Somerville Public Schools’ Somerville Center for Adult Learning Experiences (SCALE) Mission:Is to empower adults by providing quality instruction, a challenging learning environment, and high expectations. SCALE will expand students’ skills, knowledge, and habits of mind to ensure academic and career success. We have a full-time teacher position open in our ELL program to start on January 1, 2024. 

General Description:

The part-time Skill building ELL teacher is responsible for preparing engaging, active, learner-centered lessons for adult immigrant students at beginning to high beginning levels of English proficiency that are working for small businesses in Somerville. The teacher will work to ensure that students are receiving standards-based and evidence-based instruction that is student-centered, and includes appropriate supports and necessary accommodations. Instruction focuses on the four domains of English language: reading, writing, speaking and listening, according to the curricular guidelines of the program. Technology is integrated to enhance instruction and to strengthen students’ digital literacy in preparation for college and/or workplace demands. Teachers follow the SCALE ELL curriculum to provide a rigorous and meaningful educational experience to meet program objectives and student goals.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree Required/ Master’s Degree preferred
• Possession of a teaching license
• Experience working with and teaching adult learners and diverse populations
• Cultural competence and sensitivity
• Ability to adapt teaching styles and materials to meet individual needs of students
• Bilingual Educator Preferred
• BEST Plus and TABE-e Reading certification is preferred but not required for this position.
• Demonstrated knowledge of a variety of teaching approaches for ESL
• Ability to integrate technology to enhance instruction
• Interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills

Responsibilities Include:

• Plan and deliver rigorous lessons that align with the ELL Department’s Curriculum Guidelines and the MA DESE English Language Proficiency Standards.
• Translate class objectives, student learning outcomes, and class materials into learning activities that are appropriate for students’ ELL levels and engage students to promote learning.
• Commit to updating and modifying materials and lessons regularly to maintain relevance and efficacy, and work with other teachers to share and develop resources.
• Guide students in the acquisition of English and help students to understand the target culture, while affirming learners’ own cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
• Help students identify and set personal goals, and work with students to ensure that they are making sufficient progress toward achieving those goals.
• Implement useful diagnostic and progress assessment measures to evaluate student progress and make placement recommendations as required by department policy/procedures.
• Perform administrative tasks such as taking attendance, administering and grading assessments, communicating regularly with students about their progress in compliance with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) ACLS.
• Attend and participate in department meetings, appropriate in-service workshops, and take advantage of professional development opportunities for continued improvement in ELL instruction and teaching strategies.
• Collaborate with education and career advisors on career/college readiness/workforce preparation instruction.
• Work collaboratively with and encourage collaboration between team members to ensure performance goals are met.
• Follow department policy/procedures regarding the delivery of instruction, progress monitoring and placement, substitutes and substitute lesson plans, and operating procedures.
• Participate in school and community events, such as seminars, field trips, community forums, and end of the year ceremonies, including graduation.
• Integrate technology into instruction.
• Engage in continual professional development.
• Adhere to rules of student’s confidentiality.
• Complete other duties as assigned.

Key Competencies:

Knowledge:

• Familiarity with the field of Adult Basic Education and ELL
• Sound understanding of adult learning theory
• Solid knowledge base of ELL instruction including the four domains of language
• Strong foundation in second language acquisition and linguistics
• Demonstrated proficiency using digital literacy tools
• Knowledge of Massachusetts’ DESE-ACLS program guidelines, performance indicators & benchmarks, English Language Proficiency Standards (ELPS)

Professional Abilities

• Professionalism in all areas of practice and all interactions with students and staff
• Commitment to the mission of SCALE
• Proven history of successful collaboration
• Flexible & adaptable
• Possess and model high standards for self and student work
• Set rigorous goals focused on instruction, assessment, and professional learning
• Solutions-based approach to dealing with identified needs, problems and or conflict
• Willingness to take initiative and succeed in a fast-paced classroom/school environment while remaining calm and focused when faced with unexpected challenges
• Commitment to embrace the ideals of diversity and inclusiveness, and of the equal rights of all people by advancing the understanding and appreciation of human differences including age, gender, race, ethnicity, ability, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, or socio-economic status

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree Required/ Master’s Degree preferred
• Possession of a teaching license
• Experience working with and teaching adult learners and diverse populations
• Cultural competence and sensitivity
• Ability to adapt teaching styles and materials to meet individual needs of students
• Bilingual Educator Preferred
• BEST Plus and TABE-e Reading certification is preferred but not required for this position.
• Demonstrated knowledge of a variety of teaching approaches for ESL
• Ability to integrate technology to enhance instruction
• Interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills