosophy, policies, and operating procedures for bilingual education, ESL, and World Language programs in alignment with district policies, Pennsylvania state statutes, and federal law.
Oversee the day-to-day operations of the Office of English Learner Education Programs, including ELL placement, language assessment and monitoring, curriculum development, and supervision of bilingual, ESL, and World Language staff.
Monitor the language acquisition and academic achievement of English Learners from point of entry through program exit, ensuring students meet state and federal Annual Measurable Achievement Objectives.
Hold quarterly meetings with bilingual and ESL principals to disseminate information and provide professional development on programmatic and compliance matters, including Title III requirements.
Develop, monitor, and manage the office budget and Title III budget to adequately meet personnel and programmatic needs; participate in the development of the district’s ESEA Consolidated Plan.
Collaborate with the Assessment Office on academic and language assessment requirements and mandates for English Learners.
Partner with the Department of Learning and Teaching to ensure equitable participation of linguistically and culturally diverse students in all district curricular activities and to support professional development for their teachers.
Advocate for and expand services for linguistically and culturally diverse populations across Special Education, Title I, Gifted & Talented, IB, AP, and other district initiatives.
Initiate and promote innovative programs for linguistically and culturally diverse student populations, responding proactively to shifting community demographics and student needs.
Build and maintain collaborative relationships with community organizations, civic groups, institutions of higher education, and community-based agencies that serve linguistically and culturally diverse families.
Collaborate with central services departments to ensure all compliance requirements are met in a timely and accurate manner.
Work with the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) on policies, procedures, reports, and grants pertaining to the Bilingual Education Program.
Serve as a member of the Superintendent’s Executive Leadership Team, providing counsel and contributing to district-wide strategic priorities.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Superintendent or Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer.
Requirements
Skills You’ll Need to be Successful (“Core Competencies”)
Strategic Leadership
Proven ability to lead a complex, multi-program office with strategic vision and operational discipline.
Experience serving on an executive leadership team and contributing to district-wide decision making at the highest levels.
Ability to advocate boldly for underserved student populations and drive systemic change on their behalf.
Comfortable managing compliance, policy, and program responsibilities simultaneously across a large urban district.
Instructional & Program Expertise
Deep knowledge of bilingual education, ESL program models, World Language instruction, and Dual Language programming.
Expertise in English Learner language acquisition research, instructional best practices, and state and federal compliance requirements including Title III and ESEA.
Experience developing and delivering professional development that meaningfully improves instruction for English Learners.
Ability to use data systems to monitor ELL language development and academic progress and adjust programming accordingly.
People & Communication
Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust and strong working relationships across schools, departments, and the broader community.
Communicates clearly, persuasively, and with cultural humility — written and verbal — across diverse audiences including families, community partners, and district leadership.
Skilled at facilitating meetings, presenting to stakeholders, and translating complex compliance requirements into accessible…