Immediate Opening: English as a Second Language Teacher at UNIDOS Academy

About Lawrence Public Schools:

Lawrence Public Schools is an urban district 30 miles north of Boston, serving over 13,000 students. More than 70% of our students speak a language other than English as their first language. We are committed to ensuring that our students, who have for too long been underserved, are provided with a standards-based, rigorous instructional program focused on academic achievement and the development of 21st-century skills accompanied by a comprehensive system of supports.

About the UNIDOS Program:

UNIDOS is purposefully designed to meet the needs of students in grades 9-12 who have been in the United States for less than two years and demonstrate entering or beginning levels of English language proficiency. Through courses that embed literacy and language learning with content instruction, students develop English language and literacy skills while also acquiring content skills and knowledge. With the proper scaffolds and support, students learn standards-based content and actively participate in their learning. For students who have had interruptions or gaps in formal education (SLIFE, i.e., Students with Limited or Interrupted Formal Education), additional support is provided through instructional interventions in literacy and numeracy. UNIDOS’ goal is to provide a welcoming and respectful environment that meets the unique linguistic, academic, and social/emotional needs of ninth- through twelfth-grade English Language Learners (ELs) in the Lawrence Public Schools district. Our students typically are in their first year of instruction in a United States school, at the beginning levels of English proficiency, and may have had limited or interrupted, educational experiences in their native countries. As a community, by using an intensive curriculum and research-based instructional strategies, we collaborate to promote the language and academic skills needed for their success, which will allow them to transition successfully and quickly into the mainstream high school environment, on track to pursue a college or career of their choice. UNIDOS combines the resources of a traditional public high school (access to campus facilities, teams, clubs, field trips, dances, etc.) with the added support of a small, specialized learning community. We believe students learn language best through challenging, engaging, and hands-on academic content and train our educators to teach language through their subject areas. We hold high behavioral and academic expectations for our students while providing support that will help them understand and meet the expectations of their new school environment.

Core Duties and Responsibilities:

• Co-teach 5-6 sections of ELA/ESL and/or a literacy/intervention class;
• Work collaboratively to align curriculum to the rigor of the MA Curriculum Frameworks
• Implement common assessments that measure progress towards academic standards
• Use data from formative and summative assessments to inform instruction
• Meet weekly with a grade-level content team and an interdisciplinary cohort
• Collaborate with Special Education and other ESL teachers to differentiate instruction to meet the needs of all students
• Participate in biweekly instructional coaching sessions to improve instructional practices.
• Act as advisor to a group of 12-30 students.
• Communicate weekly with students and families around academic and behavioral progress.

Desired Skills and Characteristics:

• Driving desire to disrupt inequity and improve outcomes for all students -Commitment to the academic and personal success of Lawrence Public Schools’ students and families
• Proven experience supporting English Language Learners
• Ability to take initiative and succeed in a fast-paced school environment while remaining calm and focused when faced with unexpected challenges
• Demonstrated capacity to create and maintain a positive learning environment in which students’ diverse backgrounds, identities, strengths, and challenges are respected and utilized.
• Will work to improve practice by taking and implementing frequent feedback
• Humility and a good sense of humor

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree is required; a Master’s degree is preferred;
• Appropriate Massachusetts DESE licensure required-this includes a passing score on the Communication and Literacy Skills test and a passing score on the relevant subject matter knowledge test(s).
• Teachers should hold an SEI (Sheltered English Immersion) endorsement;
• A minimum of two years teaching experience in a school setting serving a similar demographic preferred, but not required.
• Citizenship, residency or work visa required.

Welcome to Lawrence High School

The Lawrence Public Schools will ensure that ALL students will successfully master the content and skills necessary to graduate from high school, college and/or career ready, by providing a standards-based, rigorous instructional program focused on academic achievement and the development of 21st century skills accompanied by a comprehensive system of supports, all of which are monitored and assessed regularly to ensure accountability to all stakeholders.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $51,136.00 - $76,197.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Experience:

• Teaching: 1 year (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• Teaching Certification (Preferred)

Work Location: In person