ML Specialist

With our elementary campus located in the historic U Street Corridor of downtown Washington, DC, and our Middle School Campus located between the Petworth and Columbia Heights neighborhoods, Meridians Campuses are both located in vibrant neighborhoods known for their rich cultural history, diverse dining options, and bustling small business community. The ML Specialist serves as both a direct service provider and program coordinator, ensuring that multilingual learners receive high-quality language instruction and equitable access to grade-level curriculum while maintaining compliance with federal, state, and local requirements.

ABOUT MERIDIAN PCS

Founded in 1999 by a group of dedicated volunteers, Meridian Public Charter School is one of Washington, DC’s oldest continuously operating public charter schools. Serving students in grades K–8, Meridian has a long-standing reputation for academic excellence, innovation, and a deep commitment to educating the whole child through its academic approach - Language, Literacy, and the Arts.

Meridian operates across two campuses (Elementary and Middle), housed in historic buildings that reflect the school’s deep roots in the city. With our elementary campus located in the historic U Street Corridor of downtown Washington, DC, and our Middle School Campus located between the Petworth and Columbia Heights neighborhoods, Meridians Campuses are both located in vibrant neighborhoods known for their rich cultural history, diverse dining options, and bustling small business community.

WHAT NEW STAFF CAN EXPECT

Meridian is deeply committed to attracting and retaining talented educators and professionals who believe in equity, growth, and impact. New staff join a collaborative, mission-driven environment where expectations are clear, support is intentional, and leadership is encouraged at every level.

Staff can expect:

• Competitive pay and benefits within the DC public charter landscape
• Ongoing professional development and instructional coaching
• A culture rooted in curiosity, resilience, and leadership
• Thoughtful onboarding and systems designed to support effectiveness and growth

A SCHOOL THAT STANDS OUT

What truly distinguishes Meridian among DC public charter schools is its ability to blend academic rigor, artistic expression, community connection, and educator investment within a historic and dynamic urban setting. Meridian is a place where students are known, staff are supported, families are valued, and learning is driven by purpose. Together, Meridian’s students, families, and staff form a vibrant learning community; committed to excellence, grounded in equity, and united by a shared belief in what’s possible when Arts, Language, and Literacy lead the way. Join us as we continue to take Meridian from good to great! For additional information about Meridian visit mpcs-dc.org. 

ABOUT THE POSITION

Meridian Public Charter School is seeking an ML Specialist for the 2026–2027 school year. The ML Specialist serves as both a direct service provider and program coordinator, ensuring that multilingual learners receive high-quality language instruction and equitable access to grade-level curriculum while maintaining compliance with federal, state, and local requirements.

As a member of the Student Support Team, the ML Specialist supports multilingual learners across PK3–8 through direct instruction, progress monitoring, family engagement, collaboration with staff, and oversight of key multilingual learner processes. The ideal candidate is an organized, student-centered educator passionate about supporting multilingual learners and their families while strengthening and expanding Meridian’s multilingual learner program.

This position reports to the Director of the Student Support Team. The ML Specialist will be responsible for duties in the following areas:

Instruction and Student Support

• Provide direct English language development instruction through push-in, pull-out, small-group, and co-teaching models
• Support multilingual learners in accessing grade-level curriculum and developing academic language proficiency
• Collaborate with classroom teachers to implement language supports and accommodations
• Develop and implement Language Learning Plans
• Monitor student academic and language development progress
• Participate in Student Support Team meetings and collaborate with staff to address student needs

Program Coordination and Compliance

• Monitor Home Language Surveys and identify students who may qualify for multilingual learner services
• Coordinate multilingual learner identification, screening, placement, and reclassification processes
• Maintain accurate multilingual learner rosters and service records
• Review ACCESS scores and language proficiency data
• Coordinate WIDA Screener administration
• Manage multilingual learner compliance requirements
• Monitor exited multilingual learners
• Maintain records related to service delivery, testing, and family communication

Assessment and Progress Monitoring

• Coordinate ACCESS for ELLs administration and related logistics
• Analyze language proficiency and academic data to inform programming
• Coordinate benchmark writing assessments
• Prepare and distribute language progress reports
• Monitor completion of required progress monitoring activities

Family Engagement and Communication

• Serve as a primary point of contact for multilingual learner families
• Conduct newcomer intake meetings and orientation processes
• Communicate regularly with families regarding services, assessment results, and student progress
• Translate and distribute multilingual learner documents and communications
• Connect families with school and community resources

Collaboration and Program Development

• Collaborate with teachers, administrators, and support staff to strengthen instructional practices
• Provide guidance regarding language accommodations and instructional strategies
• Support schoolwide efforts related to language access and multilingual learner inclusion
• Coordinate multilingual learner recognition activities and events
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of the multilingual learner program
• Perform other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred
• Experience teaching multilingual learners in an elementary and/or middle school setting
• Knowledge of second language acquisition and effective instructional practices for multilingual learners
• Experience using student data to inform instruction and monitor progress
• Familiarity with WIDA standards, ACCESS for ELLs, WIDA Screener, and multilingual learner compliance requirements
• Strong organizational, communication, and collaboration skills
• Ability to build positive relationships with students, families, and staff
• Commitment to educational equity and supporting diverse student populations

OTHER PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience coordinating multilingual learner programs or services
• Experience working in a PK3–8 setting
• Bilingual proficiency

SALARY & BENEFITS

This is a full-time, 12-month position. Meridian teachers and staff are compensated competitively for their time and have opportunities to earn additional income through leadership opportunities at the school level, offering extracurricular clubs and sports for students, and facilitating tutoring programs. Compensation for the ML Specialist will be based on certifications, level of education, and years of experience. Additional information about Meridian’s competitive benefits package can be found on the Meridian website.

HOW TO APPLY

Do you embody a love of learning? Do you believe in the importance of educating the whole child? Do you want to help Meridian continue to grow from good to great? Apply today!

NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE. 



Meridian Public Charter School is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The School’s EEO policy prohibits discrimination in employment based on race, color, religion, national origin, disability, sex, age, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. Meridian PCS prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities and will reasonably accommodate applicants with a disability, upon request, and will also ensure reasonable accommodation for employees with a disability. Under this policy, equal employment opportunity is required in recruitment, hiring, training and development, promotion, termination, compensation, benefits, and all other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment as required by applicable law.

Requirements:

None