ESL Teacher

About the role

The ESL Teacher provides direct instruction to Emergent Bilingual Students through a collaborative push-in model, delivering Framingham Public Schools’ high expectations for achievement and equal access to core instruction. The ESL Teacher works alongside general education teachers to provide linguistic support within the content area, ensuring the development of the whole child while adhering to the district’s curriculum.

Responsibilities

• Collaborates with content teachers to co-plan and adapt lesson plans that meet the linguistic needs of Emergent Bilinguals within the general education setting.
• Employs push-in instructional methods, providing small-group or individualized language support during core content blocks.
• Differentiates instructional materials and "scaffolds" content-area tasks to ensure students can access high-level curriculum.
• Instructs students on language acquisition strategies that directly relate to the current classroom unit or project.
• Works flexibly across multiple classroom environments, maintaining a professional and supportive presence in colleagues' classrooms.
• Supports the content teacher in managing student behavior and establishing an inclusive environment for Emergent Bilinguals.
• Aids in creating linguistically rich classroom environments within the shared instructional space.
• Maintains high mobility, transitioning between classrooms to meet the scheduled needs of various student clusters.
• Monitors and evaluates the linguistic progress of students within the context of their general education performance.
• Collaborates with content teachers to provide appropriate and timely feedback on modified assignments and tests.
• Maintains accurate records of language proficiency growth and updates necessary district records.
• Consults regularly with students, families, and community partners to foster a collaborative approach to student success.
• Participates in PLCs and multidisciplinary teams (Special Education, ESL, Mental Health) to coordinate comprehensive support for students.
• Communicates student progress, challenges, and achievements clearly and promptly to parents and guardians, ensuring language accessibility where needed.
• Collaborates with administration to implement school-wide policies and initiatives that enhance the school culture and student conduct.
• Commits to ongoing professional development, staying current with evidence-based practices and antiracist pedagogical frameworks.
• Contributes to the school community by participating in staff meetings, serving on committees, and supporting extracurricular activities as directed.
• Plans and supervises purposeful assignments for educational support staff and volunteers to maximize their impact on student learning.

Requirements

• Valid Massachusetts Teaching License In English as a Second Language (ESL) (Grades PreK-6) with SEI Endorsement; or English as a Second Language (ESL) (Grades 5-12) with SEI Endorsement (Depending on Grade Level).
• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Elementary Education or a related field required; Master’s Degree preferred.
• Proven track record of delivering high-quality instruction and managing a diverse classroom environment.
• Experience working in a school district or educational setting is required.
• Bilingual proficiency in Spanish and/or Portuguese is encouraged.

Qualifications

• Differentiated Instruction: Ability to design and implement Tier 1 and Tier 2 instructional interventions to meet the diverse needs of students, including those with IEPs, 504 plans, and English Language Learners.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Proficiency in analyzing standardized and formative assessment data (e.g., MCAS, i-Ready, or unit assessments) to track student growth and adjust instructional delivery.
• Social-Emotional Learning (SEL): Expertise in integrating SEL frameworks into daily routines to support the "whole child," fostering a safe, inclusive, and trauma-informed classroom culture.
• Content Pedagogy & Foundational Skills: Deep pedagogical knowledge of evidence-based instructional practices within the subject area to ensure all students master core concepts and reach grade-level proficiency.
• Restorative Practices: Ability to utilize restorative justice and conflict transformation techniques to manage classroom behavior and resolve peer conflicts constructively.
• Curriculum Alignment: Skill in aligning daily lesson plans with the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks and district-wide strategic goals.
• Adaptive Technology Integration: Mastery of instructional technology (Google Classroom, interactive whiteboards, and educational software) to enhance student engagement and accessibility.
• Collaborative Leadership: Ability to work effectively within Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) and multidisciplinary teams (special education, ESL, and mental health staff) to support student success.
• Cultural Proficiency: Demonstrated cultural proficiency and competence in fostering an equitable and inclusive district environment for all staff, students, and families.
• Professionalism & Composure: Maintain regular, predictable, and punctual attendance; exhibit professionalism in responding to high-stakes or unpredictable classroom situations.