Location: Lang Learn & Sup Svc
Full/Part Time: Full-Time
Regular/Temporary: Regular

Job Title:  ELL Support Specialist
Reports to: Senior Program Manager for Instruction & Professional Development

General Description:
To improve the quality of instruction in the Boston public schools the ELL Support Specialist will work with principals and school-based teams of practitioners to implement the work of the Office of English Language Learners. ELL Support Specialist will provide leadership and training in the areas of first and second language acquisition, literacy, adaptation of instructional materials, and best practices to engage limited English speakers in accessing BPS curricula to school based personnel. ELL Support Specialists will complete projects aimed at improving instruction curriculum and assessments, community involvement, Special Education issues and teacher development.

In addition BTU members in this position will be paid an additional 5% for an additional 70 hours plus three days as per BTU contract.

Responsibilities:
Have deep understanding of instructional needs of all English Language Learners.
Be able to utilize the Boston Public Schools ESL curriculum and English Language Proficiency and Benchmarks (ELPBO), in helping teachers with planning and delivering lessons for ELLs.
Content Knowledge:  Have extensive knowledge of ESL concepts and relevant research, and how to develop academic language and second language literacy through effective instructional practices for ELLs.
Assist schools using a variety of assessment tools and strategies to gather data to monitor student mastery of ESL and instructional content.  Be familiar with administration of Massachusetts English Language Proficiency Assessment in reading, writing (MEPA R/W) and Massachusetts English Language Assessment in oral language MELA-O.
Conducts research on programs and strategies in other school districts in order to inform the work in BPS.
Assist schools in utilizing data to inform instruction for ELLs appropriate to ELD level.
Work with teachers in programs for English language learners and general education staff in providing professional development, which may include the four DOE categories and instructional practices for ELLs.
Assess professional development needs of schools.
Establish collaborative relationships with other teachers and other support personnel to ensure implementation of the English Language Proficiency and Benchmarks (ELPBO) and Boston Public Schools ESL curriculum in the instruction of all ELL students.
Maintain accurate records of professional development sessions.
Demonstrate a commitment to excellence, equity, and high expectations for all students with an emphasis on building on the strengths that students bring to the teaching/learning process and closing the achievement gap for ELLs.
Model professional behavior that addresses job responsibilities, district policies and procedures, and the expectations of professionals working in a multi-lingual, multi-cultural, and economically diverse community.
Build and maintain safe, fair, and equitable learning environments that respect the diversity of the student population.
Initiate and maintain consistent communication and develop constructive partnerships with families communicating about student progress and ways the families can support the student at home.
Perform other duties as requested by the Assistant Superintendent for English Language Learners.

Qualifications Required:
1. Hold a Massachusetts Teaching License in ESL/ELL field or TBE at the appropriate grade level
2. Meet all state and federal guidelines in order to be fully licensed and Highly Qualified
3. Minimum 5 years teaching experience
4. Ability to work independently and in team teaching situations
5. Experience delivering professional development
6. Excellent organizational and writing skills
7. Experience interpreting data to plan instruction

Preferred:
1. Masters Degree in ESL, Applied Linguistics or related field
2. Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Trainer status in Categories 1, 2 and/or 4
3. Qualified MELA-O administrator status
4. Experience as Coach, Lead Teacher or Mentor
5. Experience in urban school setting
6. Second Language Proficiency in Spanish, Haitian Kreol, Chinese, Vietnamese or Cape Verdean Creole
Terms: BTU plus 5% for additional 70 hours, plus 3 days