ANTICIPATED OPENING: Program Coordinator- Adult Education

South Portland Adult Education is a member of the statewide system of more than 100 connected adult learning programs and centers across the state of Maine. SPAE offers programming in four major categories:

• ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) courses provide adult multilingual learners quality study and practice in English speaking, reading, writing, and listening skills.
• Workforce Training courses help prepare adult learners by providing the modern skills training necessary for new careers, promotions, and other career advancement.
• College Transitions courses and advising, under the umbrella of the Maine College and Career Access program, assist adults of all ages wishing to make the transition into college-level courses.
• HiSET®, the High School Equivalency test for the state of Maine, helps adults complete their high school education and move forward in their college and career goals.

South Portland Adult Education believes that all adult learners are able to obtain the knowledge and skills necessary for post-secondary education, career, and citizenship. Adult learners of all backgrounds are welcomed, included, and respected as they participate in relevant and accessible high quality learning experiences to help them reach their fullest potential.

STATEMENT OF JOB:

Anticipated Opening Pending Grant Funding: South Portland Adult Education seeks a Program Coordinator to help the program expand and operate effectively. The Program Coordinator will assist the Director in the overall operation of the adult education program through planning, promoting, organizing, and administering assigned programs. The position will specifically focus on the English language acquisition and workforce programs. The Program Coordinator develops and coordinates new programs, supports teachers, assists with student recruitment and retention, enrollment, data management, marketing, and education program logistics. This is an anticipated grant-funded school year (191 days) non-bargaining unit position with the requirement to teach one course per semester.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Work collaboratively with the Director of Adult Education to develop and coordinate the English language acquisition program.
  • Develop, implement, and continually refine:
    • A teacher evaluation tool using research-based practices and models.
    • A grading system that incorporates the English Language Proficiency Standards and the CASAS reading assessment.
    • A new student orientation program.
    • An annual student showcase.
    • A teacher volunteer program.
  • Oversee, evaluate, and improve the curriculum and curriculum materials, including textbooks and teaching resources.
  • Manage the student intake and post-testing process including scheduling staff, space, and working directly with students. Administer CASAS tests as needed.
  • Organize the program logistics, formatting, scheduling, and offerings through communication and collaboration with teaching staff and community partners.
  • Oversee student attendance tracking. Identify students who are absent to offer alternative options and to learn how to better support students.
  • Support teachers’ instructionally through sharing relevant external professional development opportunities, plan and execute internal professional learning opportunities on curriculum implementation best practices, and develop and implement systems to ensure teachers have the resources they need to teach effectively, and are aligned with program goals.
  • Work directly with students to ensure academic needs are met. Conduct student surveys to understand student needs. Make referrals to appropriate community partners as needed.
• Work collaboratively with the Director of Adult Education and the Academic Program Coordinator to coordinate and grow workforce training program offerings.
  • Assist in the program coordination of current workforce training programs.
  • Assist in the development and implementation of new programming for the 2025-2026 school year and beyond.
• Teach one course per semester based on the needs of the overall program using personalized, effective teaching strategies, multiple teaching modalities, and digital tools to meet students’ varying academic needs.
  • Employ and implement a classroom structure and consistency to encourage student responsibility, cooperation and mutual respect consistent with program policies and procedures.
  • Perform various administrative duties such as taking attendance, organizing the classroom supplies and materials, and responding to emails and WhatsApp from staff and students in a timely manner.
• Work directly with administrative staff to assign administrative tasks and projects, as needed.

• Maintain student confidentiality and follow all applicable state and federal laws and regulations.

• Assist with student recognitions including end of year celebrations and graduation.
• Attend local and statewide meetings and training/professional development as required.

• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of instructional strategies that connect the curriculum to the adult learner
• Knowledge of culturally competent teaching and ability to create a culturally competent classroom
• Knowledge of instructional technologies and software, equipment, tools and devices used for presenting instruction, delivering assessments, or monitoring student progress including Google Suite
• Skilled in planning, implementing, and evaluating programs for adult learners
• Skilled in approaches and methods to collect feedback for teacher effectiveness and improvement
• Demonstrated ability to work well with students and staff in a professional manner
• Skilled in data collection and analysis
• Ability to be flexible and adapt as needed
• Ability to problem solve, be creative, and be detail oriented
• The skill and ability to communicate - both orally and in writing
• Engagement in the practice of continuous professional improvement
• Familiarity with adult education testing and reporting guidelines and student management systems a plus, including CASAS, ACCUPLACER, and MaineSTARS
• Multilingualism a plus
• Afternoon and/or evening availability required

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree. Master’s degree preferred
• Current State of Maine background check (CHRC) or willingness to acquire CHRC
• Eligibility for Maine Educator Endorsement as:
  • Adult Education Teacher in one or more of the following endorsement areas: 100 English/language arts, 200 social studies, 300 mathematics, 350 physical science, or 395 life science.
  • AND/OR 660 English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Teacher
• Experience working with adults is preferred.
• Experience working with multilingual learners is preferred.
• Experience working with students with learning differences preferred.
• A willingness and excitement to be flexible as South Portland Adult Education grows.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

None.