Certified High School ELL/ELD Teacher

As a Certified High School ELL/ELD Teacher at STEM Preparatory Academy, your primary responsibilities will include planning, enacting, and evaluating instruction that meets the needs of English Language Learners. This involves developing and implementing Individualized Learning Plans, collaborating with a dynamic team of ELL teachers, and ensuring the successful delivery of a college preparatory curriculum aligned to Tennessee’s standards. You'll also engage with families, serve as a test administrator for state assessments, and adapt your teaching practices to continuously improve student outcomes.

To qualify for the Certified High School ELL/ELD Teacher position at STEM Preparatory Academy, you must hold at least a Bachelor’s degree in Education or a related field and possess a Tennessee Teaching License with an ELL endorsement. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate a commitment to anti-racism, diversity, and inclusion, alongside a passion for high academic achievement and integrity in their teaching practices.

STEM Preparatory Academy is dedicated to supporting English Language Learners through tailored instructional practices, the implementation of individualized learning plans, and robust professional development for staff. As an ELL teacher, you'll work collaboratively with teachers across all content areas to provide accommodations and engage families, ensuring that ELL students thrive academically and socially within our community.

Diversity and inclusion are essential in the role of a Certified High School ELL/ELD Teacher at STEM Preparatory Academy. By embracing a diverse teaching community, you will reflect the students you serve and create a more relatable and effective learning environment. Your commitment to fostering an inclusive atmosphere will help ensure that all students, regardless of their background, feel valued and supported, leading to improved academic and social outcomes.

As a Certified High School ELL/ELD Teacher at STEM Preparatory Academy, you will have access to high-quality professional development opportunities aimed at enhancing your instructional practices and understanding of ELL best practices. This may include workshops, collaborative team meetings, and ongoing training on the latest educational strategies, helping you grow professionally while ensuring top-notch service delivery for your students.

When developing an Individualized Learning Plan (ILP) for an ELL student, I would first assess their current language proficiency, academic performance, and specific learning needs. Collaborating with the student, their family, and other educators is essential to gather insights and establish realistic, measurable goals. Regularly monitoring and adjusting the ILP based on ongoing assessments will ensure the plan remains effective, fostering the student's growth and confidence.

A successful strategy I've implemented for ELL students is the use of visual aids and interactive learning activities. By incorporating graphics, videos, and hands-on projects, I help bridge language gaps and engage students in their learning. Additionally, allowing for collaborative group work encourages peer support, enabling ELL students to practice language skills within a safe and supportive environment.

To handle language barriers in the classroom, I prioritize creating an inclusive atmosphere where students feel comfortable taking risks. I employ a variety of teaching methods that support different learning styles, such as scaffolding and providing alternative resources. Establishing routines, using clear visual directions, and encouraging peer interactions help facilitate communication, ensuring all students have equal access to the curriculum.

My experience with the WIDA ACCESS assessment involves serving as a test administrator, where I ensure that the assessment is administered fairly and accurately for all ELL students. This includes preparing students for the assessment format, providing necessary accommodations, and analyzing the data to adjust instruction and support individual student needs effectively.

Engaging families in the learning process of ELL students is crucial for their success. I achieve this by hosting information sessions, providing bilingual resources, and maintaining regular communication through newsletters and phone calls. Encouraging family involvement in school events and fostering a welcoming environment helps build trust and creates a collaborative support network for the student’s educational journey.

To ensure high academic expectations for all students, I set clear, achievable goals and provide consistent feedback on performance. I believe in establishing a growth mindset in the classroom, where effort and resilience are valued. By differentiating instruction and offering targeted support, I challenge students to push their boundaries and reach their potential while maintaining high academic standards.

Incorporating technology into my teaching for ELL students involves using language learning apps, online resources, and multimedia tools to enhance engagement and comprehension. Technology not only provides interactive learning experiences but also allows for personalized practice, enabling students to work at their own pace and gain confidence in their language use.

A specific instance where I adapted a lesson for ELL students involved breaking down a complex text into manageable sections and using graphic organizers. I provided visual supports and worked in small groups to discuss key concepts, ensuring ELL students had opportunities to engage with the material and express their understanding in different ways, which ultimately resulted in improved participation and comprehension.

I stay informed about best practices in ELL instruction by attending professional development workshops, participating in online forums, and engaging with literature focused on language acquisition. Keeping abreast of current research enables me to implement evidence-based methods in my teaching and actively reflect on my practices to improve student outcomes continually.

I believe diversity is vital in the classroom because it enriches the learning experience for all students. A diverse classroom fosters cultural awareness and empathy while preparing students to thrive in a global society. As an educator, I strive to create an environment that values diverse perspectives and encourages collaboration among students from different backgrounds, enhancing interpersonal skills and expanding their worldview.