Job title: Multilingual Learner (ML) Specialist (Preschool-Grade 8)
Scale: Faculty
Contract Type: 10-month
Supervisor: Multilingual Learner Coordinator and Divisional Principal(s)
Division: Lower and Middle Schools

Job Summary:

The Multilingual Learner (ML) Specialist is a proactive, positive, collaborative educator who promotes language development from Preschool to Grade 8 through research-based, language-additive practices and collaboration with various school stakeholders. Reporting to the Multilingual Learner Coordinator and Divisional Principals, the ML Specialist is vital in supporting teachers in creating a language additive curriculum that strengthens the content curriculum and fosters an inclusive, multilingual learning environment where all teachers are language teachers. The ML Specialist will model an asset-based approach to language learning, program development initiatives, and being an agent of change.

Required Education/Experience:

• Master’s degree in ESOL/TESOL/Applied linguistics or related field
• Minimum 5 years of experience as a teacher
• Proven expertise in co-teaching and facilitating professional learning for colleagues

Professional Knowledge:

• Second language acquisition
• Applied linguistics/functional linguistics
• Principles of language teaching (research-based pedagogies)
• Language curriculum development
• Sociocultural communication (multilingualism/multiculturalism)
• Collaboration: co-planning, co-teaching, co-assessing, and co-reflecting

Ideal Traits / Characteristics:

• Commitment to Equity: Sensitive to diversity in all its forms
• Leadership: Knows how to provide a balance of support and challenge to meet teacher needs
• Teamwork: Foster a collaborative culture among teachers, promoting teamwork and sharing of best practices within the school
• Dependability: Successfully manage own projects through strong organization, detailed work plans, effective communication, and balancing of multiple priorities
• Innovative Problem-Solving: Approach work with a sense of possibility and see challenges and changes as opportunities for creative problem-solving

Instructional Planning/Delivery:

• Collaborating and consulting: co-planning, co-teaching, co-assessing, and co-reflecting with all stakeholders (ML Specialists, homeroom and content teachers, academic coaches, support services specialists, Mandarin teachers, etc.)
• Using technology to successfully develop and manage a language-additive curriculum, lesson plans, language scaffolds, and language materials
• Developing and modeling an explicit language-additive curriculum for content and language-integrated learning: language-focused lessons that include language targets, language scaffolds, and language strategies
• Developing and facilitating learning opportunities for the families of MLs in our community

Assessment of/for Learning :

• Using research-based tools like Common Core standards and WIDA Key Uses when conducting language analysis, monitoring language development, and identifying next steps for language
• Maintaining records, grade-level/department documents and language analysis data using agreed-upon TAS platforms like Gdrive, OneDrive, PowerSchool, Canva, etc.
• Differentiating assessments for English language development levels

Professionalism:

• Advocating for the TAS ML Department’s model of instruction and initiatives in the community with families and faculty members
• Working flexibly across grades and teachers
• Building relationships with MLs’ families and keeping them informed about language development in school
• Developing and facilitating language-additive professional learning regularly for faculty and families

Supports the language development of Multilingual Learners in school by:

• Participating in and contributing to ML Department program and curriculum development initiatives and Preschool-Grade 8 initiatives for MLs
• Identifying and participating in professional learning opportunities related to the above-mentioned areas to develop the necessary knowledge and skills for ML Specialists

To Apply

Interested applicants should submit a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three professional references through the online link below by November 1, 2024. Please note that direct applications via email or other channels will not be considered.

Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible, as Taipei American School reserves the right to close the selection process at any time.