Introduction

The Maryland State Department of Education is dedicated to supporting a world-class educational system that prepares all students for college and career success in the 21st century. With excellent stewardship from our divisions, we oversee State and federal programs that support the needs of a diverse population – students, teachers, principals, and other educators throughout Maryland.
GRADE
State
Salary Grade 21
Salary
Range: $78,749 - $126,912
LOCATION OF POSITION
Nancy
S. Grasmick Education Building
200
West Baltimore Street
Baltimore,
MD 21201
Main Purpose of Job
The World Language Specialist provides
visionary leadership, consultation, content area expertise, technical
assistance, and supports the development and implementation of all statewide
initiatives related to world language education from prekindergarten through
12th grade in Maryland public schools. The Specialist will work towards
ensuring that all students in Maryland have access to and excel in
best-in-class world language programs designed to elevate high levels of
proficiency in multiple languages and support and sustain multilingualism.
By providing evidence-based knowledge,
professional learning, and collaboration, the World Language Specialist will
play a pivotal role in building the capacity of local education agencies (LEAs)
to embrace world languages as an integral component of instruction. This
position will manage the development and deployment of high-quality
research-based professional learning supports to Maryland’s local education
agencies (LEAs) to implement innovative school models, programs, and master
schedules that support all students will focus on supporting and accelerating
student achievement and prepare students to be college and career ready,
especially those students who have been historically underserved. The Specialist will collaborate with the
Director of Multilingual Learners and the Multilingual Learners team to support
the development and implementation of the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future's English
Learner Workgroup's recommendations to accelerate the education of English
learners across Maryland.
The
World Language Specialist assists with the development and deployment of best
in class, research-based support to LEA and early childhood education providers
to implement comprehensive and equitable policies, programs, and practices
aligned to Maryland’s content standards. This position will assist in designing
and facilitating high-quality professional learning to build LEA capacity to
develop and implement evidence-based, equitable, and best in class programs,
services, instructional practices, and policies. This position supports the
Maryland State Department of Education’s (MSDE’s) efforts in implementing the
multiyear strategic plan and the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future and supports
collaboration with diverse communities and organizations to analyze programs
and strategies that promote culturally responsive teaching practices and best
in class, research-based college and career readiness pathways.
POSITION DUTIES
Implements
and monitors best in class initiatives related to the effective integration of
World Language Programs in PreK-12 teaching and learning.
- Engages
with State and national colleagues and collaborates with local school system
supervisors and teachers in the revision and evaluation of standards and
policies related to World Language Programs.
- Builds
strong relationships with LEAs and identifies and creates resources for world
language supervisors, teachers, and other stakeholders to fulfill unique needs
across the State.
- Attends
and presents at world language collaborative meetings to demonstrate the
effective selection and integration of world language resources into content.
- Collaborates
with LEA world language liaisons and MSDE colleagues on the effective
integration of world language programs to support and accelerate student
learning, especially with historically underserved student groups.
- Supports
the Maryland Seal of Biliteracy program in collaboration with LEAs and Institutions
of Higher Education to encourage students to pursue biliteracy and to recognize
students attaining proficiency in two or more languages by high school
graduation.
- Provides
technical assistance and program
support, internal to external stakeholders on initiatives related to World
Language Programs including early childhood education providers to integrate
lessons with developmentally appropriate world language education.
- Develops
and coordinates professional learning and coaching to ensure the operationalization
of world language instructional best practices within LEAs and responds to
requests for information related to world language
programs.
- Encourages knowledge-sharing, idea
exchange, and peer support to build a culture of continuous learning and
improvement in world language education and assists in designing, implementing,
and evaluating high-quality professional learning activities regarding existing
and emerging world language programs.
- Supports MSDE
divisions and offices with the implementation of MSDE’s multiyear strategic plan and the
Blueprint for Maryland’s Future.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education: A
Master’s degree or the equivalent of 36 credit hours of post-baccalaureate
coursework in Education, Foreign Language-World Language Education, or a
related field.
Experience: Four years of
administrative or teaching (school-based or district-based) experience in,
or affiliated with, an education program involving World Languages,
Foreign Language Programs, International and Foreign Language Education, or a
related field.
Notes:
- Candidates may
substitute a Bachelor's Degree with 6 years of the specified content experience
to satisfy the Minimum Qualifications noted above.
- Candidates may substitute the possession of a
Doctorate degree from an accredited college or university in a field related to
the position option for one year of the required experience.
- The required field of education and experience are
unique for each option and are established by MSDE in accordance
with Education Article, Section 2-104 of the Annotated Code of Maryland.
The specific education and experience qualifications for each position are
on record in the Human Resource Management Branch of the Division of
Business Services.
- Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military
service experience as a commissioned officer in Education Program
classifications or Education Program specialty codes in the Education
field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience and
education.
SELECTIVE QUALIFICATIONS
One year of teaching experience in a World Language or Foreign Language
Education program.
DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Preference will be given to applicants
who possess the following preferred qualification(s). Please include clear and
specific information on your application regarding your qualifications.
- Knowledge
of prekindergarten through grade World Language
or Foreign Language Education programs and curriculum.
- Knowledge
of standards, trends, regulations, policies, and effective instruction and
assessment in World Languages or Foreign
Language Education.
- Knowledge
of Biliteracy Programs, Maryland College and Career Readiness Pathway Standards
and/or State and national standards, trends, regulations, policies, and issues
affecting World Language or Foreign Language
Education.
- Skill
in implementing, monitoring, evaluating, and providing high-quality and service-level-based
support and technical assistance for education programs.
- Skill
collaborating with diverse communities and organizations for the purpose of
implementing programs and strategies.
- Skill
in developing and delivering research-based and best-in-class professional
development programs.
- Ability
to organize and manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
- Ability
to interpret and apply learning standards, policies, and regulations.
- Ability
to work as a team member and establish and maintain effective working
relationships.
- Ability
to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Applicants
must consent to State and FBI (CJIS) background check as a routine procedure
for all employees.
SELECTION PROCESS
Please make
sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that
you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. All information concerning
your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. Successful
candidates will be ranked as Best Qualified, Better Qualified, or Qualified.
The resulting list of qualified candidates will be in effect for at least one
year.
BENEFITS
FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS
Applicants
must complete the MD State Government online application for employment and
submit
their professional resume. The application and resume must clearly
demonstrate that the applicant satisfies the minimum qualifications for the
position. Applications must be complete to be considered including all related
job duties, even if those are also listed on an attached resume. Additional
required materials may be uploaded with the online application, submitted to
the fax number, or mailed to the address listed.
If you are
unable to apply online, paper applications can be obtained from the link below
and be faxed to 410-333-8950 or mailed to MSDE Office of Human Resources, 200
W. Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201. If there is a supplemental
questionnaire, this must be completed and sent in with your paper application.
Postmarks will not be accepted.
Inquiries
can be made to 410-767-0019, TDD 410-333-3045. Appropriate accommodations can
be made for individuals with disabilities. If you have difficulty with your
user account or have general questions about this online application system,
please contact the MD Department of Budget and Management, Recruitment and
Examination Division at 410-767-4850. TTY Users: Call via Maryland Relay.
Proof of
eligibility to work is required in compliance with the Immigration Reform and
Control Act. Any misrepresentation of academic or experience requirements for
this position may result in non-selection or termination of employment.
As an equal
opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining, and
promoting employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity. Individuals
with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. We thank
our Veterans for their service to our country.
All
application materials must be received in our office by the Closing Date.
Appropriate accommodations
for individuals with disabilities are available upon request.