English Learner Teacher

English Language Development Specialist

The goal of this position is to support English Learners in developing English language proficiency with an emphasis on students at WIDA levels 12 (Entering and Emerging). This role focuses on foundational English Language Development (ELD), enabling students to access academic content and grow into confident, capable, and engaged learners. This role will primarily follow a push-in model in supporting English language learners in their tier 1 classroom.

Role and Responsibilities

• Provide daily, targeted ELD instruction aligned to WIDA standards and tailored to the needs of students at WIDA levels 12.
• Develop individualized and small-group lessons that scaffold academic language across listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
• Create a welcoming, culturally responsive, and linguistically accessible classroom environment that supports language development and engagement.
• Collaborate with general education teachers to support sheltered instruction strategies and language objectives in content areas.
• Monitor student language progress using formative assessment tools, WIDA Can Do Descriptors, and ACCESS scores.
• Prepare lesson plans that reflect best practices in ELD and are responsive to individual learner profiles.
• Implement a variety of instructional strategies and media designed to meet the linguistic and cultural needs of English Learners.
• Maintain compliance with all district, state, and federal EL program requirements and documentation.
• Communicate regularly with families in a culturally sensitive manner, including providing translated communications where appropriate.
• Participate in professional development focused on language acquisition, culturally responsive pedagogy, and multilingual education.
• Serve as a resource and advocate for English Learners within the school community.
• Perform all other duties as assigned by the Principal or designee.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

• Minimum of a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
• Valid Michigan teaching certificate with an ESL endorsement (NS).
• Experience working with English Learners, especially newcomers or students at WIDA levels 12, is preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of second language acquisition theory, SIOP, WIDA standards, and effective instructional strategies for ELs.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions: Ability to stand and walk over extended periods of time. Must be able to lift, carry, and transport classroom items. Must be able to use hands to manipulate a variety of instructional materials. The employee must have normal vision and hearing with or without aid.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job: The noise level in the work environment will vary and can range from soft to loud. Often the noise level in the work environment will be moderate to loud. The employee is required to interact with students, staff, parents/guardians and occasionally with the public. At times, the employee may be directly responsible for the safety and well-being of students.

Evaluation

Performance of this position will be evaluated annually in accordance with the requirements of the District and state law. Terms of employment Salary and work year to be determined by local contract. Board Policy 1400 The employee shall remain free of any alcohol or nonprescribed controlled substance in the workplace throughout his/her employment in the District.