ESL Teacher (English as a Second Language Teacher)
Elementary School Teachers, Except Special EducationDescription
Teach English language and academic skills to elementary English learners, developing proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing; support cultural integration, collaborate with teachers, and use assessments to guide differentiated instruction.
- • Establish and enforce rules for behavior and routines that support a safe, inclusive language-learning environment.
- • Observe and evaluate students' English language development, participation, and well-being.
- • Prepare ESL classroom spaces and materials, including visuals, word walls, and manipulatives.
- • Adapt instruction and materials to students' proficiency levels, backgrounds, and interests.
- • Plan balanced lessons targeting listening, speaking, reading, and writing with explicit vocabulary and grammar.
- • Instruct students individually and in groups through modeling, guided practice, and interactive activities.
- • Set and communicate clear language and content objectives for lessons and units.
- • Assign and provide feedback on language practice, classwork, and homework.
- • Read aloud and conduct shared reading with language supports and comprehension strategies.
- • Design, administer, and score formative and summative assessments to monitor language growth.
- • Confer with parents or guardians, classroom teachers, counselors, and administrators to address students' academic and language needs.
- • Meet with families, using interpreters as needed, to review progress and set goals and supports.
- • Maintain accurate EL records, assessment data, and compliance documents per district and state requirements.
- • Prepare students for grade-level content by building academic language and study skills.
- • Support students' acculturation and social adjustment, and encourage persistence with challenging tasks.
- • Provide targeted interventions and small-group instruction for students needing extra help.
- • Develop lesson plans aligned to English language development standards and school curriculum.
- • Provide varied resources and realia for students to explore and use in hands-on language activities.
- • Co-plan schedules and lessons with classroom and content-area teachers to scaffold instruction.
- • Collaborate with specialists to discuss individual students' needs and progress and adjust supports.
- • Integrate technology, language-learning software, and multimedia to enhance instruction.
- • Prepare for assigned classes and provide lesson plans and evidence of planning when requested.
- • Collaborate with staff to develop, evaluate, and refine ESL and sheltered instruction programs.
- • Prepare required reports on student progress, services, and program activities.
- • Teach and monitor safe, responsible use of classroom materials and devices.
- • Lead activities that promote language, cultural awareness, and social-emotional development, such as songs, games, and role-plays.
- • Participate in professional learning, conferences, and workshops to build ESL expertise.
- • Plan and supervise experiential learning, field trips, and guest speakers that build language and cultural knowledge.
- • Organize and display materials and student work, including anchor charts and vocabulary displays.
- • Attend staff meetings and serve on committees, including English learner teams as needed.
- • Administer English language proficiency and placement tests and interpret results to guide instruction and accommodations.
- • Supervise, coach, and plan tasks for paraprofessionals, tutors, and volunteers supporting English learners.
- • Engage parent and community volunteers and peer mentors in language-rich activities.
- • Perform school duties such as hallway and cafeteria supervision and arrival and dismissal support.
- • Select, inventory, and manage ESL materials, books, and supplies.
- • Coordinate testing and classroom accommodations for English learners per individual plans.
- • Sponsor extracurricular activities such as conversation clubs, multicultural events, and academic competitions.
- • Uphold school policies and procedures governing students.
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Last reviewed: Jan 2026
