ESL Teacher

Gaston County Schools•Bessemer City, NC

About The Position

Under general supervision, the ESL Teacher plans, organizes, and presents instruction and learning environments that support students’ educational and social development. The role supports the district’s instructional program by identifying students with limited English proficiency (LEP), planning an appropriate developmental program, and delivering instruction in accordance with state law and regulations, district curriculum, and district expectations. The teacher assesses students’ academic strengths and needs, develops individual instructional goals, selects suitable materials, and provides individual and group instruction. The position also supports students’ transition into the regular instructional program, promotes positive self-image and ethnic pride, and helps school staff understand and acknowledge LEP students’ cultures. The teacher evaluates academic and social growth, maintains records, communicates with families, collaborates with school personnel, and participates in school and district activities. The position reports directly to the Principal/ESL Director and is classified as exempt.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university, including all courses needed to meet credential requirements.
Licensed in English as a Second Language (00110), or eligible for that license.
Ability to meet the needs of all learners, manage instructional time and student behavior, and monitor student performance.
Understanding of the growth and development of assigned students and a strong understanding of second-language acquisition.
Ability to consult with parents, teachers, and the community to enhance student learning.
Ability to apply logical or scientific thinking to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions, and to interpret technical instructions in mathematical or diagrammatic form.
Ability to communicate, read correspondence and reports, prepare correspondence and instructional materials in prescribed formats, record and deliver information, explain procedures, and follow oral and written instructions.
Ability to interact within the educational environment, deal with people beyond exchanging instructions, and adapt to stress and emergency situations.
Ability to use classroom equipment and tools such as computers, copiers, calculators, pencils, scissors, and equipment for children.
Ability to perform non-instructional duties as assigned.
Must pass a required health exam, criminal records check, and drug test if offered a position.
Must meet the stated physical requirements, including standing, walking, using hands, reaching, talking, hearing, occasional sitting and stooping/kneeling/crouching, and occasional lifting or moving of up to 10 pounds; the role also specifies light-work exertion requirements and visual acuity for reading, research, and record-related work.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in English as a Second Language.
Licensed as a Spanish Teacher (00521).
Experience with Professional Learning Communities (PLCs).
Experience with Smartboard© and other forms of technology.
Understanding and implementation of content-based instruction.

Responsibilities

Identify students with limited English proficiency in accordance with applicable state law, regulations, and district policy, using tests, observations, staff consultation, registration forms, and personnel recommendations.
Assess referred students’ academic strengths and weaknesses using standardized tests, informal diagnostic tasks, and observations.
Develop instructional goals and specific objectives for each student selected for the ESL Program.
Select appropriate instructional materials and media to meet each student’s goals and objectives.
Provide learning experiences and teach the course of study prescribed by the district-approved curriculum.
Develop and use instructional materials appropriate for verbal and/or visual instruction of students with varied levels of mental, physical, and emotional maturity.
Provide individual and group instruction tailored to student needs and motivation.
Establish and maintain student-control standards that support effective participation in activities.
Evaluate students’ academic and social growth, maintain appropriate records, and prepare progress reports.
Provide instruction and activities that support school and district goals and objectives.
Communicate with parents through a variety of means and hold conferences to discuss student progress and explain the school program.
Identify student needs and cooperate with professional staff in assessing and helping students address health, attitude, and learning problems.
Create an effective learning environment, including functional and attractive displays, interest centers, and electronic materials.
Maintain professional competence through district in-service activities, professional growth activities, and university courses.
Cooperate in school-wide supervision of students during activities outside the classroom.
Participate in faculty and/or district committees and sponsor student activities.
Teach basic communication skills that facilitate students’ transition into the regular instructional program.
Provide an appropriate physical and psychological environment that establishes and reinforces attitudes and social skills useful in the regular program.
Promote positive self-images and ethnic pride among students.
Instruct students in citizenship and basic subject matter specified by state law and district administrative regulations and procedures.
Assist schools in understanding and acknowledging LEP students’ cultures.
Perform other related work as required.