ESL Coach [SY23-24]

District Overview:

Overview of the Malden Public Schools: The Malden Public Schools (MPS) is a richly diverse school district located within the Greater Boston area and accessible by the MBTA orange line train. Malden's student body comprises approximately 6,800 students who represent 59 different countries and speak 67 different languages. We have 1 early learning center, 5 K-8 schools, and 1 high school. We are committed to providing high expectations for all learners through rigorous instruction and culturally responsive practices and pedagogy. MPS is a safe, welcoming, and collaborative district where we encourage and embrace a growth mindset. We believe that our diversity is an asset, and we are seeking candidates that reflect, embrace, and contribute to the strengths of our community.

Position Description:

An English as a Second Language (ESL) Coach is a specially prepared professional who has responsibility for the English language performance of English learners within their schools. The ESL Coach will provide high-level language development support for members of the school community that is consistent with and fulfills the requirements of the WIDA Standards Framework and its Theoretical Foundations. The ESL Coach in this role works closely with the Principal(s), the English Language Education (ELE) Director, and other relevant school/district administrators, teachers, and parents to accomplish the goals outlined in the School Improvement Plan and the school systems requirements for the improvement of English language instruction.

The ESL Coach's full-time job is to improve English Language Development (ELD) instruction in the school in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. This individual will not have direct classroom duties nor will they have administrative responsibilities outside of the ELE program, but will include support in ELD skills and strategies within the content area.

Major Responsibilities:

Professional Development
Establish clear goals for professional development that are consistent with ELD goals Assist teachers in formulating own goals for professional development Coach/mentor classroom teachers as they implement evidence-based instructional practices associated with the ELD curriculum and instructional approaches Provide feedback during coaching on teaching effectiveness, including concrete suggestions for improvements, especially related to strategies for working with English learners Establish and oversee a peer mentoring support network for teachers as they implement recommended instructional practices include opportunities for teachers to visit one another's classrooms to observe the implementation of specified practices Design school-based professional development that is analytic, reflective, and inquiry-oriented (e.g. site-based content knowledge workshops on strategies aligned with scientifically based ELD research); lead monthly study groups to discuss the research, share experiences on implementing recommended practices, and examine student work Provide demonstration materials (e.g. videos, professional books) to support and extend professional development site-based opportunities Act as catalyst for building a school learning community that focuses on integrated learning, building connections across grades
Assessment
Assist in the administration of the annual ACCESS test Implement procedures for monitoring student performance associated with benchmarks Mentor/coach teachers as they utilize assessments in addition to those required by BSRI (e.g. classroom-based assessments), helping teachers to avoid over-assessing students or using redundant measures Coach teachers as they analyze ELD assessment data and ACCESS data to identify students who are making adequate progress or those in need of substantive intervention Coach teachers on the use of assessment data to modify instruction for individual students and to group students for classroom instruction (e.g. homogeneous groups) Collect and analyze data from the iLearning program and any other data collected by the city. Meet with teachers on a regular basis to discuss student progress and look at student work. Collect and analyze data; create instructional plans twice a year based on data, to support classroom instructions in a way that will meet the needs of students.
Curriculum and Instruction
Review materials under consideration for purchase for evidence of alignment with the WIDA Standards Framework and its Theoretical Foundations Know how to use a range of effective strategies, analyze instruction, and provide clear, specific information on strategy implementation
School Liaison
Meet regularly with the ELE Director, Principal, and others to assess the progress and to modify elements as necessary Assist in the analysis of school-wide ELD strengths and weaknesses and formulate plans to improve student achievement in learning English and teaching effectiveness Create an atmosphere of trust and collaboration among staff to promote professional growth and accelerate the English proficiency level of language learners Attend all professional development and networking meetings
Qualifications:
Masters in ESL, linguistics, SLA, reading, education, special education, or related field Three to five years of full time K-8 relevant teaching experience; elementary experience preferred Valid ESL License Bilingual applicants preferred Experience and skill as a coach or mentor for adults on ELD related topics Excellent communication skills Deep understanding of scientifically based language acquisition research and evidence-based practices for teaching K-8 ELD and assessing student progress toward achievement of benchmarks Commitment to supporting equity for all students by promoting culturally responsive teaching practices
Reports to: Director of English Language Learners & Title III

Assignment Date: Earliest availability through the end of the 2020/2021 school year.

Salary: Commensurate with Malden Public Schools' teacher salary schedule; Grant-funded position.

To Apply: Submit letter of interest highlighting qualifications for the position via TalentEd.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Malden Public Schools is committed to cultivating an ethnically, racially, and linguistically diverse and inclusive environment where different backgrounds and perspectives are celebrated. We believe the differences within our environment will positively impact student outcomes and benefit our employees and community. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws. Additionally, we prohibit retaliation against individuals who oppose such discrimination and harassment or who participate in an equal opportunity investigation.