ESL Teachers
Website Memphis Business Academy Charter Schools Network
Growing Tomorrow's Leaders to Transform Lives and Communities
Position Summary
The ESL Teacher at Memphis Business Academy (MBA) serves as a collaborative instructional leader dedicated to supporting Multilingual Learners (MLLs) in acquiring English language proficiency and achieving academic success. Working within an inclusion, push-in, and small-group instructional model, the ESL Teacher ensures that English Learners receive high-quality, culturally responsive instruction and linguistically appropriate supports aligned with federal and state requirements, including Title III, Tennessee Department of Education guidelines, and MBA’s academic and cultural expectations. This role reflects MBA’s commitment to academic excellence, character development, and preparing all students for college, career, and life success.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities: Instruction & Co-Teaching Excellence
Provide targeted English language development (ELD) instruction through push-in, co-teaching, and small-group instructional models aligned to WIDA English Language Development Standards.
Collaborate with general education teachers to plan and deliver rigorous, standard-aligned lessons that integrate language and content objectives.
Scaffold instruction by adapting curriculum, materials, language supports, pacing, and assessments to meet the needs of English Learners at varying proficiency levels.
Support the use of appropriate classroom accommodation and instructional strategies to promote language access and academic success.
Use formative assessments and language proficiency data (e.g., WIDA ACCESS, WIDA Screener, benchmark data) to monitor student progress and adjust instruction accordingly.
English Learner Program Implementation & Compliance
Support compliant identification, placement, service delivery, and exit procedures for English Learners in accordance with Title III and Tennessee Department of Education requirements.
Maintain accurate and timely documentation, including service logs, language plans, progress reports, and family communication records using district-approved platforms.
Participate in English Learner identification meetings, annual reviews, reclassification discussions, and parent conferences as required.
Collect, analyze, and maintain data to support progress toward English language proficiency and academic achievement goals.
Collaboration & Communication
Engage in regular co-planning with general education teachers to ensure alignment between language development and content instruction.
Collaborate with special education teachers, counselors, and administrators to support dually identified students (EL + SPED).
Communicate consistently with families regarding student progress, classroom expectations, and celebrations, using appropriate language access supports when needed.
Participate in PLCs, MTSS/RTI² meetings, and schoolwide data discussions to support continuous improvement.
Social-Emotional & Cultural Support
Foster an inclusive, culturally affirming classroom environment that values students’ linguistic and cultural identities.
Support students’ social-emotional adjustment, confidence, and engagement in academic settings.
Reinforce positive behavior strategies aligned with MBA’s culture, behavioral expectations, and character development focus.
Professional Responsibilities
Model professionalism, strong follow-through, and reliability consistent with MBA staff expectations.
Attend required MBA and network-wide professional development, including training on WIDA standards, language acquisition strategies, and culturally responsive instruction.
Maintain confidentiality and adhere to all federal, state, and network policies.
Demonstrate alignment with MBA’s mission, vision, and belief in the potential of all students.
Education and Certification Requirements
Bachelor’s degree required
Tennessee Professional Educator License with ESL endorsement (preferred).
Eligibility for a Tennessee Professional Educator License (required).
ESL or related content area certification (preferred).
Work Environment & Physical Requirements
Instruction occurs primarily within general education classrooms with occasional small-group or pull-aside instruction.
Requires regular use of instructional technology, digital platforms, and mobility throughout the school campus.
Must be able to support students in classroom activities in accordance with safety guidelines.
