English Learner Specialist

Bessemer City School

English Learner Specialist

Job Title: English Learner Specialist

Department: Curriculum & Instruction

Reports to: Director of Curriculum & Instruction

Salary Schedule: Salary in adherence and compliance with approved salary schedule and determined by rank and experience

Days/Year: 202

Job Goal: The English Learner (EL) Specialist provides supplemental services that are above and beyond the state minimum requirements in order to support the district/all schools with ongoing professional learning that support EL learners, while also providing supplemental support to K-12 EL populations in all subject areas based on data from ACCESS, not limited to data based on progress monitoring. Supports and implements the English Language Development program to ensure English Language Learners meet proficiency goals for ACCESS, as well as ensuring that academic goals are met as determined by the district.

Qualifications (minimum education, licensure, skills, and/or experience):

• Required

• Current Alabama Teacher's Certification, Bachelor's Degree or higher in ESL, Foreign Language, English, or Elementary/ Secondary Education

• (3) three years successful teaching experience

• Preferred

• Experience in Bilingual Education, Linguistics, or Teaching English as a Second Language

• Preference will be given to applicants fluent in Spanish

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Knowledge of second language acquisition, research, program models, techniques for teaching English, reading, and content to second language learners, appropriate assessments for program placement and monitoring student achievement, and in implementing a formal ESL program.
• Participates in administering all required assessments for EL students (e.g. WIDA screeners and ACCESS) within state guidelines for enrollment to make individualized Learning Plans for English Learners that moves them effectively and efficiently to proficiency in English.
• Provides designated ELD to newly arrived students not fluent in English and support in their content area courses.
• Supports teachers and district professionals by sharing information, resources, and strategies to foster the success of our EL students.
• Facilitates professional learning communities and conducts in-service training for classroom teachers, administrators, and support personnel regarding English Learners (ELs) and strategies and procedures for serving language minority students.
• Schedules meetings of the English as a Second Language (ESL) team to review pertinent and current information and make recommendations concerning the placement of each student in the ESL Program.
• Works with ESL Instructional Aide in ESL teaching strategies and in the use of materials.
• Attends professional development training each year regarding EL programs and procedures.
• Keeps accurate and up-to-date student folders of all ELs in the service area; including all assessment data, team meeting documentation, progress reports and pertinent correspondence.
• Excellent interpersonal skill in order to collaborate with all staff in a school and provide ongoing staff development and leadership as a specialist of the second language issues in a school.
• Instruct K-12 with English Language Development support in the areas of reading, writing, speaking, and listening using various teaching methods, audiovisuals aids, and other materials.
• Communicates with parents of ELs to inform them about their child's language development and provide support to encourage their involvement in their child's education.
• Analyzes WIDA, ACCESS for ELs, and assessment data to identify areas of improvement, establish goals, and monitor improvement.
• Serves as the liaison for state and district level guidelines and expectations for all EL students and EL programs.
• Performs any other job-related duties as assigned by Supervisor(s).

Work Environment and Physical Requirements:

• This role primarily operates in an indoor, climate-controlled environment, with occasional exposure to moderate temperature variations. The usual methods of performing job function require light lifting (10-20 pounds), carrying, pushing, and pulling, with frequent engagement in activities such as standing, walking, and sitting. Duties require travel to sites throughout the country. Additional physical requirements include significant fine finger dexterity and occasional stooping and crouching. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential duties.

Note: This job description is subject to change at any time. While this job descriptions reflects delegation of essential duties and responsibilities, it does not exclude or restrict management's right to assign or reassign tasks, duties, or responsibilities to this job at any time.