ESL Teacher - Grades 5-8 - Vacancy ID: 231297

Darlington Elementary/Middle School, a 2023 National Blue Ribbon School in the category of closing achievement gaps, is seeking a dedicated and passionate ESL (English as a Second Language) Teacher to join our award-winning team. The ideal candidate will have a strong commitment to collaboration, a solution-focused mindset, and a deep understanding of the unique needs of middle school students who are expanding their English language skills. Our school prides itself on closing achievement gaps and fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment.

**Key Responsibilities:**

1. **Instructional Planning and Delivery:**
   - Develop and implement engaging, effective, and differentiated lesson plans tailored to the diverse needs of ESL students.
   - Utilize a variety of instructional strategies to support language acquisition and content understanding.
   - Incorporate technology and multimedia resources to enhance the learning experience.

2. **Student Assessment and Progress Monitoring:**
   - Assess students’ English language proficiency levels using appropriate tools and techniques.
   - Monitor and track student progress, providing regular feedback to students and parents.
   - Use assessment data to inform instructional practices and provide targeted support.

3. **Collaboration and Teamwork:**
   - Work closely with classroom teachers, special education staff, and other support personnel to coordinate instructional activities and support services for ESL students.
   - Participate in grade-level and department meetings to discuss student progress, share strategies, and plan collaboratively.
   - Engage with parents and guardians to build strong home-school connections and support student learning.

4. **Professional Development and Continuous Improvement:**
   - Stay current with best practices in ESL instruction and attend relevant professional development opportunities.
   - Contribute to the development and implementation of school-wide initiatives aimed at closing achievement gaps and promoting equity.
   - Reflect on personal teaching practices and seek feedback for continuous improvement.

5. **Classroom Management and Student Support:**
   - Create a positive, inclusive, and culturally responsive classroom environment that encourages student participation and engagement.
   - Address the social and emotional needs of ESL students, providing guidance and support as needed.
   - Implement behavior management strategies that promote a safe and respectful learning environment.

**Qualifications:**

- Bachelor’s degree in Education, TESOL, Linguistics, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
- Valid state teaching certification with an ESL endorsement.
- Proven experience teaching English as a Second Language, preferably at the middle school level.
- Strong understanding of the needs and challenges of middle school students learning English.
- Excellent communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills.
- Commitment to fostering an inclusive and equitable learning environment.

 

The Darlington Community School District does not discriminate on the basis of: sex, color, race, religion, national origin (including limited-English proficiency), ancestry, creed, pregnancy, marital or parental status, sexual orientation or physical, mental, emotional or learning disability.