ESL Specialist (Comp. Ed) – (24-25)

NORTHWEST INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT 

Job Title: ESL Specialist (Comp. Ed.)

Reports to: Campus Principal/Director of Student Services

Dept. /Campus: Student Services

Wage/Hour Status: Exempt

Funding Source: Compensatory Education Funds 

Pay Grade: A15

Duty Days: 187 

Date Revised: 05/2024

Primary Purpose: 

Provides supplemental support and accelerated instruction to students in the area of language acquisition. The ESL Specialist will provide intensive acceleration through the use of foundational second language acquisition strategies and innovative lessons to ensure that English learners/ emergent bilinguals (ELs/ EBs) attain content-based learning and accelerated learning of English. The ESL Specialist will support classroom teachers with EB students through suggesting and modeling strategies, inclusion, and accommodation of instruction when necessary. The ESL Specialist evaluates, monitors, and documents student progress in English language acquisition for program placement, recommendation of assessments, and ESL program continuation.

Qualifications: 

• Certified ELA at instructional grade level
• ESL Certification
• Master’s Degree preferred
• 3 years teaching experience in English Language Arts and/or Special Education
• 3 years teaching experience with English learners/ emergent bilinguals
• A comprehensive understanding and working knowledge of EBs’ cognitive, linguistic and affective needs, curriculum, at-risk education, instructional technology, and Tier 1 highly effective teaching strategies. A comprehensive understanding of instructional strategies to meet the needs of EBs.
• Demonstrated competency in the instruction of reading. Strong data analysis skill set, as well as strong organizational, communication, public relations and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to develop and deliver campus level staff development 

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

1. Work closely with other campus personnel to identify EBs and ensure appropriate MTSS is provided to EB students who need additional academic support 
2. Assist all EBs to achieve at high levels in core academic subjects.
3. Create personalized plans for EBs needing MTSS and provide recommendations for students who are dual coded as 504 or Special Education
4. Provide language instruction that helps EBs develop proficiency in English while meeting challenging state academic content and student academic achievement standards.
5. Provide high-quality instruction designed to enable EBs to become proficient in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in the English language through the integrated use of second language acquisition methods.
6. Implement instructional accommodations for EBs and collaborate with all staff on accommodations for EBs.
7. Assist campuses to develop and enhance their capacity to provide high-quality instruction designed to enable EBs to become proficient in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in the English language through the integrated use of second language acquisition methods.
8. Implement instructional strategies to support key concepts. 
9. Provide differentiated instruction to meet individual learning needs. 
10. Track student progress and provide reports as requested. 
11. Attend required district and campus training including eSTAR, LPAC, TELPAS, professional book studies, and PLCs. 
12. Collaborate and provide professional development to staff on LPAC requirements and TELPAS
13. Support teachers on how to accelerate language and content learning, implement accommodations, identify strategies for success and language acquisition, and progress monitor.
14. Promote parental and community Participation in the ESL program for the parents and communities of EBs.
15. Responsible for eSTAR training/campus support 
16. Attend student support meetings, as needed (i.e. ARD, MTSS, LPAC, and 504 meetings) 
17. Work as part of the campus team. 
18. Communicate with teachers, support personnel and administrators.
19. Be accountable to the campus or campuses served.
20. Perform other functions that may be assigned by the Administrator, and EB Coordinator.

Supervisory Duties:

N/A

Equipment Used: 

Personal computer, copier, calculator, and fax machine 

Working Conditions: 

Maintain emotional control under stress. Work with frequent interruptions. Position requires repetitive hand motions. Occasional prolonged and irregular hours. Position requires frequent bending, stooping, twisting, pulling, overhead reaching, sitting and keyboarding. Position must be ability to lift 25 pounds waist high.

This document describes the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned, alternative methods of performing your duties, or skills that may be required.

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