Associate Director of Multilingual Learner Programs

At Rocketship Public Schools, we believe in the infinite possibility of human potential. We believe that every student deserves the right to dream, to discover, and to develop their unique potential and it is our responsibility and our privilege to unleash the potential inside every Rocketeer we serve. Our non-profit network of public elementary charter schools propels student achievement, develops exceptional educators, and partners with parents who enable high-quality public schools to thrive in their community. We are a collective of parents, teachers, leaders, and students working together to transform the future for underserved communities across our country. At Rocketship Public Schools, we are unleashing potential.

Position Description

The Coaching and Curriculum team is seeking an experienced and highly skilled Associate Director of Multilingual Learners (MLL) Programs to support high-quality, rigorous, and equitable language development and literacy instruction for multilingual learners across Rocketship Tennessee schools.

This role partners closely with Tennessee regional and school leaders to strengthen instructional practice, ensure effective implementation of multilingual learner programs, and improve outcomes for emergent bilingual students. The Associate Director of Multilingual Learners provides direct instructional leadership and coaching support to 3–5 Tennessee schools, ensuring alignment between language development, literacy instruction, and Rocketship’s Core Model. The role works closely with regional leadership and school-based instructional teams and reports to the Senior Director of Schools.

Below are the essential functions

Coaching & Leader Development Build instructional capacity among Tennessee school leaders and instructional leaders to effectively serve multilingual learners. Provide direct coaching to school leaders and instructional leaders focused on language development, sheltered instruction, and culturally responsive practices Observe classroom instruction and planning, delivering actionable feedback aligned to multilingual learner best practices and Rocketship’s instructional vision Partner with leaders to strengthen their ability to coach teachers supporting emergent bilingual students

Program Implementation & Fidelity Ensure strong implementation of Rocketship’s multilingual learner program and language development model across supported Tennessee schools. Ensure strong implementation of Rocketship’s multilingual learner program, including oversight of Individualized Language Plans (ILPs), progress monitoring, and instructional fidelity across supported Tennessee schools. Monitor and support compliance with state, district, and federal requirements, including ML identification, enrollment, documentation, and reporting timelines. Lead regional coordination and compliance for ELPA21 assessment planning, administration, and monitoring in alignment with district and TDOE expectations. Partner with school leaders, district teams, and SIS partners to ensure accurate placement, data integrity, and high-quality multilingual services. Develop and curate pacing guidance, tools, exemplars, and professional learning resources to strengthen multilingual instruction and implementation.

Progress Monitoring & Instructional Effectiveness Monitor the effectiveness of multilingual learner program implementation and student language development outcomes. Drive on data driven action planning and use of language proficiency assessments, literacy data, and classroom observation tools Analyze priority data to identify trends in language acquisition, instructional effectiveness, and program implementation Share clear insights and recommendations with Tennessee regional leaders to inform coaching, planning, and targeted support

Regional Collaboration, Vision & Goal-Setting Partner with Tennessee regional leadership to align on vision, priorities, and goals for multilingual learner programming. Collaborate with regional leaders to define and refine the Tennessee multilingual learner instructional vision and success metrics Support schools in setting goals for language development and monitoring progress toward shared outcomes Partner with regional teams and the broader Academics team to ensure alignment between multilingual learner programming, literacy instruction, and Rocketship’s Core Model

Professional Development & Regional Learning Design and facilitate professional learning experiences focused on high-quality instruction for multilingual learners. Design and lead engaging professional development for Tennessee teachers, school leaders, and instructional staff on language development and instructional best practices Identify regional professional learning priorities using qualitative and quantitative data Support and lead on summer professional development and start-of-year learning experiences for Tennessee schools in addition to yearlong development opportunities at both a regional and school level

Core Characteristics

Successful candidates will demonstrate Rocketship’s core characteristics in their leadership and instructional practice

Pursuit of Excellence – Continuously improves outcomes through data, feedback, and reflective practice Authenticity – Leads with transparency, humility, and alignment to Rocketship’s values Community – Builds strong relationships and values collective impact across schools and teams Tenacity – Relentlessly pursues instructional goals in service of student success Innovation – Challenges the status quo and takes responsible risks to improve instruction

Qualifications

Experience 3–5 years of progressively responsible experience in multilingual learner programming, curriculum development, instructional leadership, or school administration At least 3 years of K–5 lead teaching experience, preferably including multilingual learners, with evidence of strong student outcomes At least 1 year of experience coaching and leading adults in a school or instructional leadership role Experience implementing and coaching on high-quality language development or literacy programs for multilingual learners preferred Skills Strong instructional coaching and adult learning facilitation skills Deep understanding of language acquisition, culturally responsive instruction, and inclusive instructional practices Strong analytical skills with the ability to use data to drive instructional decisions Strong communication skills Excellent organizational and project management skills Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment Ability to influence without direct authority Proficiency with Google Workspace Education Bachelor’s degree required Master’s degree preferred (Education, TESOL, Bilingual Education, or a related field)