About this role
Position Summary The full-time ABE/Para Educator Teacher is responsible for preparing engaging, active, learner-centered lessons for students at advanced levels of English proficiency as well as native speakers. The ABE/Para Educator teacher will work to ensure that students are receiving standards-based and evidence-based instruction that is student-centered, and includes appropriate supports and necessary accommodations. Instruction focuses on Reading and Writing content to prepare students to pass the ParaPro certification exam. Technology is integrated to enhance instruction and to strengthen students' digital literacy in preparation for college and/or workplace demands. Teachers follow the SCALE Para Educator curriculum to provide a rigorous and meaningful educational experience to meet program objectives and student goals. Essential Functions & Responsibilities The essential functions or responsibilities listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.
• Plan and deliver rigorous lessons that align with the ABE Department's Curriculum Guidelines and the DESE-ACLS' College and Career Readiness Standards for Adults.
• Translate class objectives, student learning outcomes, and class materials into learning activities that are appropriate for students' levels and engage students to promote learning.
• Commit to updating and modifying materials and lessons regularly to maintain relevance and efficacy, and work with other teachers to share and develop resources.
• Guide students in the acquisition of Reading and Writing skills while affirming learners' own cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
• Help students identify and set personal goals, and work with students to ensure that they are making sufficient progress toward achieving those goals.
• Implement useful diagnostic and progress assessment measures to evaluate student progress and make placement recommendations as required by department policy/procedures.
• Perform administrative tasks such as taking attendance, administering and grading assessments, communicating regularly with students about their progress in compliance with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) ACLS.
• Attend and participate in department meetings, appropriate in-service workshops, and take advantage of professional development opportunities for continued improvement in ABE instruction and teaching strategies.
• Collaborate with education and career advisors on career/college readiness/workforce preparation instruction.
• Work collaboratively with and encourage collaboration between team members to ensure performance goals are met.
• Follow department policy/procedures regarding the delivery of instruction, progress monitoring and placement, substitutes and substitute lesson plans, and operating procedures.
• Participate in school and community events, such as seminars, field trips, community forums, and end of the year ceremonies, including graduation.
• Integrate technology into instruction.
• Engage in continual professional development.
• Adhere to rules of student's confidentiality.
• Complete other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree Required/ Master's Degree preferred
• Possession of a teaching license preferred
• Experience working with and teaching adult learners and diverse populations
• Cultural competence and sensitivity
• Ability to adapt teaching styles and materials to meet individual needs of students
• Bilingual Educator Preferred
• BEST Plus and TABE-e Reading certification is preferred but not required for this position.
• Demonstrated knowledge of a variety of teaching approaches for ABE & ESL
• Ability to integrate technology to enhance instruction
• Interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills
Skills & Abilities:
• Professionalism in all areas of practice and all interactions with students and staff
• Commitment to the mission of SCALE
• Proven history of successful collaboration
• Flexible & adaptable
• Possess and model high standards for self and student work
• Set rigorous goals focused on instruction, assessment, and professional learning
• Solutions-based approach to dealing with identified needs, problems and or conflict
• Willingness to take initiative and succeed in a fast-paced classroom/school environment while remaining calm and focused when faced with unexpected challenges
• Commitment to embrace the ideals of diversity and inclusiveness, and of the equal rights of all people by advancing the understanding and appreciation of human differences including age, gender, race, ethnicity, ability, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, or socio-economic status
Key Competencies/Knowledge:
• Familiarity with the field of Adult Basic Education
• Sound understanding of adult learning theory
• Solid knowledge base of ABE instruction including Reading and Writing
• Strong foundation in second language acquisition and linguistics
• Demonstrated proficiency using digital literacy tools
• Knowledge of Massachusetts' DESE-ACLS program guidelines, performance indicators & benchmarks, English Language Proficiency Standards (ELPS) & College and Career Readiness Standards for Adults (CCRSAE)
Physical Requirements The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the position's essential functions.
• Mobility: Frequent walking, standing.
• Lifting/Strength: Ability to lift, push, pull, or carry objects ranging from 10 to 30 lbs (e.g., books, supplies, equipment).
• Physical Dexterity: Bending, crouching, kneeling, stooping, and reaching to assist students.
• Stationary Tasks: Remaining in a stationary position (sitting/standing) for long periods.
Reporting Relationships
• Position Reports to: Director of Continuing Education
Terms of Employment
• Employment Status: Full Time
• Grant Funded position
• Schedule: August-June / 187 work days
• Union Affiliation: SEU, Unit D
• FLSA Classification: Exempt
• Salary shall be commensurate with education and experience, in accordance with the Somerville Educator's Union, Unit D collective bargaining agreement
Pre-Employment Requirements MA Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) Clearance Fingerprints The Somerville Public School does not discriminate in its programs, facilities or employment of educational opportunities on the basis of race, color, age, religion, disability, pregnancy, home status, marital/civil union status, sex/gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, citizenship status, place of birth, national origin, ancestry, cultural identity, genetics or military status, and does not tolerate any form of retaliation, or bias-based intimidation, threat or harassment that demeans individuals' group or interferes with their ability to learn or work.