POSITION TITLE Multilingual Learner (ML) Specialist - Certificated Teacher
LOCATION Districtwide - Middle Schools
FTE 1.0
DAYS/YEAR 184
CONTRACT Continuing
SALARY Per the WVEA Salary Schedule
- Dependent on verified education and experience
- Prorated for partial FTE positions
- Additional compensation and benefits as outlined in the WVEA CBA
- Placement according to verified education & experience
- Pay is annualized over 12 months
JOB TYPE Exempt
UNION/CONTRACT West Valley Education Association (WVEA)
START DATE 2026-2027 School Year
SUMMARY
In alignment with the district's mission to ensure academic excellence, cultivate belonging, and inspire
future-ready learners, the Multilingual Learner (ML) Specialist - Middle School Focus is a critical leader
in supporting multilingual students in grades 6-8 during one of the most important transitional periods
in their educational journey. This role is designed to ensure multilingual learners feel safe, seen, heard,
and empowered while building the academic, language, and self-advocacy skills needed for success in
middle school, high school and beyond.
The ML Specialist works collaboratively with teachers, counselors, families, and administrators to
remove barriers, foster belonging, and maintain high expectations for multilingual learners. Through
instructional leadership, culturally responsive practices, and strategic student support, the specialist
helps students strengthen their language development, engagement, attendance, and readiness for and
a successful transition to 9th grade and future high school graduation pathways.
While primarily focused on middle school students, this position may also support other grade levels as
needed to ensure equitable services and responsiveness to multilingual learner needs across the district.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Valid Washington State Teaching Certificate with English Language Learner (ELL) Endorsement.
- Successful middle school teaching and/or coaching experience supporting multilingual learners
in inclusive, blended, and pull-out settings.
- Valid Washington State Teaching Certificate with endorsement in Special Education.
- Successful Washington State Patrol and Federal Bureau of Investigation Fingerprint Clearance.
- Valid Washington State driver's license or evidence of mobility.
- Proof of Immunization (if born 1/1/57 or later).
- I-9 Employment Eligibility.
- Completion of all district-required trainings within thirty (30) calendar days from hire date.
- Reliable transportation for travel across district middle school sites and family engagement
activities.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES
- Deep knowledge of Washington WIDA Standards, proficiency levels, and assessments, including best instructional practices for multilingual students.
- Demonstrated ability to design, deliver, and reflect on instruction and professional learning opportunities.
- Understanding of Federal Title III identification and program guidelines.
- Knowledge of middle school developmental needs and transition supports related to incoming 6th graders and 8th graders transitioning to high school.
- Experience integrating language development within across content areas.
- Demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, culturally responsive teaching, and restorative practices.
- Strong communication, collaboration, and relationship-building skills with students, staff, and families.
- Technologically competent; comfortable using and assisting others in using digital tools to support instruction, translation access, and data analysis.
- Willingness to engage in ongoing professional development, including AI tools and emerging technologies that support multilingual learners and family communication.
- Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships in a multicultural and multiracial community.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Partner with educators, counselors, and administrators to support multilingual students' academic success, attendance, belonging, and readiness for secondary level school success.
- Provide inclusive and targeted instruction aligned with WIDA and Washington State content standards, supporting multilingual learners' growth in listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
- Design learning experiences that build multilingual students' confidence, independence, flexibility, and self-advocacy skills.
- Create classroom and school environments where multilingual students feel seen, heard, celebrated, and connected to their school community.
- Embed culturally responsive and sustaining practices that honor students' identities, experiences, and languages.
- Support rigorous, meaningful instruction that connects learning to students' future goals and aspirations.
- Coach staff on strategies such as GLAD, SIOP, WIDA, UDL, and culturally responsive instructional practices to improve language acquisition and access to core content.
- Collaborate with PLC teams to ensure multilingual learners have equitable access to advanced learning opportunities, extracurricular activities, intervention supports, and future pathway planning.
- Utilize WIDA Screener and ACCESS assessment data to identify students, guide instruction, monitor progress, and inform supports.
- Assist with state assessment accommodations and multilingual learner compliance requirements as needed.
- Design and facilitate professional development that strengthens educators' ability to support multilingual learners within inclusive classroom settings.
- Serve as a liaison between schools and families, fostering strong partnerships and helping families navigate school systems, programs, and opportunities.
- Lead and/or participate in multilingual family engagement opportunities related to middle school success, transition to high school, extracurricular involvement, attendance, digital tools, and future readiness.
- Encourage participation in after-school programs, clubs, athletics, leadership opportunities, and community-based supports by helping families access information and registration support when needed.
- Train, supervise, and support Paraeducators to ensure effective instructional and social-emotional support for multilingual students.
- Advocate for multilingual learners through data-informed decision-making, inclusive team practices, and cross-departmental collaboration.
- Demonstrate value and respect for all students, staff, and families, especially historically underserved populations.
- Maintain confidentiality and ethical professional standards.
- Uphold the district's vision of the student experience.
- Perform other duties consistent with the scope and intent of the position as assigned by the Director of Student Support & Categorical Programs.
WORKING CONDITIONS
- Work in middle school classrooms, offices, and virtual platforms.
- Frequent travel between school sites; flexible hours required for family engagement and student support activities.
- Regular use of computers, instructional technology, and standard office equipment.
- Physical tasks may include standing, walking, reaching, and lifting up to 25 pounds.
- Evening events, family engagement activities, and occasional home visits may be required.
IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR
Director of Student Support & Categorical Programs
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT
Salary and work year to be determined by the negotiated agreement, subject to the needs of the District.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
HEALTHCARE BENEFITS - Employees who meet the eligibility criteria outlined in Chapter 182-31 WAC have access to medical, dental, vision, supplemental life, and supplemental disability insurance through the School Employee Benefit Board (SEBB).
RETIREMENT - All regular, non-substitute employees are enrolled in a state retirement plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (DRS).
SICK LEAVE - All regular, non-substitute employees receive 12 sick leave days (prorated based on FTE) and paid time off. Substitute employees receive sick leave per RCW 49.46.210.
PAID TIME OFF - All regular, non-substitute employees receive paid time off, including annual and/or vacation leave. Paid time off varies by position and work year. Refer to the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreement or salary schedule for details.
OTHER BENEFITS
Classified employees receive 10-13 paid holidays (depending on position & work year). Refer to the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreement or salary schedule for details.
Employees may be eligible for VEBA including monthly accrual and/or sick leave conversion. Benefits are position specific. Refer to the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreement or salary schedule for details.
West Valley School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination: Title IX and Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator: Sabre Dahl, 2805 N Argonne Rd., Spokane Valley WA 99212, Phone: (509) 924-2150, sabre.dahl@WVSD.org. Section 504 Coordinator, Dan Andrews, 2805 N Argonne Rd., Spokane Valley WA 99212, Phone: (509) 922-5478, dan.andrews@WVSD.org.