Multilingual Learner (ML) Specialist - Certificated Teacher

West Valley School District #363 • Spokane Valley, WA

6d • Hybrid

About The Position

In alignment with the district’s mission to ensure academic excellence, cultivate belonging, and inspire future-ready learners, the Multilingual Learner (ML) Specialist – Middle School Focus is a critical leader in supporting multilingual students in grades 6–8 during one of the most important transitional periods in their educational journey. This role is designed to ensure multilingual learners feel safe, seen, heard, and empowered while building the academic, language, and self-advocacy skills needed for success in middle school, high school and beyond. The ML Specialist works collaboratively with teachers, counselors, families, and administrators to remove barriers, foster belonging, and maintain high expectations for multilingual learners. Through instructional leadership, culturally responsive practices, and strategic student support, the specialist helps students strengthen their language development, engagement, attendance, and readiness for and a successful transition to 9th grade and future high school graduation pathways. While primarily focused on middle school students, this position may also support other grade levels as needed to ensure equitable services and responsiveness to multilingual learner needs across the district.

Requirements

• Valid Washington State Teaching Certificate with English Language Learner (ELL) Endorsement.
• Successful middle school teaching and/or coaching experience supporting multilingual learners in inclusive, blended, and pull-out settings.
• Valid Washington State Teaching Certificate with endorsement in Special Education.
• Successful Washington State Patrol and Federal Bureau of Investigation Fingerprint Clearance.
• Valid Washington State driver’s license or evidence of mobility.
• Proof of Immunization (if born 1/1/57 or later).
• I-9 Employment Eligibility.
• Completion of all district-required trainings within thirty (30) calendar days from hire date.
• Reliable transportation for travel across district middle school sites and family engagement activities.
• Deep knowledge of Washington WIDA Standards, proficiency levels, and assessments, including best instructional practices for multilingual students.
• Demonstrated ability to design, deliver, and reflect on instruction and professional learning opportunities.
• Understanding of Federal Title III identification and program guidelines.
• Knowledge of middle school developmental needs and transition supports related to incoming 6th graders and 8th graders transitioning to high school.
• Experience integrating language development within across content areas.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, culturally responsive teaching, and restorative practices.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and relationship-building skills with students, staff, and families.
• Technologically competent; comfortable using and assisting others in using digital tools to support instruction, translation access, and data analysis.
• Willingness to engage in ongoing professional development, including AI tools and emerging technologies that support multilingual learners and family communication.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships in a multicultural and multiracial community.

Responsibilities

• Partner with educators, counselors, and administrators to support multilingual students’ academic success, attendance, belonging, and readiness for secondary level school success.
• Provide inclusive and targeted instruction aligned with WIDA and Washington State content standards, supporting multilingual learners’ growth in listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
• Design learning experiences that build multilingual students’ confidence, independence, flexibility, and self-advocacy skills.
• Create classroom and school environments where multilingual students feel seen, heard, celebrated, and connected to their school community.
• Embed culturally responsive and sustaining practices that honor students’ identities, experiences, and languages.
• Support rigorous, meaningful instruction that connects learning to students’ future goals and aspirations.
• Coach staff on strategies such as GLAD, SIOP, WIDA, UDL, and culturally responsive instructional practices to improve language acquisition and access to core content.
• Collaborate with PLC teams to ensure multilingual learners have equitable access to advanced learning opportunities, extracurricular activities, intervention supports, and future pathway planning.
• Utilize WIDA Screener and ACCESS assessment data to identify students, guide instruction, monitor progress, and inform supports.
• Assist with state assessment accommodations and multilingual learner compliance requirements as needed.
• Design and facilitate professional development that strengthens educators’ ability to support multilingual learners within inclusive classroom settings.
• Serve as a liaison between schools and families, fostering strong partnerships and helping families navigate school systems, programs, and opportunities.
• Lead and/or participate in multilingual family engagement opportunities related to middle school success, transition to high school, extracurricular involvement, attendance, digital tools, and future readiness.
• Encourage participation in after-school programs, clubs, athletics, leadership opportunities, and community-based supports by helping families access information and registration support when needed.
• Train, supervise, and support Paraeducators to ensure effective instructional and social-emotional support for multilingual students.
• Advocate for multilingual learners through data-informed decision-making, inclusive team practices, and cross-departmental collaboration.
• Demonstrate value and respect for all students, staff, and families, especially historically underserved populations.
• Maintain confidentiality and ethical professional standards.
• Uphold the district’s vision of the student experience.
• Perform other duties consistent with the scope and intent of the position as assigned by the Director of Student Support & Categorical Programs.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, supplemental life, and supplemental disability insurance through the School Employee Benefit Board (SEBB).
• State retirement plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (DRS).
• 12 sick leave days (prorated based on FTE) and paid time off for regular employees.
• Paid time off, including annual and/or vacation leave (varies by position and work year).
• 10-13 paid holidays (depending on position & work year) for classified employees.
• VEBA including monthly accrual and/or sick leave conversion may be available.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level