2025-26 ESL Teacher-Certified/Licensed K-5

About Us:

Freedom Preparatory Academy Charter Schools (www.freedomprep.org) is a network of PreK-12 free public charter schools serving students in Memphis, TN, and Birmingham, AL. Our mission is to prepare all students in grades PreK-12 to excel in college and in life. Since our founding in 2009, we have grown from a class of 96 sixth grade students to now serving over 1950 students across multiple campuses. In 2024, we expanded into Birmingham, AL, starting with grades K-1, with plans to grow to a K-5 campus. 

At Freedom Prep, we are committed to transforming education for students of color across the South, ensuring they have access to high-quality educational opportunities that empower them to thrive. Over the past 15 years, our students have consistently exceeded both local and state averages in math and have surpassed local benchmarks in English Language Arts on state assessments. Our mission is guided by three core beliefs: every child deserves the right to a high-quality public education, character development is essential to student success, and exposure to diverse opportunities builds the confidence and skills needed to excel in college and in life.

At Freedom Prep, we cultivate a structured, academically rigorous environment that fosters excellence in core subjects, promotes advanced academic skills, and encourages students to embody the core values of Respect, Responsibility, Integrity, Excellence, and Community.

POSITION SUMMARY

The ESL teacher will guide English Language Learners toward gaining knowledge and skills in order to become productive citizens by increasing English proficiency in listening, speaking, reading and writing.  Teachers will work closely with other teachers to ensure cross curricula and thematic alignment of curriculum.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Creates a classroom environment that is conducive to learning and appropriate to the maturity, interest, and abilities of students, and provides both social and emotional support for English Language Learners. 

• Develops emergent curriculum that encourages children to explore, discover and construct knowledge through thinking, questioning and experimenting

• Plans experiences for children that reflect constructivist and emergent principles of teaching and learning in literacy, math, and the arts

• Documents all syllabi, lesson plans, assignments, and other curricular materials and provides written evidence of preparation

• Reinforces school-wide rules and expectations in the classroom and lesson planning

• Attends IEP, Section 504, or other related meetings necessary for student assessment and/or compliance with federal and/or state law

• Screens Home Language Surveys for potential student need for ESL services

• Conducts assessment of eligibility in the ESL program.

• Creates a smooth and relaxed transition between activities

• Communicates effectively and maintain strong relationships with students, families and colleagues

• Maintains the school culture of high academic and behavioral expectations through continuous reflection

• Maintains accurate, complete and correct records as required by law, and district and administrative regulations  

• Uses detailed data analysis of student performance to inform best practices

• Supports children’s learning through play and discovery

• Works an extended school day to allow for collaboration, professional development, and ample communication with parents and other staff members

• Performs other related duties as assigned or directed 

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:               

-Bachelor's Degree required

-Master's Degree strongly preferred

Certification:

-Valid Alabama teaching license and endorsement(s) in the hired content area

-OR--Valid teaching license from a state that offers reciprocity with AL -

OR--Enrollment in a certification program with eligibility for a recommendation of licensure by the program or district

-Eligibility for Alabama teaching license required

Experience:                

-Two to four years of urban teaching and educational leadership experience is preferred

-Ability to work with a variety of learning abilities, including those with low skill levels in a heterogeneously grouped classroom setting

-Strong computer skills including Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Results-driven educational leader with a commitment to standards-based curriculum and the use of data and assessments to drive instructional decisions

Good problem-solving ability and good judgment

Familiarity with cultural diversity 

Ability to work collaboratively with staff, families, and community members 

Ability to be creative, resourceful, and reflective 

Possess strong interpersonal skills 

Professional demeanor, strong work ethic, detail-driven work style with excellent organizational skills 

Manager of an urban classroom who has used structure, incentives, and high expectations to drive student success

Ability to work with a variety of learning abilities, including those with low skill level in a heterogeneously grouped classroom setting

We are excited that you are inspired or called to learn more about our mission, values, and potential opportunities. We’d encourage you to explore a few additional resources about us, the recent investment for what’s possible, and why you should consider our community as a place for you to become a part of. We are one of the few networks that centers the whole person and their needs to thrive and support themselves and their families in the South.

BENEFITS AND COMPENSATION: At Freedom Prep, we prioritize transparency in everything we do. We believe that open communication fosters trust and collaboration. As part of this commitment, we make our salary scales available online for you to view, ensuring clarity and fairness in our compensation practices. You can view our compensation scales on our website. Please click HERE to be redirected.

Check out some of the unique and rare benefits here, including but not limited to: 

-Paying higher, scaffolded teacher salaries from Year 1 to retirement stage

-Zero dollar monthly premium options, including holistic options such as chiropractic or acupuncture care (TN ONLY)

-Focus on staff well-being and collective care through our Adult Social-Emotional Learning

-Support in obtaining licensure

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY: Freedom Preparatory Academy is actively seeking to build a diverse and experienced team of educators. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, handicap, age, religion, sexual orientation, or national or ethnic origin. We are an equal opportunity employer.

Salary : $45,500 - $65,000