(Using a computer is suggested to complete application. Phones are not always compatible.)

POSITION PROPERTIES

PURPOSE

This position is for an English Learners (EL) instructional mentor. The EL instructional mentor will provide support to classroom/content teachers, EL teachers, building administrators, the EL department, and any other department within Columbia Public Schools that works with EL students and families. The EL instructional mentor will work with the EL department leadership to develop, oversee, and implement professional development regarding EL instruction and programming, as well as manage curricular materials for EL classes and groups. The EL instructional mentor will assist teachers as they maintain all state and district required documentation on EL students and will serve as a liaison among the school, classroom teachers, parents/guardians of EL students, and the EL department. The EL instructional mentor will be responsible for maintaining records on EL students who attend schools that do not have an assigned EL teacher. The EL instructional mentor will be expected to attend district meetings and any district or state PD sessions that are related to EL instruction. The EL mentor will help implement district curricular and programming initiatives and help all teachers modify district content curriculum to best fit the needs of EL students. The EL instructional mentor will collaborate with other district instructional mentors and instructional coaches and attend IM/IC meetings, as needed and relevant. The EL instructional mentor will maintain data regarding EL students across the district and will support data/PLC/IEP teams, etc., as needed. The EL instructional mentor will be expected to develop, deliver, and lead professional development for staff members both during the regular school day, as well as in some meetings throughout the year that are held outside the regular school day. This position requires travel to all schools within CPS.

This position is supported by federal funding and is subject to the district’s annual allocations.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

• Collaborates with classroom teachers of ELs for the purpose of identifying needs and planning interventions for ELs
• Provides direct support, consultation, and modeling of effective best practices to classroom teachers of ELs and demonstrates implementation of strategies
• Works with grade-level teams and individual teachers to implement differentiated instruction and assessment for EL students
• Conducts professional development at the site and district level with the purpose of increasing knowledge of second language acquisition and best practices for teaching EL students
• Teams with classroom teachers and site leaders to communicate with parents about student needs and progress for the purpose of raising parental awareness and involvement.
• Provides leadership and alignment to the WIDA English Language Proficiency standards for the purpose of streamlining goals and methods of instruction
• Partners with district instructional mentors, coordinators, and special education personnel at the sites to provide the most efficient and effective services for students who qualify for multiple services. Attends building and district meetings as needed and as relevant.
• Develops benchmarks and other criteria as a means to evaluate the implementation of EL intervention at sites for the purpose of identifying student needs and planning intervention
• Analyzes ACCESS results, MAP scores, and other standardized assessments to develop Individualized Learning Plans with teachers of ELs for the purpose of using data to drive instruction
• Serves as a liaison among site administrators and teachers and the district EL department to identify professional development needs
• Assists in the coordination of ACCESS testing and MAP testing of EL students at sites
• Works closely with the district EL department to organize and deliver services and professional learning throughout CPS for the purpose of growing a well-informed community of educators in the area of EL instruction
• Collaborates with administrators, colleagues, and parents in a positive and productive manner
• Implements the District's philosophy of education, instructional goals and objectives, and curricular and programming initiatives
• Takes necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials and facilities
• Maintains accurate and complete records as required by law, District policy, and Administrative regulation
• Assists the administration in implementing all policies and/or rules governing student life and conduct
• Makes provisions for being available to students and parents for education related purposes outside the instructional day when required or requested to do so under reasonable terms
• Plans and supervises purposeful assignments for teacher aide(s) and/or volunteer(s) where applicable
• Strives to maintain and improve professional competence
• Attends staff meetings and serves on staff committees as needed
• Understands and adheres to Board policies and procedures

Perform other duties as necessary to support the mission and vision of Columbia Public School District.

DISTRICT EXPECTATIONS

All employees of the District are expected to adhere to the policies and regulations of the Board of Education, maintain appropriate certification and competencies necessary for the position, and demonstrate the values of the district at all times. For information on polices, regulations and values, visit http://www.cpsk12.org.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

Reports To:        Director of English Learners and Migrant Education 

Supervises:        N/A

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum: Valid K-12 teaching certification in any content or grade level from the MO Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). Missouri ESOL endorsement, or in the process of working toward obtaining one, is required.

Preferred: Master’s degree in education or related field. Experience teaching English Learners at the elementary or secondary level preferred. Bilingual preferred.

Ideal Candidate: Experience working with students who are English Learners and their families. Experience serving as an instructional leader, mentor, or coach in a K-12 setting. Familiarity with standardized tests, ability to analyze data, and experience with special education will be considered assets. Knowledgeable in SIOP and/or other best practices for EL learning. A strong working knowledge of Schoology and Infinite Campus will be considered an asset.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and abilities required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

ADA REQUIREMENTS

Language: Read, analyze and interpret professional journals, Board policy, administrative procedures and forms and governmental regulations and guidance; Read, analyze, and implement curriculum and assessment data to plan instruction; Complete forms, write reports and engage in written correspondence; Present information effectively and respond to questions; Write clear and complete lesson plans.

Computation: Work with mathematical concepts, such as probability and statistical inference, and analyze data for instruction; Apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios and proportions to practical situations.

Reasoning: Solve a variety of problems in many different situations; Interpret instructions presented in written, oral, diagram or schedule form; Apply knowledge of current educational theory and instructional techniques; Demonstrate executive functions such as planning, organizing, remembering, and regulating information and behavior as they pertain to student performance and achievement.

Other Skills and Abilities: Identify needs and abilities of individual students and to adapt instructional methods accordingly; establish and maintain effective relationships with students, peers and parents; perform multiple tasks simultaneously.

Technology: Perform basic computer functions such as word processing and internet use; Integrate technology into daily instruction; present information to students and staff using a variety of media; Access and present information from online sources in a manner that enhances instruction; Instruct in buildings/classes where students are actively using 1-to-1 technology such as laptop computers, I-Pads, and other devices; Lead students in creating and presenting multi-media projects when such assignments enhance student learning; Use district software for recording grades and finding student information; Readily utilize smart boards, projectors and other instructional technology provided by the district Adhere to all District policies and procedures regarding technology usage.

Physical Demands: An individual who holds this position must have the ability to speak and hear in an environment where numerous conversations and activities may be taking          place simultaneously; Move around the classroom to interact with and manage students/groups of students; Read handwritten or printed material.

Attendance: Consistent and regular attendance is an essential function of this position. Requires frequent evening and/or weekend work. 

Conditions and Environment: The individual who holds this position will regularly work in a school environment that is noisy and active.  Occasionally the individual will be required to work outdoors for short periods of time to perform such tasks as loading and unloading students from district transportation and supervising recess.

Prospective and current employees with disabilities are encouraged to contact human resources to discuss reasonable accommodations to perform the essential job functions. 

Equal Opportunity Employer