ESL (English as a Second Language) Teacher

Rockwern Academy, Cincinnati's pluralistic Jewish Day School, is looking for a specialized ESL  teacher for the 2026 - 2027 school year to support students across various grade levels in developing English language proficiency.

Who are we? 

Our mission is to expand minds, celebrate Judaism, nurture community, and commit to building a better world. An exceptional student-teacher ratio allows us to value each student as a true individual, discovering what gives them their inner spark. The school serves toddlers through eighth graders.

Who are you? 

You are an educator who can provide specialized language instruction and support students' integration into core academic subjects.  You foster relationships with students and are nurturing and focused on academic success as well as social-emotional development. Your passion is providing engaging and differentiated instruction according to best practices. You see the value of maintaining open lines of communication with parents, administrators, and colleagues. And, you act as a professional who is committed to the success of Rockwern Academy and its students.

Qualified applicants will have a bachelor's degree (MA preferred), relevant teaching credentials (or be eligible to receive credentials), teaching experience in the elementary grades, and ESL/TESOL certification.

Knowledge of Judaism is not required, and candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. All candidates should be eligible to work in the United States. 

Reporting relationship

The position is responsible to the principal. 

Responsibilities

Instruction

1. Create and maintain a safe, organized, fair, effective, and inviting environment that reflects the teacher's awareness of students' physical, social, and intellectual development and needs
2. Prepare, submit, and follow weekly lesson plans that mirror the curriculum and support desired learning, adapting as appropriate
3. Screen and assess students to determine English proficiency levels and place them in appropriate support tiers
4. Provide both pull-out intensive language instruction and push-in support within the classroom to facilitate academic access
5. Adapt and modify curriculum and lesson plans to make content accessible for English Language Learners
6. Develop and monitor Individualized Language Plans for students, tracking their progress in listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
7. Manage classroom behavior in a positive and supportive manner
8. Present curricular material in a clear, fresh, and relevant manner, using a variety of media, activities, and groupings
9. Individualize instruction to meet students' needs:

• Learn students' preferred learning modalities, current understandings, and skill level
• Work to close gaps in learning
• Seek additional resources
• Encourage students to help one another

1. Design assessments that are reasonable and valid measures of student progress and understanding
2. Use assessment results to improve/refine instructional practice

Communication

1. Consult with classroom teachers on best practices for scaffolding instruction and differentiating for ELL students.
2. Contribute, when asked, to the weekly school e-newsletter or other communication or marketing vehicles
3. Provide regular updates to parents about student progress, and suggest home supports for language acquisition

Professionalism

1. Suggest improvements in curriculum, assessment, policies, practices, etc.
2. Attend required events and other extra-curricular activities and school functions when possible
3. Assume responsibility for personal professional development, exhibiting commitment to lifelong learning

• Use an Individualized Professional Development Plan to communicate goals and objectives
• Seek out and attend workshops, seminars, etc. that contribute to professional goals and enhance practice
• Maintain all pertinent documentation relevant to Rockwern Academy's required eight hours of professional development yearly and for state licensure, if applicable

1. Demonstrate commitment to teamwork and collegiality by helping others and accepting suggestions for improvement

Benefits

Benefits include paid time off (sick, personal, and holiday); employer-paid life, accidental death & dismemberment, and long-term disability insurance; employer-subsidized medical/prescription plans (including HSA/FSA/DFSA options); dental and vision plans; additional compensation beginning in the second year of service; and tuition reduction plans for employees who send their children to Rockwern. Other voluntary health and financial insurance options, legal and identity protection plans, and access to a group 403(b) retirement plan are also available.