STIPEND OPPORTUNITY: Temporary Tester of English Learners - (SY24-25)

*** This is a stipended position and is only open to current, eligible, licensed BPS employees whose current job status allows them to participate in this opportunity. ***

General Description and Goals:

The Boston Public Schools is committed to the academic success of all Multilingual Learners (ML) entering grades K 2-12. The Newcomers Assessment and Counseling Center (NACC) in the Boston Public Schools is hiring professionals with experience assessing Multilingual Learners with WIDA assessments. The tester will be primarily responsible for completing the entire assessment process including testing ML students entering grades K2-12  in SY 2024-2025 and counseling families about appropriate ELE programs and services. Testers will be provided with training on the assessment process.

Terms: This stipended position requires in-person work at Bolling and/or BPS school sites with multilingual families and students using COVID-19 safety protocols. Employees will be compensated at the BTU hourly rate. Candidates must attend the training session and complete agreed upon scheduled work dates. To ensure the district meets  assignment deadlines for the beginning of the school year, applicants must be available to test enrolling ML students and must commit to work at least three of the Saturdays listed below. (Saturday testing is dependent on the needs of the Center): 

Full Days (9:00 AM - 4:00 PM)

• Saturday, September 7, 2024
• Saturday, September 14, 2024
• Saturday, September 21, 2024
• Saturday, September 28, 2024

This stipend position will also include future temporary testing opportunities throughout SY 2024-2025 as needed.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Provide comprehensive and thorough in-person assessment in four language domains (Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing) for ML students entering grades K2-12 in SY 2024-2025.
2. Assess incoming students with the grade-level appropriate English language proficiency assessment (WIDA Screener for Kindergarten or WIDA Screener Online)
1. Follow testing protocols and administer the native language assessment as needed to students in grades 3-12.
3. Review the results of assessments and determine an initial English Language Development (ELD) level. 
4. Use assessment and intake data to identify the best placement options for students.
5. Explain test results and recommend appropriate English Learner Education (ELE) programs and services to families.
6. Manage student placement recommendations in consultation with others as needed including the NACC Director, Office of Multilingual and Multicultural Office staff, and Welcome Services.
7. Ensure that all families and students are treated in a respectful and culturally sensitive manner. 
8. Complete the assessment and counseling process with families in a timely manner.
9. Maintain all required paperwork and documentation in students’ assessment folders.
10. Perform other related duties as requested by the Director of the Newcomers Assessment and Counseling Center.

QUALIFICATIONS - REQUIRED:

1. A Bachelor's Degree from an Accredited College or University both within the United States and/or Internationally.
2. A current Massachusetts Teaching License in a related area (Early Childhood, Moderate/Severe Disabilities, Elementary, and/or ESL) and current or pending SEI/Bilingual Education Teacher Endorsement.
3. Experience working with diverse student populations, including teaching ML students for a minimum of five years.
4. Strong background knowledge of English language proficiency assessments for multilingual learners and current qualifications and certificates to administer WIDA assessments (i.e., WIDA Screener for Kindergarten and WIDA Screener Online and Paper Based Test).
5. Possess a working knowledge of various state and federal rules and regulations that pertain to the initial identification, assessment, and placement of ML students.
6. Experience working with ML students with disabilities in inclusive settings.
7. Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills with ability to focus on the overall mission while also attending to details and follow-up activities.
8. Strong communication skills, including oral and written proficiency in English.
9. Proficiency using technology including Google Workspace and ASPEN SIS. 
10. Demonstrate capability to work independently and collaboratively with a variety of stakeholders, such as ML families and students, and central office and district staff.

QUALIFICATIONS - PREFERRED:

1. Dual certification in ESL as well as special education licensure at the appropriate grade levels.
2. Master's Degree in the field of EL Education or Linguistics or a Master's Degree in a related field.
3. Fluency in one or more major languages of the district: Spanish, Haitian Creole, Cabo Verdean Creole, Portuguese/Brazilian Portuguese, Chinese (Mandarin, Cantonese, and/or Toishanese), Arabic, Somali, or French.
4. Experience working with multilingual learners and students with disabilities, with an understanding of how to assess students across grade level spans.  

Reports to: Director, Newcomers Assessment and Counseling Center, located at Bruce C. Bolling Municipal Building.

Application Procedure and Address:

Please submit current certificates to administer the following WIDA Assessments (WIDA Screener Online and WIDA Screener for Kindergarten) with resume and other appropriate documentation in TalentEd. Specific questions/inquiries concerning this stipend opportunity should be directed to Vera Johnson, Director, Newcomers Assessment and Counseling Center, Bruce C. Bolling Municipal Building, 2300 Washington Street, Boston, MA, 02119.

The Boston Public Schools, in accordance with its nondiscrimination policies, does not discriminate in its programs, facilities, or employment or educational opportunities on the basis of race, color, age, criminal record (inquiries only), disability, homelessness, sex/gender, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, genetics or military status, and does not tolerate any form of retaliation, or bias-based intimidation, threat or harassment that demeans individuals’ dignity or interferes with their ability to learn or work.