Multilingual Learner Specialist
Charleston, SC
Meeting Street Schools - North Charleston Campuses /
Full-Time Permanent /
On-site
The Role
Multilingual Learner Specialists at MSS are teachers who are able to diagnose, plan, and deliver high quality, targeted instruction to students who have an incredible superpower - they have knowledge of at least one other language and are learning English. Our specialists are the top resource for classroom teachers on how to best support our growing multilingual learner population within the classroom to maximize learning. They also are experts in language acquisition and knowledge and feel equally comfortable providing instruction on basic English language skills and concepts as they are designing and implementing intensive Orton-Gillingham based reading and writing instruction for students below grade level. Finally, they are meticulous record keepers who are responsible for maintaining all state and district paperwork for our students who need additional support and planning, executing, and managing ACCESS testing in the winter.
What you’ll bring
You are a team player with existing, demonstrable knowledge of how to intervene with students who are significantly behind in English language acquisition, reading, and/or writing. Flexibility is key as you will work with students to move out of direct small group intervention throughout the year. You are a cool nerd and stay current on the latest research, looking to add skills to your already impressive repertoire of effective practices. You are a data hound - responding to students' needs, helping students who need extra practice to master complex concepts. You’re an excellent communicator who has the flexibility to work across multiple teams within the school and effectively advocate for the tools and techniques that work for multilingual students.
Responsibilities
- Applies deep knowledge of content, pedagogy, child development, individual students, community, and cultural norms to teaching multilingual learners in the areas on listening, reading, writing, and speaking English
- Creates robust, outcome-based intervention plans that sequence and scaffold learning to maximize student growth; creates engaging, rigorous lesson plans that achieve supporting targets for long-term goals;
- Effectively selects and designs powerful assessment tools to monitor student progress; responds to data by revising plans and regrouping students; effectively communicates feedback to students and progress to families and school leaders
- Exercise clear judgment and integrity in decision-making; foresees the ripple effect of decisions, intended and unintended consequences; able to make kind and expedient decisions with the benefit of students at the forefrontCollaborate with teachers to help support multilingual students in the general education classroom
- Complete and maintain screening for all students who self-report another language at home on the home language surveyCreate, maintain, and oversee compliance of Multilingual Learner accommodation plansOversee and administer ACCESS testing to all eligible students
- Plan and execute high-quality lessons for groups of 3-7 students
- Design and lead professional development sessions for leaders, teachers and staff to educate others on best practices in supporting multilingual students in school
- Performs all other duties as assigned by supervisor
Skills and Characteristics
- Specific knowledge of best practices in teaching explicit decoding and/or language comprehension
- A commitment to the mission of Meeting Street Schools, deep love of content, and an unwavering belief that all students can and will grow academically, regardless of current skill level
- High level of personal organization and planning
- Inherent nerdiness: wants to share resources, learn new techniques and strategies for intervention, and has a willingness to teach other adults what works
- Team player: maturity, humility, strong work ethic, follow-through, high EQ, willingness to respond positively to feedback and a “whatever it takes” attitude
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
- Commits to professional and personal growth through reflection, feedback, and collaboration
- Models MSS’ Path to Success skills and supports the development of those skills in students and peers
- Uses positive teacher language and creates and maintains a classroom climate that embraces a sense of belonging, significance, learning, productivity, collaboration, and joy Supports with building a positive school-wide culture, seeking opportunities to interact with families and communities, contributing to school events and traditions, norms, and reinforcing behavior expectations across the schoolConversational Spanish fluency preferred, but not required
Education and Background
- Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s preferred
- Valid South Carolina teaching certification with ELL Certification preferred; willingness to add ELL Certification, required
- A minimum of two years of successful experience working with students from underserved communities
- Minimum two years of elementary or middle teaching experience
- Experience and/or certification in Orton-Gillingham instructional methods is preferred; willingness to be trained in O-G is required.
- Ability to lift 40lbs, kneel, sit, or stand for long periods of time
$55,000 - $113,000 a year
The salary for this position is competitive and commensurate with experience. Additionally, Meeting Street Schools offers a comprehensive benefits package including and not limited to:
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Pet Insurance
Life Insurance and Disability
Employee + Family Wellness
Tax Favored Spending Accounts (FSA/HSA)
Retirement Plans
Referral and Retention Bonuses
Performance Bonuses
All new hires are eligible for additional awards and opportunities.
