ESL Teachers

Position Summary

The ESL Teacher at Memphis Business Academy (MBA) serves as a collaborative instructional leader dedicated to supporting Multilingual Learners (MLLs) in acquiring English language proficiency and achieving academic success. Working within an inclusion, push-in, and small-group instructional model, the ESL Teacher ensures that English Learners receive high-quality, culturally responsive instruction and linguistically appropriate supports aligned with federal and state requirements, including Title III, Tennessee Department of Education guidelines, and MBA’s academic and cultural expectations.

This role reflects MBA’s commitment to academic excellence, character development, and preparing all students for college, career, and life success.

• Provide targeted English language development (ELD) instruction through push-in, co-teaching, and small-group instructional models aligned to WIDA English Language Development Standards.
• Collaborate with general education teachers to plan and deliver rigorous, standard-aligned lessons that integrate language and content objectives.
• Scaffold instruction by adapting curriculum, materials, language supports, pacing, and assessments to meet the needs of English Learners at varying proficiency levels.
• Support the use of appropriate classroom accommodation and instructional strategies to promote language access and academic success.
• Use formative assessments and language proficiency data (e.g., WIDA ACCESS, WIDA Screener, benchmark data) to monitor student progress and adjust instruction accordingly.

• Support compliant identification, placement, service delivery, and exit procedures for English Learners in accordance with Title III and Tennessee Department of Education requirements.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation, including service logs, language plans, progress reports, and family communication records using district-approved platforms.
• Participate in English Learner identification meetings, annual reviews, reclassification discussions, and as required.
• Collect, analyze, and maintain data to support progress toward English language proficiency and academic achievement goals.

• Engage in regular co-planning with general education teachers to ensure alignment between language development and content instruction.
• Collaborate with special education teachers, counselors, and administrators to support dually identified students (EL + SPED).
• Communicate consistently with families regarding student progress, classroom expectations, and celebrations, using appropriate language access supports when needed.
• Participate in PLCs, MTSS/RTI² meetings, and school wide data discussions to support continuous improvement.

• Foster an inclusive, culturally affirming classroom environment that values students’ linguistic and cultural identities.
• Support students’ social-emotional adjustment, confidence, and engagement in academic settings.
• Reinforce positive behavior strategies aligned with MBA’s culture, behavioral expectations, and character development focus.

• Model professionalism, strong follow-through, and reliability consistent with MBA staff expectations.
• Attend required MBA and network-wide professional development, including training on WIDA standards, language acquisition strategies, and culturally responsive instruction.
• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to all federal, state, and network policies.
• Demonstrate alignment with MBA’s mission, vision, and belief in the potential of all students.

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Tennessee Professional Educator License with ESL endorsement preferred.
• Eligibility for a Tennessee Professional Educator License required.
• ESL or related content area certification preferred.

• Instruction occurs primarily within general education classrooms with occasional small-group or pull-aside instruction.
• Requires regular use of instructional technology, digital platforms, and mobility throughout the school campus.
• Must be able to support students in classroom activities in accordance with safety guidelines.