Multilingual Learning (ML) Specialist (PreKindergarten-Grade 8)
Job title: Multilingual Learner (ML) Specialist (Preschool-Grade 8)
Scale: Faculty
Contract Type: 10-month
Supervisor: Multilingual Learning Coordinator and Director of Teaching and Learning
Division: Lower and Middle Schools
Job Summary:
The Multilingual Learning (ML) Specialist is an educational leader who demonstrates a proactive, results-oriented approach to building the capacity—dispositions, knowledge, and skills—of all stakeholders, including students, families, faculty, and staff. This role is dedicated to strengthening institutional practices that support and empower multilingual learners in alignment with Strategic Plan 4.
The ML Specialist serves as a strong advocate for the development of a multilingual learning environment in which all educators recognize their role as language teachers and intentionally integrate language development into curriculum and instruction. As a change agent, the ML Specialist models asset-based, culturally and linguistically responsive practices and leads WIDA standards–aligned efforts in curriculum development, instruction, collaboration, professional learning, and multilingual ecosystem initiatives.
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 job expectations
Professional Knowledge:
- Language development and acquisition
- Systemic functional linguistics (applied linguistics)
- Principles of language teaching (research-based pedagogies)
- WIDA standards-aligned language curriculum development
- Sociocultural communication (multilingualism/multiculturalism)
- Collaboration: co-planning, co-teaching, co-assessing, and co-reflecting
Ideal Traits / Characteristics:
- Globally-minded Contributor: Respects diverse cultures and languages, advocates for inclusive practices that advance diversity, equity, and justice
- Self-directed Learner: Proactively seeks opportunities, independently develops and accomplishes goals based on strategic priorities
- Collaborative Communicator: Takes responsibility for achieving common goals, actively listens to and considers other perspectives, expresses own ideas skillfully and respectfully
- Well-balanced Individual: Adapts to changing and ambiguous situations, embraces and learns from new ideas and experiences, cultivates belonging
- Critical & Creative Thinker: Asks questions to understand, analyzes problems, demonstrates innovation, makes informed decisions
Instructional Planning/Delivery:
- Integrated Language and Content Instruction: Develops and models explicit, culturally and linguistically responsive content and language–integrated instruction for multilingual learners, including the use of language targets, structured language scaffolding, learner engagement strategies, translanguaging practices, and metalinguistic instruction
- Collaboration: Builds capacity and independence through a gradual release of responsibility model (I Do, We Do, You Do) by engaging in co-planning, co-teaching, co-assessing, and co-reflecting with all stakeholders, including students, families, faculty, and staff.
- Professional and Community Learning: Designs and facilitates learning opportunities that build the capacity of faculty, staff, and families to support multilingualism and learning within a multilingual ecosystem. Instructional Technology: Leverages technology to design, implement, and manage a language-additive curriculum, a cohesive language scaffolding framework, and high-quality language learning materials.
Assessment of/for Learning :
- Utilizes research-based tools, including the 2020 WIDA Standards Framework and Common Core State Standards, to monitor language development and design curriculum and instructional opportunities that promote multilingualism.
- Designs and implements differentiated assessments that are culturally and linguistically appropriate to meet the diverse needs of multilingual learners.
- Maintains accurate and organized records, grade-level and departmental documentation, and language analysis data using agreed-upon TAS platforms
Professionalism:
- Actively participates in and contributes to Multilingual Learning (ML) Department initiatives and KA–8 initiatives that support multilingual learners, advancing the transition from a program-based model to a comprehensive multilingual ecosystem.
- Advocates for the TAS ML Department’s multilingual ecosystem initiatives within the broader community, engaging families, faculty, and staff as partners in this work.
- Collaborates flexibly and effectively across grade levels and with diverse teaching teams to support multilingual learners.
- Builds strong, trusting relationships with multilingual learners’ families, serving as a partner, resource, and advocate to foster belonging.
- Designs and facilitates ongoing professional learning opportunities focused on multilingualism for families, faculty, and staff.
- Identifies and engages in professional learning opportunities that strengthen the effectiveness of the ML Specialist role and support TAS priorities and initiatives.
To Apply
Interested applicants should submit a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three professional references through the online link below. 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.