ESL Teacher - Wright - 0.5 FTE - 26-27 SY

MMSD is seeking highly motivated and energetic applicants with a good attitude, willingness to learn, and passion for impactful work and learning.

About the role

The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) is the second-largest school district in Wisconsin, serving over 25,000 students from diverse backgrounds. More than half are students of color, nearly one-third are English Language Learners, and over 100 languages are represented. MMSD is committed to being anti-racist, culturally responsive, and inclusive, with a vision to ensure every school is a thriving school that prepares every student for college, career, and community.

This role supports English Language Learners (ELs) through instructional, assessment, and case management duties while fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for students, families, and staff.

Responsibilities

• Instructional Supports & Service Delivery
  • Provide supplementary English Language Development instruction within or outside the classroom for ELs in general education environments (e.g., ELI, DLI-DBE, Hmong Heritage Programs).
  • Deliver targeted instruction for newcomer ELs (students in U.S. schools for less than one year) in key content areas.
  • Communicate and guide Bilingual Resource Specialists (BRS) regarding student needs, instructional support, and family outreach.
  • Create school-wide welcoming environments and support inclusion of EL students in instructional settings.
  • Coordinate service delivery with building administrators and Multilingual Services staff to ensure compliance with district protocols.
  • Serve as a team member for student placement, scheduling, and compliance with state/federal ESL service laws.
  • Collaborate with librarians and Instructional Coaches to purchase culturally and linguistically relevant materials.
  • Participate in academic, transition, and post-secondary planning discussions for ELs.
  • Serve on Student Support and Intervention Teams (MTSS) to ensure culturally responsive practices for ELs.
  • Participate in IEP meetings for ELs to represent language development needs (not as interpreters).
• Assessment Support
  • Administer English language proficiency assessments (e.g., WIDA Kindergarten Screener, WIDA Screener Online, ACCESS 2.0).
  • Monitor students’ access to grade-level curriculum through ongoing formative assessment.
  • Collaborate with non-ESL staff to provide appropriate assessment scaffolds for ELs.
  • Train colleagues on measuring and reporting content-related language growth.
  • Support classroom teachers in using English Language Development observation tools and data-driven instruction.
  • Ensure appropriate testing accommodations for ELs in district/state-mandated assessments.
• Family Involvement
  • Serve as a communication link among students, families, and school staff in collaboration with classroom teachers.
  • Participate in parent-teacher conferences for ELs.
  • Coordinate communication with families in collaboration with BRS and other staff.
  • Provide families with information about MMSD and the U.S. educational system, including EL identification processes.
• EL Case Management
  • Serve as Case Manager for ELs, acting as a school-based advocate for students and parents.
  • Explain EL Data Management forms to parents to keep them informed of academic status.
  • Document EL data and file paperwork, including:
    • Identifying potential ELs via Home Language Surveys.
    • Assessing students for English language proficiency and reporting scores.
    • Contacting previous districts to obtain ACCESS scores for new ELs.
    • Creating Individualized Learning Plan (ILP) forms and obtaining parent approval.
    • Archiving signed ILPs in the EL data management system.
    • Notifying parents of students testing Proficient on ACCESS (two-year monitoring status).
    • Monitoring academic/language growth of ELs and consulting with non-ESL staff.
    • Assisting with electronic cumulative file maintenance (e.g., ACCESS reports, ILPs).
    • Working with parents and central office staff to remove misidentified EL status.
• Capacity Building
  • Promote teaming models during common planning times and team meetings.
  • Consult with general education staff to integrate targeted language instruction and scaffolds.
  • Provide resources on distinguishing disability from second language/literacy development.
  • Collaborate with Special Education staff to meet language and academic needs of ELs with IEPs.
  • Co-plan, co-facilitate, and share resources for professional development on best practices for ELs.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree (official transcripts required for employment).
• Native-like fluency in Hmong/Spanish and English (language proficiency assessment required for Bilingual Resource Teacher/Dual Language Immersion positions).
• Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) teaching license in one of the following:
  • Middle School Regular Education (grades 6-8, e.g., 1-8, K-9, MC/EA).
  • 4-12 core content (Math, Science, English, Language Arts, or Social Studies).
  • ESL Bilingual/Bi-Cultural (preferred).
• Applications are considered on a rolling basis; fully licensed applicants are prioritized.
• Unlicensed candidates may be considered but must obtain a One-Year License with Stipulations from DPI (hired by a district first).

Skills

• High expectations for every student.
• Quality instructional practice.
• Cultural competence.
• Data proficiency.
• Team collaboration.
• Student and family engagement.
• Resilience and results orientation.
• Self-awareness and growth mindset.

Pay

Minimum annual compensation: $53,525 (2026-27 TE Salary Schedule).

Schedule

• Length of contract: 192 days.
• Employment type: Exempt.

Benefits

MMSD offers a comprehensive compensation package. Visit the benefits page and compensation page for more information.

Working conditions may require travel within the district and to off-site meetings.