The following is a press release from the City of Framingham
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FRAMINGHAM – Framingham Public Schools would like to share a bittersweet retirement announcement and as a result, a leadership opportunity within the Central Office. With 40 years experience in public education, Gen Grieci, has announced her retirement as the Director of the Office of Multilingual Education, effective June 30th, 2021. While Grieci will be missed greatly, the District wishes her well as she begins the next chapter of her life.
Ms. Grieci has devoted the last 31 years of her professional career to serving the needs of Framingham’s culturally and linguistically diverse students in the Framingham Public Schools, as a teacher, department chair, and for the last 11 years in the Central Office as the Assistant Director and finally the Director of the Office of Multilingual Education (OME).
Under Ms. Grieci’s leadership, the Office of Multilingual Education has led the development and expansion of dual language programs, expanded access to translation and interpretations services, and implemented family engagement programming such as the Home Visits program which has helped to foster stronger more authentic relationships with students and families.
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“In our short time together, I’ve had a tremendous opportunity to work alongside Ms. Grieci and to better understand and embrace multilingual education,” said Dr. Tremblay, Superintendent of Framingham Public Schools. “Because of her leadership and vision, we’ve been able to expand our dual language offerings in the District, both in Spanish and Portuguese, furthering Framingham’s already strong reputation in the world of multilingual education. Though she will be sorely missed in the Framingham Public Schools, she has left a lasting impression and has built an incredibly strong foundation upon which we continue to build.”
“Gen’s contributions to multilingual education will have a lasting impact on this district for years to come,” said Ms. Anne Ludes, Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education. “Her tireless efforts to expand language learning opportunities across the district and her unwavering advocacy for students and families have been an inspiration to us all. We are sincerely grateful to all that she has done for this district.”
“Through her many years of service to Framingham Public Schools, Gen has left an indelible mark on the lives of thousands of students, teachers, staff, and families,” added Jennifer LaBollita, Assistant Director in the Office of Multilingual Education. “Gen’s steadfast advocacy and tireless work on behalf of our Multilingual Learners and their families leaves an incredible legacy. She is a true leader that elevates everyone around her and we will miss her warmth, compassion, and generosity. We wish Gen the very best in her retirement and know that her vision of excellence in Multilingual Education will continue.”
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When asked to share her thoughts, Ms. Grieci said, “It has been a privilege to work with so many wonderful school and district leaders over the years and collaborate with educators from all schools, departments, and subject areas. I have learned so much from everyone and still, there is a lot to learn. In each of my positions, my decisions have always been made with students in mind first and foremost: ‘What does this mean for students, families, teachers, and school communities?’ I am particularly proud of all of the efforts to shift the mindset that English learners bring value, that their language and culture are assets and not deficits, and that it is all of our responsibility to ensure a consistent educational experience for each of them no matter which program or the school they are in.”
Please join us in thanking Ms. Grieci for her many years of service, advocacy, and commitment to student growth in language and beyond. A retirement party is well deserved, but given current circumstances cannot be planned in-person at this time. If any colleagues, students, former students, and community members want to know about future virtual celebrations, please sign up here.
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Director of Multilingual Education
The Director of Multilingual Education provides leadership and direction for the district’s multilingual program by working to ensure each student’s success in English language acquisition and staying current with research and best practices relating to English language acquisition and dual language programming to support an engaging, high quality, and equitable learning model.
The job is posted and open for applications. Apply Now.
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The Hiring Process
Framingham Public Schools’ Staff and Community Members are encouraged to complete a Director of Multilingual Education Focus Group Survey to help the District understand what they are looking for in the next Director of Multilingual Education.
Two Screening Rounds will follow. The District is seeking volunteers from both the staff and the community. If interested, please apply here by January 31st. All Screening Committee members must undergo a full training, which includes an anti-bias training, and commit to a significant amount of time. All meetings will be virtual.
Round 1: Initial Candidate Selection Screening Committee: Members who serve on the Screening Committee will be asked to establish key characteristics of a Director of Multilingual Education and then review resumes and applications. They will recommend 8-10 candidates who will proceed to Round 2 of the process. The Screening Committee will consist of 4 parents, 4 teachers, and 4 administrators. Meeting dates: Monday 2/22 4:30pm-8:30pm | Tuesday 2/23 4:30pm-8:30pm | Monday 3/1 4:30pm-8:30pm | Tuesday 3/2 4:30pm-8:30pm | Wednesday 3/3 4:30pm-8:30pm
Round 2: Stakeholder Screening Committee Interviews: Four additional screening committees of each stakeholder group (parents, teachers, school-based administrators, and Central Office administrators) will each conduct 30 minute interviews with the selected candidates from Round 1 and rate their performance. No more than 10 individuals will make up each stakeholder group. At the end of Round 2, ratings will be tallied, and 5-7 candidates will proceed with the process. Meeting dates: Wednesday 2/24 4:30pm-8:30pm | Thursday 2/25 4:30pm-8:30pm | Monday 3/15 4:30pm-8:30pm | Tuesday 3/16 4:30pm-8:30pm | Wednesday 3/17 4:30pm-8:30pm | Thursday 3/18 4:30pm-8:30pm
The Cabinet and Superintendent will interview the candidates the week of March 8th and announce a finalist.
We hope to have a Director of Multilingual Education announced at the end of March. Should you have any questions about this process, please do not hesitate to contact Inna London, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources.
Please help us spread the word by sharing with your social networks.
About the Office of Multilingual Education
Formerly known as the Bilingual Education Department, the Office of Multilingual Education offers research-based programs and exemplary instruction for English learners in the Framingham Public Schools. FPS has a diverse student population and currently services students from over 70 countries, including Brazil, China, Haiti, India, Pakistan, Portugal, Russia, Vietnam and several Spanish-speaking countries. The district is committed to offering the highest quality of educational services to all students, and administers English Learner Education programs with the goal of developing English language proficiency and achieving state content-area standards, while simultaneously valuing students’ native languages and cultural backgrounds.
About Framingham Public Schools
The mission of the Framingham Public Schools is to educate each student to learn and live productively as a critically-thinking, responsible citizen in a multicultural, democratic society by providing academically challenging instructional programs taught by highly-qualified staff and supported by comprehensive services in partnership with our entire community. For news, updates, and announcements, follow Framingham Public Schools (@FraminghamPS) on Facebook, Twitter, and (@framinghamschools) on Instagram. You can also join the conversation using #FraminghamSchools.
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