What are the responsibilities and job description for the Pennwood Cyber Charter School - English Learner (EL) Teacher / ESL Program Specialist position at Connections Academy?
Position Summary and Responsibilities
Pennwood Cyber Charter School is seeking a dedicated, student-centered Pennsylvania-certified ESL Program Specialist (English Learner Teacher) to provide instruction and support to students in grades K–12 who qualify for English Learner (EL) services.
Working from a home office in Pennsylvania, the EL Teacher delivers targeted instruction, manages EL compliance, and collaborates with general and special education teachers to ensure that all students receive equitable access to academic content. The role includes administering assessments, monitoring student progress, and ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide asynchronous and synchronous instruction in whole group, small group, and 1:1 settings.
- Coordinate language proficiency screenings and state-mandated testing in compliance with timelines.
- Develop, monitor, and update Language Instruction Education Plans (LEPs) and maintain required documentation.
- Collaborate with students, parents/guardians, and general/special education teachers to support academic progress and develop Personal Learning Plans.
- Support the adaptation of curriculum and instructional strategies to meet the needs of multilingual learners.
- Utilize supplemental programs and data tools to monitor student growth and guide instructional decisions.
- Maintain accurate student records, including EL Data Views, testing data, attendance, and communication logs.
- Administer, analyze, and report standardized test results; adjust instructional strategies as needed.
- Participate in school-based teams to identify and support struggling learners.
- Communicate proactively with families and learning coaches to build strong partnerships.
- Contribute to professional development and occasionally lead sessions related to EL compliance or instructional strategies.
- Participate in professional learning, conferences, and workshops to stay current with EL best practices and regulations.
- Support field trips, state testing, and other school events; attend community and recruitment activities as needed.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Capabilities
- Student & Family Focused: Builds strong, trust-based relationships to support student engagement and outcomes.
- Effective Communicator: Demonstrates clear, professional oral and written communication; comfortable presenting virtually and in person.
- Collaborative & Flexible: Thrives in a fast-paced, matrixed, virtual environment.
- Accountable & Organized: Meets deadlines, maintains compliance, and follows through on commitments.
- Tech-Savvy: Skilled in using virtual learning platforms and adapting to new technologies.
Requirements
- Pennsylvania residency
- Valid Pennsylvania ESL Program Specialist Certificate (K–12).
- Certification in Mid-Level or Secondary English.
- Virtual Teaching Experience
- Experience teaching English Learners.
- Strong understanding of EL compliance procedures and federal/state regulations.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and virtual learning tools.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- Ability to work independently in a remote setting.
- Willingness to travel for EL screenings, state testing, and school events (occasional overnight travel may be required).
- Ability to work occasional evening hours to support students and families.
- Successful completion of required background checks, including Child Abuse History Clearance.
- If hired, setup of two-step authentication will be required for access to all school systems.
Preferred Qualifications
- Direct experience teaching ESL students in K–12 settings.
- Bilingual (preferred, not required).
- Experience leading or contributing to professional development related to EL instruction.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of a virtual team.
- Preferred Location: While candidates from anywhere in Pennsylvania are encouraged to apply, preference will be given to individuals located in Western Pennsylvania. This position requires additional in-person student screenings, and expanding our geographic coverage will help better support students across the state.