Potential Middle/High School English Language Learning Specialist

Position Title: MS/HS ELL Specialist Division: MS/HS School Supervisor: Director of English Language Learning Position Summary: The Middle School and High School ELL Specialist collaborates with division faculty, the P-12 learning support team, and the whole of the P-12 ELL team, to develop an inclusive and differentiated learning environment at Concordia.

The ELL Specialist supports identified language learners through various models of instruction. The ELL Specialist provides relevant professional development to individual teachers, grade-level teams, the entire faculty, and parents. In order to meet Concordia schoolwide learning outcomes (SLOs) and grade level expectations, the teacher carries out the following broad and specific responsibilities across the following domains: Planning and Preparation, Classroom Management, Instruction, and Professional Responsibilities.

Concordia seeks educators who are familiar with and embrace MTSS and UDL, designing lessons that meet diverse learning needs and provide equitable opportunities for every student.

Requirements

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in relevant subject area. A certification in education. Advanced degree or specialization training that supports the teaching role, preferred. Experience Working with students who are English Language Learners (ELL) at the Elementary level. Minimum 2 years successful teaching in a school setting. ELL certified or minimum 2 years of experience as an ELL teacher.

Working successfully with an ethnically diverse population. Working with students with learning differences. Working in an international school setting and familiarity with the American educational system, preferred. Creating units of work using ‘UDL’ strategies, preferred. Experience in MTSS and UDL preferred. Skills Comprehensive knowledge of the developmental needs and milestones of students in the age group you are teaching.

Experience in language acquisition and development, WIDA language levels and assessments, and co-teaching. Knowledgeable about: Developing appropriate practices. Using a variety of formative assessments, progress monitoring tools, and differentiated learning strategies. The content and pedagogy. Effective communicator – communicates well with a diverse community of parents, staff, and leaders; proficient writing skills.

Highly skillful at using technology. Strong organizational and time management skills.

Responsibilities

Provides English language development instruction to students enrolled in the ELD/ELL program. Collaborates with appropriate school staff in co-planning and co-teaching for content specific language development. Participates in appropriate in-service programs or other professional staff development activities. Participates in English ELD/ELL Team meetings, as well as other grade team meetings essential to supporting English language learners.

Collect and analyze student data to monitor student progress towards learning goals. Administers English language assessments e.g. WIDA. Collaborates with general educators on strategies to differentiate instruction and effectively engage English language learners in the content area classroom. Collaborate on professional development activities for school staff to support the academic success of English language learners.

Teacher Expectations As a school grounded in the Christian faith, we hire Christian teachers and administrators. Concordia seeks to hire candidates who are able to model Christ’s teachings through interpersonal skills, respectful relationships and problem solving, are interested in the complex questions of faith and spirituality, and are keen to learn and interact with others of different faith traditions.

Establish collaborative relationships with all staff, students, and parents. Engage parents and students in meaningful discussions about student growth and achievement. Commit and contribute to the school community—play an active, positive, and supportive role in addressing the needs of the whole child and the ethos of Concordia beyond the classroom.

This includes, but is not limited to: Leading extra-curricular activities (ECAs) during the school year Leading a student club Leading a service project Integrate the school curriculum with the school-wide learning outcomes (SLOs). Insightful Learners Effective Communicators Reflective Spiritual Beings Principle-Centered Leaders and Team Members Active Global Citizens Teach the curricula established by the school.

Complete all aspects of the standard-based curriculum for the current teaching assignment. Select and use school-approved teaching strategies and classroom resources. Work collaboratively in refining curriculum. Set continuing professional growth goals and take advantage of opportunities for personal and professional development.

Additional employment expectations: Promote a commonly held English learning vision for the school (i.e. “All teachers are language teachers.”) and contribute to the development of the P-12 ELL program. Assist subject teachers with development of their competencies with respect to the concept that “All teachers are language teachers.

” Provide in-class language support for students alongside their subject teachers. Plan differentiated lessons according to student language levels for both targeted English language learning (i.e., pull-out) but also for learning in-class in the subject areas. Collaborate with ELL specialists and subject teachers over professional learning/development connected to school-wide goals, including leading professional development activities when required.

Provide English learning support for all community members in assigned areas, including being a first point of contact for parents where required. Other duties as assigned.