What are the responsibilities and job description for the Bilingual Full Day Pre K Teacher position at Harvard Community Unit School District 50?
Job Title
PreK Bilingual Full-Day Teacher
Job Summary:
The PreK Bilingual Teacher is responsible for creating an engaging and supportive classroom environment aligned with the Illinois Learning Standards. Teachers must be familiar with WIDA standards and how to align them to student learning while demonstrating an understanding of second language acquisition to support multilingual learners effectively. The role includes assessing student progress, supporting social-emotional development through the MTSS framework, and collaborating with colleagues, parents, and the community. Teachers integrate technology, cultural diversity, and differentiated instruction to ensure equitable learning experiences. Additionally, they participate in professional learning communities and school improvement initiatives to enhance student achievement.
Qualifications:
Professional Educator License (PEL) or eligible for an appropriate license
Early Childhood endorsement
Bilingual Education endorsement or equivalent
Bilingual: must be able to demonstrate verbal and written proficiency in Spanish.
Evaluation:
This job's performance will be evaluated per provisions of the Board’s policy on the Evaluation of Staff.
Reports to:
Building Principal
Terms of Employment:
This is a 9-month position—salary and benefits as established by the Board of Education. The position retains the Harvard Education Association membership and is part of the Collective Bargaining Unit.
Compensation and Benefits:
The details of employee compensation and benefits are comprehensively outlined in the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), a document accessible at the following link: https://www.cusd50.org/page/careers. This agreement is a valuable resource for individuals seeking comprehensive information regarding our organization's remuneration and benefits structure.
FLSA Status:
Exempt
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Develops and implements a dynamic, age-appropriate bilingual curriculum that aligns with state and district standards, ensuring students engage in language acquisition and developmental learning activities.
- Supports students in acquiring proficiency in both English and Spanish through targeted instruction, modeling, and differentiated activities.
- Provides individualized and small-group instruction based on students’ language and developmental needs, ensuring all students receive the necessary support to thrive academically and socially.
- Creates a positive and structured classroom environment that fosters emotional, social, and academic growth while encouraging bilingual communication and cultural appreciation.
- Assesses student progress through formal and informal assessments, adjusting instructional strategies and interventions as needed to meet students’ evolving needs.
- Engages with families regularly to share student progress, provide resources for supporting language development at home, and ensure that all students receive appropriate support in both languages.
- Works closely with other educators, support staff, and administrators to ensure a cohesive learning experience and the successful integration of bilingual education strategies.
- Incorporates culturally relevant materials and activities into lessons, promoting respect for diversity and encouraging students to celebrate their unique backgrounds.
- Maintains accurate records of student progress and ensures compliance with district and state requirements for bilingual and special education services, including individual education plans (IEPs) when applicable.
- Participates in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current with best practices in bilingual education, early childhood development, and classroom management strategies.
- Implements each student’s Individual Education Plan (IEP) as written and collaborates with colleagues to ensure appropriate modifications or accommodations.
- Assists and supports students struggling with social-emotional and behavioral concerns through the MTSS framework.
- Use technologies appropriately in the teaching/learning process.
- Participates in a professional learning community with various stakeholders, including but not limited to instructional staff, other school personnel, parents, and a variety of community resources to improve the overall quality of student outcomes, achieving established classroom objectives supporting the school improvement plan.
- Participates in various meetings and professional development activities to convey and/or gather information required to perform functions.
- Assists with the transition from one grade level to the next.
- Demonstrates the ability to work collaboratively with parents and the community to promote second language acquisition.
- Assists with written and verbal translation when needed.
- Performs other duties and responsibilities as determined by the principal or designee or as needs arise.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Must be familiar with the WIDA standards and how to align them to student learning
- Must understand Second Language Acquisition
- Must demonstrate a record of effectiveness in their teaching
- Must have excellent planning and organization skills
- Must have the ability to work collaboratively with others
- Must have strong verbal communication skills
- Must model a desire and willingness to learn continually
Physical Demands:
The physical demands of this position include frequent sitting and standing for extended periods. Repetitive bending at the waist and kneeling, stooping, and crouching to assist students are also required. Regularly walk, talk, hear, operate a computer, hand-held learning devices, and other office equipment, reach with hands and arms, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.
ADA:
The employer will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. This job description will be reviewed periodically as duties and responsibilities change with business necessity. Essential and marginal job functions are subject to modification.
This job description is intended to describe minimum qualifications, duties, and responsibilities performed by employees assigned to this position and is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The District reserves the right to amend and change the position responsibilities to meet District needs as necessary.