Position Title: Multilingual English Learner (MEL) Specialist Position
(MEL instructional coaching assignment covers multiple elementary schools starting 2025-2026 school year)
Department: Student Services - Federal Programs - Title III Dept.
Position Overview
The purpose of the Multilingual English Learner (MEL) Specialist is to strengthen instructional practices and school systems that support the academic and language development of Multilingual English learners across the Tooele County School District. This role focuses on implementing research-based English language acquisition programs, providing instructional coaching, and facilitating professional learning aligned with TESOL, WIDA, and Title III standards. The MEL Specialist collaborates with educators, administrators, MEL Building Facilitators, and other district/school personnel to strengthen school-based MEL systems of support, ensure accurate student identification and placement, promote high-quality language instructional programs, and build capacity for effective MEL program implementation. Through strategic coaching, training, and advocacy support, the MEL Specialist plays a key role in building a school’s capacity to meet the diverse needs of MEL students.
* Additional inquiries regarding this position can be directed to Stephanie Rowley, Federal Programs Director, [email protected].
Key Responsibilities
- Demonstrate a commitment to professional growth and ethical standards to advance the mission, goals, and policies of Tooele County School District.
- Work under the direction of the Federal Programs Director to support and build the capacity of schools to improve MEL outcomes through professional learning/instructional coaching, compliance/accountability, and school systems collaboration (including other duties as assigned).
Professional Learning/Instructional Coaching
- Knowledgeable with: TESOL Standards, WIDA Language Standards, Utah State Title III Plan, and Federal ESSA Title III Law.
- Facilitate in-person and asynchronous learning opportunities within the TCSD Competency-Based ESL Endorsement Program and support teacher cohort participants in completing the ESL Endorsement requirements.
- Provide information and conduct high-quality staff development opportunities in best practices for differentiated and integrated MEL instructional strategies.
- Engages in English Learner instructional coaching cycles by conferencing and planning with teachers, modeling and observing classroom instruction, debriefing and guiding reflection, all aligned to the TCSD Instructional Framework and state-adopted WIDA English Language Development Standards.
Compliance/Accountability
- Work collaboratively with individual school testing teams to organize and administer district and state-required MEL language proficiency assessments.
- Provide training and support to educators and administrators in developing and implementing Individual Language Development Plans (ILDPs) that address the specific linguistic needs of MEL students.
- Leverage multiple data systems—including ELLevation, Skyward, and relevant assessment platforms—to monitor multilingual learner progress, identify trends, and support educators, paraprofessionals, and administrators in using assessment data to inform targeted instruction and intervention strategies.
- Participate in district-level meetings and other school-level meetings.
School Systems Collaboration and Capacity Building
- Collaborate with school site teachers of MEL students, MEL Building Facilitators, administrators, and other professional staff to leverage their MEL school system of support.
- Consult with administrators and other specialists for 1) providing an effective MEL school system of support and 2) ensuring that appropriate student identification, placement, services, and accommodations occur through proper processes and documentation.
- Collaborate, train, and support schools' MEL Building Facilitators in their roles as school advocates for MEL students and the MEL program processes.
- Support and guide the schools’ capacity in coordinating and offering school-based home and family engagement activities, and inviting families of MEL students to attend/participate in school meetings and functions.
- Respond to inquiries from various sources (e.g., other teachers, parents, administrators, etc.) to resolve issues and provide information and/or direction to support ongoing MEL needs and processes at the school and district level.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities - Strong understanding of TESOL, WIDA, and Title III standards and practices
- Ability to work collaboratively in fast-paced, dynamic environments
- Skilled in instructional coaching, data analysis, and program implementation
- Excellent communication, organization, and problem-solving skills
- Proficient in scheduling, training, and using educational data systems
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and build constructive relationships
- Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and work across diverse school settings
Qualifications Required:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Current Utah Professional Teaching License
- ESL Endorsement (must be attached to license and application)
- Minimum of 4 years of successful teaching experience
Preferred:
- Master’s degree in a related field
Contract Details - Full-time certified teaching position
- Certified Salary Schedule
- Benefits Eligible
