Bilingual Resource Specialist (Spanish) - Sennett - 0.484 FTE - 26-27 SY

About the Role

The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) is seeking highly motivated and energetic applicants for the Middle School Operations Sennett Middle position. Applicants should have a good attitude, willingness to learn, and passion for impactful work and learning. We welcome applicants who will actively contribute to our ongoing commitment to making MMSD a thriving, welcoming environment for all students, families, and staff.

Purpose of the Position

The Bilingual Resource Specialist position is designed to serve the students and families from the target language group.

Instructional Supports & Service Delivery

• Maintain and adhere to a weekly schedule of academic and linguistic support, created in association with school administration and teaching staff based on the needs of English Learners (ELs) in their work sites as indicated on students' ILP forms
• Provide students with academic, linguistic, and cultural support in the classroom in collaboration with teaching staff or administrators when appropriate
• Facilitate and enhance communication, including translation and interpretation
• Build relationships with English Learners (ELs) and their families

Student Placement

• Support secretary/office and English as a Second Language (ESL)/Bilingual Resource Teacher (BRT) staff to welcome families into the school district, provide interpretation to ensure all paperwork is completed and share the array of services available to the student to inform parent decisions
• Assist ESL/BRT with communication to families regarding the Home Language Survey and ESL status and services by providing interpretation
• Work with the ESL/BRT to ensure EL records are complete and current
• Help transition newcomers into student life through social, emotional, and academic support in collaboration with other staff (i.e., school social worker, ESL/BRT)

Collaboration with Teaching Staff

• Participate as an active team member in the discussion of academic, transition, graduation and career/vocational issues related to ELs
• Contribute ideas to the planning of the ESL/Bilingual instructional programs, including culturally relevant materials, resources, and ways of responding to students
• Differentiate and obtain cultural background information relevant for instruction and assessment of student performance
• Implement one-on-one and small group lesson plans created in advance by certified teaching staff to provide pre-teaching and/or instructional reinforcement
• Consult with staff to provide possible cultural or language-based explanations to student issues

Classroom Support

• Provide support to ELs in core academic instruction with intention and planning in an inclusive environment, under the guidance of the classroom teacher and/or ESL/BRT
• Provide support to ELs in small groups within or outside of the classroom as needed

Assessment

• Provide appropriate accommodations (i.e., interpretation support) as outlined by the Office of Assessment Administration for ELs during testing situations

Communication

• Facilitate communication between linguistically and/or culturally different parties
• Provide written translation of school-specific documents
• Provide interpretation for school staff (principal, teacher, nurse, etc.) who are contacting parents in person and over the phone with the staff member present
• Collaborate with and connect students/families with staff by providing oral interpretation in person and over the phone regarding all topics that affect student life
• Provide oral interpretation at school events and meetings
• Facilitate communication prior to Individual Educational Plan (IEP) meetings, and provide interpretation during IEP meetings
• Assist families in their native language to complete district/school paperwork and applications

Cultural Liaison

• Assist the family and the student to navigate the norms and practices, both social and academic, of the U.S. school system (e.g., report cards, Summer Semester) and community
• Work with families to gather information about their social and academic norms and practices and share this information with staff during established meetings (i.e., grade level meetings)
• Explain the district Behavior Education Plan to students and families
• Provide social/emotional support for ELs, particularly those struggling with bridging school culture
• Help schools develop a system of culturally relevant family outreach
• In collaboration with school team, connect students/families with district and community resources (e.g., clinics, dental and eye care, free health events, academic tutoring, housing and employment support services)
• Facilitate communication to outside agencies and relay recommendations of community-based services between staff and families

Minimum Qualifications

• Must pass MMSD reading, writing, and oral proficiency assessment in target language and English (based on district screening process)

Working Conditions

• Work may require travel to different locations within the district and to off-site meetings
• Position may require working evenings, nights, and some weekends
• Certain positions within the District may allow hybrid work flexibility for a portion of their work schedule, depending on the needs of the position and the work unit. This topic and any remote work flexibility that may be available will be discussed in more detail in the interview process
• School-based positions are required to be in-person unless otherwise directed by the building principal

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work under generally safe and comfortable conditions where exposure to environmental factors is minimal and poses little to no risk of injury
• This position requires the ability to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally and may involve walking, sitting, stooping or reaching
• Manual dexterity is necessary for completing general tasks while operating office equipment
• This position may require being stationary for extended periods of time
• Ability to perform work in a variety of indoor and outdoor environments throughout the year, including in inclement weather, spaces without air conditioning, and areas where temperatures may be uncomfortable or fluctuate rapidly