Reports To: Building Principal

Position Purpose:

The Dual Language Program integrates native English-speaking students with native Spanish-speaking students for academic instruction which is presented in both languages. Social and academic learning occurs in an environment that values the language and culture of all students and sets high standards to ultimately achieve academic success in Spanish and English.

Classrooms are composed of approximately 50-percent native English speakers and 50-percent native Spanish speakers. The 50/50 ratio enables all students to be language models and second language learners.

The language used for instruction is also broken down by a 50/50 ratio. Fifty-percent of classroom instruction is provided in English, and fifty-percent of classroom instruction is provided in Spanish. Each teacher speaks only in the designated language and communicates using a range of engaging strategies to promote student understanding and language development. Children at this age are adept at acquiring language in meaningful contexts. All students are taught to read, write, listen, and speak two languages.

The dual language model creates an additive bilingual environment for both groups of students because it allows them to maintain and develop their first language while simultaneously acquiring a second language.

Qualifications:

• Meet Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) licensure requirements for teaching Elementary.
• Have an ESOL endorsement, an ESOL endorsement plan on file, or be willing to obtain this endorsement within 3 years of employment (coursework paid by the district).
• Must be bilingual (English/Spanish).
• Strong classroom management skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work with professional colleagues and the general public.
• Ability to instruct and relate to non-English speaking students from varying backgrounds and academic skill levels.
• Academic preparation or teaching experience with English Language Learners.

Physical/Emotional Requirements: The incumbent may be required to use the skills and abilities outlined below during any part of the working day.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk, sit, talk, and hear. The employee is frequently required to stand and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. The employee is required to interact with staff and to meet demands from several people.

Performance Responsibilities:

• Plan, organize, and provide instruction in English and Spanish in the Core Curriculum Content Standards. Instruction shall be closely related to and coordinated with the regular instructional program so that students meet and exceed the State Core Curriculum Content Standards.
• Plan, organize, and provide instruction to assist students in mastering verbal and written skills in English and Spanish.
• Provide instruction and experiences learning the history and culture of the United States and the community.
• Provide instruction and experiences learning the history and culture of the native region and/or country of the families.
• Maintain records indicating progress of the student and assist with the evaluation and assessment of students.
• Communicate regularly with the parents to nurture a supportive and cooperative relationship between home and school.
• Recommend and purchase, using approved procedures, instructional materials to support the Bilingual Program.
• Assist the professional staff through individual consultation and/or staff development sessions with understanding effective strategies and approaches to meet the needs of students who are in the Bilingual Program.
• Summarize, interpret, and disseminate current developments in bilingual programs through reading professional journals, participating in professional development, and involvement in professional organizations.
• Provide a nurturing, supportive, and positive classroom climate that encourages student responsibility, using positive motivation, clear classroom routines, challenging instructional strategies, and effective classroom management techniques.

Terms of Employment:

9 months; salary and work year to be determined by the Board of Education.

Evaluation:

Performance of this position will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the Board policy on evaluation of certified professional staff.

Significant associations:

The performance responsibilities are not limited to those outlined in this description and may include any other responsibilities as assigned by the administrator/supervisor.