The posting
Interested candidates must apply online through the Career Site to Apply: https://jobs.redroverk12.com/org/4125/opening/209484
English Language Learner (ELL) Teacher – Elementary School
Amherst Public Schools | Crocker Farm Elementary School
Position Type: Full-Time Location: Crocker Farm Elementary School, Amherst, Massachusetts Licensure Required: Massachusetts DESE English as a Second Language (ESL/ELL), PreK–6 or PreK–8
Position Overview
The Amherst Public School District is seeking a highly qualified, dedicated, and culturally responsive English Language Learner (ELL) Teacher to join the educational team at Crocker Farm Elementary School.
The successful candidate will provide high-quality, evidence-based English language development instruction to multilingual learners, supporting their academic achievement, language proficiency, and meaningful participation in the general education curriculum.
The ELL Teacher will work collaboratively with classroom teachers, special education staff, administrators, and families to develop and implement effective instructional practices that meet the diverse linguistic, cultural, and academic needs of students.
The ideal candidate will demonstrate a strong understanding of language acquisition, culturally and linguistically responsive teaching, and inclusive educational practices that promote equitable learning opportunities for all students.
Essential Responsibilities
English Language Development and Instruction
- Plan, develop, and deliver high-quality, standards-aligned English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction appropriate to students' English language proficiency levels and individual learning needs.
- Provide direct English language development instruction through appropriate instructional models, including small-group, individual, and integrated classroom instruction.
- Apply Sheltered English Immersion (SEI) strategies and evidence-based language acquisition practices to support multilingual learners' access to grade-level academic content.
- Integrate listening, speaking, reading, and writing instruction across academic content areas.
- Differentiate instruction to address varying levels of English language proficiency, academic readiness, and individual learning needs.
- Use the WIDA English Language Development Standards Framework and Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks to guide instructional planning and delivery.
- Implement effective, research-based literacy practices to strengthen language development, reading comprehension, and written expression.
Collaboration and Inclusive Instruction
- Collaborate with general education and special education teachers to co-plan, co-teach, and implement instructional strategies that support multilingual learners in inclusive classroom settings.
- Provide consultation and instructional support to classroom teachers regarding language acquisition, differentiation, and culturally responsive instruction.
- Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings, student support discussions, and collaborative instructional planning.
- Work with teachers and specialists to support students who are both multilingual learners and students with disabilities.
- Promote meaningful access to grade-level curriculum and equitable participation in classroom activities.
Assessment, Progress Monitoring, and Compliance
- Administer and interpret required English language proficiency assessments, including the WIDA Screener and annual ACCESS for ELLs assessment, in accordance with state and district requirements.
- Monitor and document student language development, academic performance, and progress toward English language proficiency.
- Use assessment results and student performance data to inform instruction, establish learning goals, and implement appropriate interventions.
- Maintain accurate and confidential student records, assessment documentation, and required reports.
- Assist with initial identification, placement, reclassification, and monitoring procedures for multilingual learners in accordance with applicable Massachusetts DESE regulations and district procedures.
- Prepare student progress reports and communicate assessment results to families and appropriate school personnel.
- Support compliance with state and federal requirements related to the education of English learners.
Family and Community Engagement
- Establish positive, respectful, and collaborative relationships with multilingual students and their families.
- Communicate effectively with families regarding student progress, language development, academic expectations, and available educational resources.
- Participate in English Learner family partnership interviews, conferences, and school engagement activities.
- Collaborate with the district's Multilingual Parent Advisory Council (MPAC) and other family engagement initiatives.
- Support equitable family access to school information and communication through appropriate translation and interpretation resources.
Culturally Responsive and Equitable Practices
- Create an inclusive, welcoming, and culturally affirming classroom environment that values students' identities, home languages, and diverse cultural backgrounds.
- Implement culturally and linguistically responsive teaching practices that promote student belonging, engagement, and academic success.
- Demonstrate a commitment to educational equity, anti-bias practices, and culturally responsive instruction.
- Recognize and build upon the linguistic and cultural assets multilingual students bring to the learning environment.
- Participate in professional development and district initiatives focused on instructional improvement, language acquisition, equity, and inclusion.
- Perform other related duties as assigned in support of students and the school community.
Required Qualifications
- Licensure: Valid Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) teaching license in English as a Second Language (ESL/ELL), appropriate for the elementary grade levels served (PreK–6 or PreK–8).
- Endorsement: Sheltered English Immersion (SEI) Teacher Endorsement, as required by Massachusetts DESE.
- Education: Bachelor's degree in Education, Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), Applied Linguistics, or a related field.
- Knowledge of English language acquisition, second-language development, and effective instructional strategies for multilingual learners.
- Understanding of the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks and WIDA English Language Development Standards Framework.
- Ability to differentiate instruction and effectively support students with varying language proficiency levels and academic needs.
- Demonstrated commitment to educational equity, inclusion, and anti-racist educational practices.
- Strong organizational, interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues, administrators, students, and families.
- Proficiency in using student assessment data to guide instruction and monitor progress.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master's degree in TESOL, Applied Linguistics, Education, or a related field.
- Bilingual or multilingual proficiency in Spanish, Portuguese, and/or Haitian Creole.
- Experience teaching English language development at the elementary school level.
- Experience co-teaching and collaborating within an inclusive elementary classroom setting.
- Familiarity with WIDA assessment tools, language proficiency frameworks, and student progress monitoring.
- Experience integrating English language development with evidence-based literacy instruction and core academic content.
- Strong knowledge of current research in reading, writing, literacy development, and evidence-based instructional practices for multilingual learners.
- Experience working with culturally and linguistically diverse students and families.
- Demonstrated ability to build strong relationships with families from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The Amherst, Amherst-Pelham, and Pelham Public School Districts are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to creating inclusive, diverse, and welcoming educational environments.
We value the diversity of our students, staff, and community and are dedicated to providing equitable educational opportunities for all learners.
Candidates who are bilingual and bicultural, particularly those proficient in Spanish, Portuguese, and/or Haitian Creole, and who demonstrate strong multicultural competency are strongly encouraged to apply.
Reasonable accommodations are available to qualified applicants and employees in accordance with applicable laws.
