ESL Teacher

Position Title: ESL (English as a Second Language) Teacher

Reports To:Principal

• Bachelor's Degree (minimum) from an accredited college or university.
• Valid Tennessee teaching license with the appropriate ESL/English as a Second Language endorsement.
• Knowledge of effective instructional strategies and best practices for teaching English language learners and multilingual learners.
• Understanding of language acquisition and the academic, linguistic, and cultural needs of English language learners.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, organizational, and classroom management skills.
• Ability to establish positive relationships with students, parents/guardians, teachers, administrators, and community members.
• Ability to differentiate instruction and provide appropriate support based on students' individual language proficiency and academic needs.

• Provide direct English language development instruction to English language learners in accordance with state standards, district requirements, and students' identified language needs.
• Develop and implement lesson plans, instructional materials, activities, assessments, and learning experiences designed to improve students' listening, speaking, reading, writing, and academic language skills.
• Assess students' English language proficiency and use assessment results to plan and adjust instruction.
• Monitor, document, and communicate student progress in English language development and academic achievement.
• Differentiate instruction and modify instructional materials and strategies to meet the individual language proficiency levels, learning needs, and abilities of students.
• Collaborate with classroom teachers, special education teachers, counselors, administrators, and other school personnel to support English language learners in the general education setting.
• Provide classroom teachers with strategies, resources, and support for effectively serving English language learners.
• Support the implementation of appropriate accommodations and instructional strategies for English language learners.
• Maintain accurate student records and documentation related to ESL services, assessments, progress, and program requirements.
• Communicate regularly with parents and legal guardians regarding student progress, educational needs, and available school and community resources.
• Promote a welcoming and inclusive learning environment that respects students' diverse cultural, linguistic, and educational backgrounds.
• Assist students in developing the language skills necessary to access grade-level academic content and participate successfully in the school environment.
• Collaborate with school personnel to facilitate appropriate placement, scheduling, services, and transitions for English language learners.
• Participate in professional development related to English language development, instructional practices, cultural responsiveness, and other areas supporting multilingual learners.
• Stay current with applicable federal and state requirements, district policies, and best practices related to the education of English language learners.
• Work collaboratively with other teachers to share best practices and provide meaningful feedback regarding student progress and instructional needs.
• Ensure that students receive appropriate opportunities and support to meet educational standards and school performance goals.

The position may require:

• Managing large groups of students with diverse academic, linguistic, cultural, and educational needs.
• Maintaining classroom discipline, responding appropriately to student behaviors, and adapting to unexpected situations.
• Regularly standing and moving throughout the classroom and school environment.
• Lifting and carrying instructional materials, supplies, and equipment.
• Writing on boards and reaching for instructional materials or items on shelves.
• Prolonged periods of sitting, standing, and walking throughout the workday.
• Performing duties necessary to maintain a safe, supportive, and effective learning environment.