Language Acquisition Specialist

Days Per Year: 226

Min: $75,837

Mid: $91,370

JOB TITLE: Language Acquisition Specialist

REPORTS TO: Multilingual Director

WAGE/HOUR STATUS: Exempt

Pay Grade: AI 2

PRIMARY PURPOSE:

The EL Language Acquisition Specialist, under the direction of the district Multilingual Director, will provide second language acquisition support to teachers of English Learners (EL). The EL Specialist provides guidance to the teacher in the areas of lesson planning/design and instructional delivery. The EL Elementary Language Specialist ensures that the EL classroom environment aligns to district and statutory program requirements and ensures all mandated practices are being implemented and monitored.

All employees of SISD are expected to act with integrity, support organizational goals, communicate in a clear and respectful manner, champion the needs of our students and drive continuous improvement.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required:

• Bachelor's degree from accredited university
• Five years of job-related experience in adult education
• Bilingual/ESL job related experiences

Preferred:

• Valid Texas teaching certificate
• Bilingual/ESL Certification
• Five years' job-related experience in PK-12 education
• Successfully demonstrated track record of academic success with providing professional development to teachers of English Learners

SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS:

• In-depth knowledge of state curricular standards as written, taught and assessed
• In-depth knowledge of federal, state and local laws, policies, procedures and processes related to the education of students who receive services through the ESL program.
• In-depth knowledge of state, local and federal laws, policies concerning Emergent Bilinguals
• Excellent organizational, communication and interpersonal skills
• Excellent data analysis skills
• Excellent skills in the use of Microsoft Office applications

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

• Uses research-based adult learning and engagement strategies to support elementary teachers of English Learners ensure the transfer from L1 to L2 (English language) to increase EL's academic achievement.
• Ensures language accommodations are implemented for identified English Learners.
• Supports and monitors best practices and differentiation of instruction for language acquisition of English Learners.
• Engages secondary teachers of English Learners in adult learning experiences designed to develop a strong understanding of second language acquisition.
• Designs, facilitates, and supports professional development sessions for elementary teachers of English Learners throughout the school year, on weekends, and during the summer which includes, but not limited to, best practices and differentiation of instruction for language acceleration, and effective technology integration.
• Participates in all district trainings throughout the school year, on weekends, and during the summer that are directly related to supporting teachers of English Learners.
• Tracks TELPAS and other local and state assessments to monitor student academic growth and support teachers in the development of individualized student plans.
• Monitors the failure rate of English Learners and uses data to provide specific interventions and strategies to support teachers of identified EL students.
• Safeguards the confidentiality of all documentation provided or generated.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: physical mobility, standing, prolonged sitting, some lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling. This position will require traveling within the district.

Mental demands: ability to solve problems and deal with a variety of situations; ability to interpret a variety of data; ability to interpret TEC and policy; ability to apply knowledge of current research and theory, ability to be effective in both oral and written communication; ability to maintain emotional control under stress.

The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.

SPECIAL FUNDING:

This position is funded by Federal/and or State grants, you understand that your employment is expressly conditioned on the availability of full funding for the position. If full funding becomes unavailable, your employment is subject to termination or nonrenewal, or reassignment as applicable.