ESL Teacher

Job Purpose

The English as a Second Language (ESL) Teacher is responsible for planning, delivering, and assessing instructional activities that support the language development and cultural integration of non-native English-speaking students.

Duties and Responsibilities

Primary job duties and responsibilities:

• Develops and implements a comprehensive ESL curriculum that aligns with language proficiency standards and meets the unique needs of individual students or groups.
• Creates engaging lesson plans that incorporate a variety of language acquisition strategies, such as listening, speaking, reading, and writing activities.
• Teaches English language skills, including grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and idiomatic expressions, at appropriate proficiency levels.
• Promotes cultural understanding and integration by exposing students to aspects of English-speaking cultures, customs, and social norms.
• Regularly assesses and evaluates students' language proficiency through formal and informal assessments. Uses assessment data to tailor instruction and provide targeted support.
• Adapts teaching methods and materials to accommodate the diverse learning needs and backgrounds of ESL students, including those with varying levels of English proficiency.
• Provides one-on-one or small group instruction for students who require additional support or have specific language goals.
• Selectes and uses appropriate textbooks, multimedia resources, and technology to enhance language learning.
• Creates a positive and inclusive classroom environment that fosters a supportive and respectful atmosphere for ESL learners.
• Communicates regularly with parents or guardians about students' progress, language goals, and any concerns related to their academic and language development.
• Stays informed about the latest ESL teaching methods, resources, and best practices. Attends professional development opportunities to enhance teaching skills.
• Demonstrates cultural sensitivity and an understanding of the challenges faced by non-native English speakers, fostering a welcoming and inclusive classroom.

Qualifications, Education and Experience

Necessary and desirable qualifications include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Must have a passion for improving educational opportunities for urban students and for building a strong, mission-driven organization. 
• Commitment to continued personal and professional growth, and a commitment to the company’s mission, vision, and growth. 
• Knowledge of language acquisition theories, curriculum design, and assessment strategies. 
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills are essential for effectively collaborating with diverse stakeholders, including parents, teachers, and students.
• Patience, empathy, and the ability to work with diverse student populations.
• Classroom management skills and the ability to create an inclusive and engaging learning environment.
• Education Preferred:
• Bachelor's degree in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages), ESL, Education, or a related field (master’s degree preferred).
• Valid teaching certification or ESL endorsement, nice to have.
• Experience Preferred:
• Previous experience teaching ESL or working with non-native English speakers is preferred.

Working Conditions

This job is performed in a generally clean and healthy office environment. 

Physical Requirements

The usual and customary methods of performing the job’s functions require the following physical demands: some lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling; and significant fine finger dexterity. 

Reasonable accommodations can be made to employees with qualified disabilities who can perform the essential functions of the job, so long as there is no undue hardship created upon the organization or other employees within the organization.

Supervision Received

Occasional, minimal guidance, but follows established work methods.

Direct Reports

None.

Conclusion

This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the job and the general nature and level of work performed within this job. However, this job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, qualifications, or physical demands associated with the position.