Teacher - English Language Learner (ELL)

ANTICIPATED OPENING FOR THE 2025-2026 SCHOOL YEAR
FUNDING CONTINGENT ON TOWN MEETING APPROVAL MAY 28, 2025

BELLINGHAM PUBLIC SCHOOLS

BELLINGHAM, MASSACHUSETTS

TITLE:             English Language Learner (ELL) Teacher *Anticipated*

FUNCTION:               

The English Language Learner (ELL) Teacher provides English language development instruction to foundational and transitional students in the Sheltered English Immersion (SEI) program. In accordance with the district’s SEI program model, English Language Learner (ELL) Teacher advances the language and literacy competencies of English Learner (EL) students and monitors the progress of Former English Learner (FEL) students after exit from the SEI program. The English Language Learner (ELL) Teacher reports to the principal(s) and the English Language Program Coordinator/Director.

DUTIES:

1. Maintain and demonstrate current knowledge of Sheltered English Immersion Classrooms, key factors affecting second language acquisition, and the cultural differences in school/community environment;
2. Maintain and demonstrate knowledge of the six levels of English proficiency assessed by WIDA ACCESS, and act as qualified WIDA ACCESS Administrator. Utilize knowledge of WIDA Can Do Descriptors to plan for EL students. Administer all state-mandated EL testing;
3. Maintain and demonstrate knowledge of multiple dimensions of oral proficiency and communicative competence;
4. Organize and implement English Language Development instruction;
5. Implement, consult and plan lessons for EL students according to WIDA ELD Standards for students at different grade levels and different English proficiency levels;
6. Coordinate and implement differentiated instruction for EL students;
7. Provide support and upkeep of mandated documentation, to include EL eligibility and assessment;
8. Consult with and assist classroom teachers of EL students to scaffold lessons, assignments, and assessments as appropriate for individual students
9. Collaborate with classroom teachers to monitor the progress of EL students and offer suggestions for intervention to meet the student's linguistic, academic, and cognitive needs through differentiated instruction
10. Analyze EL student MCAS and other relevant data to determine areas of student need and provide appropriate instruction
11. Work with the school Principal and K-12 EL Program Director to ensure effective and efficient integration of EL and regular education resources in efforts to support English learners
12. Provide leadership at the building level with respect to parent communication and provide regular communication with the families for English learners.
13. Other duties, as assigned.

 Professional Responsibilities

1. Understands his or her legal and moral responsibilities.
2. Conveys knowledge of and enthusiasm for his/her academic discipline to students.
3. Maintains interest in current theory, research, and developments in the academic discipline and exercises judgment in accepting implications or findings as valid for application in classroom practice.
4. Collaborates with colleagues to improve instruction, assessment, and student achievement.
5. Works actively to involve parents in their child's academic activities and performance and communicates clearly with them.
6. Reflects critically upon his or her teaching experience, identifies areas for further professional development as part of a professional development plan that is linked to grade level, school, and district goals, and is receptive to suggestions for growth.
7. Understands legal and ethical issues as they apply to responsible and acceptable use of the Internet and other resources.

SKILLS/ABILITY:
1. Knowledge of current Massachusetts ELA and Mathematics Curriculum Frameworks.
2. Deep understanding of scientifically based reading research and evidence-based practices for teaching ELL students

    Knowledge of best practices for assessing student progress toward achievement of standard.
3. Excellent communication and collaborative teamwork skills.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES and/or DEGREE REQUIREMENTS:

1. Bachelor’s Degree required, Master's Degree preferred.
2. Licensed, or eligible for licensure in English as a Second Language,(5-12), by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary & Secondary Education, to include Sheltered English Immersion (SEI) endorsement;
3. Meets all Massachusetts Department of Elementary & Secondary Education standards for Highly Qualified Teacher;
4. Bachelor's Degree, Master’s preferred, from an accredited college or university, in a related field;
5. Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing, to children and adults;
6. Bilingual in Spanish or Portuguese preferred;
7. Commitment to remain current in content knowledge and teaching strategies and with state certification requirements.

SALARY: As Per BTA Contract

CLASSIFICATION: BTA

PHYSICAL WORKING CONDITIONS:
You are required to be physically capable of escorting students from the building in case of a practice drill or emergency situation in a safe and timely fashion.

Must be able to move about the classroom and have the ability to bend, sit or stand frequently.

REPORTS TO: Building Principal

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: Students, Paraeducators

OUR MISSION:
The Bellingham Public School District’s enrollment is approximately 1,930 students and an organizational staff of 400 employees. The district is split into the following building grade levels:
DiPietro Elementary (Preschool – Grade 3), Stall Brook Elementary (Preschool – Grade 3) Bellingham Memorial School (grades 4-7) and Bellingham High School (grades 8-12), and Keough Memorial Academy (grades 7-12) is our therapeutic day school for students with special needs.

Our core mission is to foster an environment in which students and staff have opportunities to reach their full potential. The Bellingham School District is committed to providing a challenging and academically motivating education where all students, staff and families accept responsibility for education within their schools.

The School Committee and the Administrative Team support the District Improvement Plan and Strategic Plan. Our goal is to always reach for our vision: The Bellingham Public Schools, in collaboration with students, their families, and the community, will provide a safe learning environment, where the unique strengths of every learner are enhanced and celebrated. We will work together to build a shared sense of pride in the Bellingham Public Schools by amplifying academic excellence, increasing communication, cultivating a positive climate, improving social and emotional well-being, and enhancing technology use and implementation.