Jr. High ELL / ESL Resource

Joliet Public Schools District 86•Joliet, IL

About The Position

The primary function of the ELL / ESL Teacher is to provide academic instructional support to students identified as ELLs based on the state’s criteria for identification of emergent bilinguals. The ESL Teacher will work closely with teachers in the General Education program to co-teach, co-plan, and/or provide whole group instruction to ELL students. The ELL/ ESL Teacher is accountable to the building principal and ELL Programs Coordinator.

Requirements

State of Illinois Professional Educator License with Self-Contained General Education and/or required Endorsement for Grade Level
English as a Second Language Endorsement Grades K-8
Demonstrated capabilities in leadership, academic competence, public and community relations
An understanding of cultural and linguistic diversity
Strong communication, public relations, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely in both oral and written form using a variety of communication techniques and tools to ensure the appropriate flow of information, collaborative efforts, and feedback.
Ability to compose correspondence, reports, and/or other required written materials.
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret information.
Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions, inquiries, and/or complaints.
Displays courtesy, tact, and respect when dealing with others.
Ability to perform basic math using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals consistent with the duties of this position.
Ability to interpret a variety of instructions and information furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
Ability to identify and define problem(s), collect and analyze data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
Maintains appropriate confidentiality.
Promotes a harassment-free environment.
Establishes and maintains effective working relationships; demonstrates a commitment to teamwork.
Ability to learn and utilize office equipment, computers, and software, especially as systems are updated.
Ability to react well under pressure, handle and balance multiple demands at one time, work with frequent interruptions, and perform duties and tasks at expected levels of professionalism.
Extensive knowledge of and ability to perform duties in compliance with all district, Board, state, and federal laws, methods, requirements, policies, procedures, and activities pertinent to the duties of this position.
Ability to work independently with minimum supervision.
Ability to prepare and maintain accurate files and records.
Ability to meet strict deadlines.

Nice To Haves

Master’s Degree in Education Preferred
WIDA Certification to administer ACCESS 2.0, WIDA SCREENER, MODEL, and familiarity with the Pre-IPT for early childhood
Experience in organization and presentation of educational workshops

Responsibilities

Assess the English language proficiency of incoming students utilizing the WIDA screener and place students in the appropriate educational setting.
Provide ELLs with comprehensible academic content and oral language while assessing student language needs to work with ELL students individually and/or in small groups, and/or in whole class instruction
Continually assess the language development of students to support ELL students’ literacy development by using reading and writing strategies appropriate to the students’ level of proficiency.
Assist ELL students in the demonstration of proficiency in analytical thinking and study skills.
Facilitate cooperative work and cross-cultural understanding between ELL students and native English speakers.
Facilitate cooperative work and cross-cultural understanding for general education teachers.
Collaborate with the school community regarding the ELL students’ progress and challenges in learning academic content and language.
Research best practices in instructional strategies for ELLS to collaborate with the classroom teacher in providing effective interventions for mainstreamed students
Assess the native language proficiency (if feasible) of incoming students utilizing the district’s approved assessment instrument.
Participate in professional development activities to continuously improve job performance.
Assumes other related duties and responsibilities that the ELL Program Coordinator may assign.
Demonstrate support for the Vision, Mission, Beliefs, and Goals of Joliet Public Schools - District 86.
Upholds and demonstrates compliance with established laws, regulations, district policies, and procedures.
Maintains the strictest confidentiality required by laws, regulations, policies, and directives established or provided by the Board of School Inspectors and/or the Superintendent.
Serves as a contributing member of District and/or building-level committees.
Accepts and utilizes constructive suggestions from supervisors.
Takes necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.
Remains current in the field through the completion of related coursework, participation in in-service activities, and/or attendance at conferences and workshops.
Fosters and maintains positive and effective working relationships with teachers, administrators, support staff, students, parents, and the community.
Assists in the maintenance and discipline throughout the building.
Communicates with appropriate professional personnel about students.
Relates positively to coworkers.
Share ideas and techniques with peers.
Assumes an equitable share of responsibilities in the school.
Actively participates in building faculty and district-level meetings.
Serves as a positive role model for students in terms of attitudes and behaviors.
Maintains complete and accurate records of students’ academic progress/attendance.
Engages in two-way communication with parents and guardians regarding student progress.
Communicates with students on a formal and informal basis to promote a desirable school and classroom environment.
Models promptness and good attendance for students.
Willingly works with parents as partners in the education of students.
Maintains high but realistic academic and behavioral expectations for students.
Focuses on student progress as an indicator of effective teaching.
Strives consistently to enhance students’ self-esteem through the application of growth and development, and learning theories.