ESL Teacher - Grade 4 or 5

ESL Teacher About Lawrence Public Schools Lawrence Public Schools is an urban district serving more than 13,000 students, the majority of whom are economically disadvantaged. More than 70% of our students speak a language other than English as their first language. We are committed to ensuring that our students, who have for too long been underserved, are provided with a high-quality, free, public education at their local, district schools. Known as the "Immigrant City," Lawrence has always been a multi-ethnic and multicultural gateway city since the late 1800s. The current population is largely Hispanic and has given a Latino slant to the local economy and culture. The level of energy and commitment in the city's neighborhoods exceeds that of most communities. Whether it is exemplified at the grassroots levels in the strong neighborhood associations or in the community policing program, people in the community have worked to create a safe place to live and work. About the Oliver School The Oliver School is a community of students, families, and educators committed to the social-emotional and academic growth of our 475 unique learners. We view students and their families from a holistic, strength-based lens, understanding there are many factors that impact learning. We believe that all students, families, and educators deserve a voice within our school community; we implement restorative justice practices to build relationships and solve challenges collaboratively. Our staff incorporate center-based learning through a multi-modal frame to promote language, independence, authentic engagement, executive functions, and socialization. We understand how critical access to grade level content is for all students, and work together to plan meaningful, instructional scaffolds that ensure students can engage in deep learning. At OPS, adult learning is as important as student learning; educators engage in weekly/ bi-weekly coaching sessions to support their individual needs and the collective goals of the school. Educators feel empowered, connected and supported in their work. When entering the doors at OPS, students and families feel their students are held to high expectations and are deeply cared for as individuals. Oliver Elementary Instructional Vision and Goals Responsibilities include but are not limited to: - The ESL Educator's responsibilities will include, but not be limited to, the following: - Teach, reinforce, remediate, and ensure mastery of academic content with individual students, small groups of students, and whole class(es) of students; - Evaluate ELL students' progress regularly and prepare measurable goals and objectives; - Consult with and assist principal(s) and education staff in modifying their classroom environments to meet the needs of ELL students; - Design and implement curricula and activities to meet MA frameworks and the WIDA standards framework; - Design and implement assessments that measure progress towards academic standards; - Use assessment data to refine curriculum and modify instructional practices; - Communicate effectively, consistently, and professionally with students, families, and colleagues; - Provide support, accommodations, and attention to all students; - Participate in curriculum design and professional development, grade-level activities, and school-wide functions; - Ensure students are engaged and invested in the classroom, managing behavior and providing incentives; - Comply with school, district, and statewide policies and regulations; - Be accountable for students' mastery of academic standards; and - Complete other duties as assigned. - Communicate effectively, consistently, and professionally with students, families, and colleagues; - Comply with school, district, and statewide policies and regulations; and - Complete other duties as assigned. Skills and Characteristics - A passionate belief in the student of Lawrence Public Schools; - Commitment to the academic and personal success of Lawrence Public Schools students and families; - Proven history of successful collaboration; - Ability to take initiative and succeed in a fast-paced classroom/ school environment while remaining calm and focused when faced with unexpected challenges; and - Demonstrated capacity to create and maintain a positive learning environment in which students' diverse backgrounds, identities, strengths, and challenges are respected and utilized. - Ability to reflect on practice and an openness to coaching and feedback. Qualifications - Bilingual and/ or Bicultural strongly preferred; - Valid Massachusetts License; - Minimum of two years' experience working with children preferred; and - Current Authorization to work in the United States. Salary and benefits in accordance with the union contracts and LPS policy.