English Language Development Teacher (ELD)

ELD/ESL Teacher

Phoenix Charter Academy

The Opportunity

The ELD/ESL Teacher will provide English language development instruction to high school scholars at Phoenix Charter Academy, supporting their language acquisition and access to academic content. The teacher will plan lessons and curricula, administer assessments, collect and analyze data, and support scholars in achieving academic excellence. Phoenix teachers also serve as advisers and mentors for our scholars. Bilingual candidates are highly encouraged to apply.

Who We Are

Phoenix Charter Academy aims to show the world what all young people can do and to defy the limitations of societal assumptions, classism, and racism. Phoenix was founded on the unwavering belief that all scholars can succeed at high levels.

We focus on young people who have often been underserved by the traditional public education system, including scholars who have left high school, scholars who are parenting children of their own, scholars who are or have been involved with the juvenile justice system, scholars who are older and new to the country, and scholars who are under-credited relative to the number of years they have been enrolled in high school.

We believe that these scholars, like all scholars, are fully capable of developing the skills necessary to achieve long-term economic prosperity and personal success. Phoenix provides individually tailored, academically rigorous learning experiences and the resources, relationships, and mentoring scholars need to reach their full potential.

Why Our Work Is Important

Students across the country leave high school without earning a diploma at an alarming rate. This can have a significant and lasting effect on a young person’s earning potential, financial stability, health, and access to future opportunities.

Phoenix Charter Academy responds to this challenge by creating learning environments where scholars can demonstrate their talent and resilience while preparing for success in high school, college, careers, and beyond.

Our Commitment to an Inclusive Community

Phoenix staff are ongoing learners about diversity, equity, and inclusion. They seek to understand how their identities and experiences influence and interact with their daily work, colleagues, and scholars.

We are committed to creating an inclusive school community where scholars, families, and staff feel valued, respected, and supported. We recognize the importance of listening to different perspectives, examining barriers to opportunity, and providing scholars with the resources and individualized support they need to succeed.

Qualities of a Phoenix Staff Member

Unwavering Belief in Phoenix Scholars: Believes deeply that all young people want to and can succeed, even when facing significant systemic barriers and societal constraints.

Ability to Put Scholars First: Centers scholars’ needs when making decisions and carrying out responsibilities.

Eager to Learn Under Pressure: Learns and adapts in a fast-paced, evolving, and urgent environment.

Humility: Approaches challenges with curiosity, values the perspectives of others, and remains open to feedback and growth.

Experience with Historically Underserved Communities: Understands and values the strengths, experiences, and needs of the communities Phoenix serves.

Ability to Find Inspiration in the Small Things: Recognizes and celebrates scholars’ daily progress, growth, and achievements.

Personal Commitment to Cultural Proficiency and Ongoing Development: Reflects on how personal identity and experiences affect interactions with colleagues, scholars, and families and remains committed to continued learning.

Your Contribution

In addition to demonstrating the qualities of a Phoenix staff member, the ELD/ESL Teacher will be responsible for the following curriculum and instructional responsibilities:

Design and deliver rigorous English language development instruction, including lessons, curriculum supplements, weekly overviews, scope and sequence plans, and performance assessments aligned with applicable Massachusetts curriculum frameworks and English language development standards.

Support social-emotional learning connected to college and career readiness, including one-on-one support as needed.

Participate in weekly professional development on Fridays from 1:30–4:30 p.m.

Participate in supervision, weekly coaching cycles, and formal midyear and end-of-year evaluations aligned with goals and deliverables set by the Director of Curriculum and Instruction.

Collaborate frequently with English as a Second Language, academic support, and content-area staff to ensure appropriate supports are in place for all scholars.

Collect and analyze scholars’ academic and English language proficiency data and use the results to inform instruction and meet individual learning needs.

What You Will Bring

Alignment with Phoenix’s mission and an unwavering belief in scholars’ potential.

Bachelor’s degree required.

At least one year of direct scholar-serving experience, such as teaching, tutoring, or academic support, preferred.

Bilingual or Spanish-speaking candidates are highly encouraged to apply.

Communication: Communicates clearly and effectively through verbal, nonverbal, and written communication and demonstrates flexibility in communicating across differences.

Scholar Orientation: Works to deepen their understanding of scholars and centers scholars’ needs in all aspects of the work.

Adaptability: Adjusts priorities and aligns work with the school’s mission while navigating complex and changing internal and external environments.

Strong Work Ethic: Demonstrates initiative, dependability, and the ability to work independently and as part of a team.

DESE Licensure Requirements

A valid Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) English as a Second Language (ESL) teaching license for grades 5–12, or another DESE-recognized credential appropriate to the assignment, is required before providing ESL instruction to English learners.

Maintain the required license and any applicable endorsements throughout employment, including completing renewal and professional development requirements appropriate to the license held.

If assigned to teach core academic English or other sheltered content to English learners, hold or obtain the Sheltered English Immersion (SEI) Teacher Endorsement within the applicable DESE timeline. An SEI endorsement alone does not replace the required ESL credential.

MTRS Participation

This teaching position is eligible for participation in the Massachusetts Teachers’ Retirement System (MTRS) when the applicable membership requirements are met, including contractual employment on at least a half-time basis. Participation is mandatory for eligible employees. Employees must complete required enrollment documentation and make applicable payroll contributions. Final eligibility and enrollment are governed by MTRS requirements.

What You Will Get

We want you to be the best you can be. You will receive professional development, coaching, and the resources needed to succeed in your role. Phoenix offers an open, curious, and supportive culture that values continuous learning and the experiences of our scholars, staff, and communities.

Eligible employees receive competitive compensation; medical, dental, vision, mental health, and wellness benefits; a 403(b) retirement plan; and employee benefits such as a longevity bonus and pet insurance. MTRS participation is governed by the requirements described above.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Phoenix Charter Academy is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate against any employee or candidate because of race, color, religion, creed, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, veteran or military status, marital status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Phoenix Charter Academy is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and others entitled to accommodations under applicable law.

The Network retains the right to modify this job description at any time, for any reason, at the Network’s sole discretion.