Compañeros Spanish-English Two-Way Dual Language Program at Harrington Elementary School
Lynn Public Schools seeks 2 Spanish Dual Language grade 3 teachers at Harrington Elementary School who are committed to and passionate about developing bilingualism and biliteracy, building socio-cultural competence, and transforming and improving educational outcomes for all students.
The Compañeros dual language program opened in September 2020 with 2 kindergarten classrooms and will expand upward one grade each year. Teachers hired will have the unique experience of participating in curriculum development and program design for second grade in the Spring and Summer of 2022, helping to build the foundation of dual language in the Lynn Public Schools for years to come.
In third grade, students will spend 60% of their day learning all content areas in Spanish (Spanish language arts, math, social studies, and science) and using all four language domains (reading, writing, speaking, and listening). Teachers will also integrate cultural traditions, customs, and history from around the Spanish-speaking world in developmentally appropriate ways. English Language Development and English Language Arts will be provided to all students by the English Dual Language teacher for the other 40% of the day.
The Spanish Dual Language teacher will spend 60% of the day providing content instruction in Spanish to Grade 3 students. The remaining 40% of the day will be spent providing Spanish language and literacy support to other classes in the building.
We are committed to supporting each team of teachers with the appropriate professional development, curriculum, resources, and strategy implementation for dual language programming, beginning in Spring 2023 for third grade. The Lynn Public Schools continues to strive for the success of all students by focusing on the district’s core values of collaborative relationships, high expectations, inclusiveness, inspiring life-long learning, and shared responsibility.
QUALIFICATIONS
- A valid Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) license in elementary education (1-5).
- High levels of academic proficiency and literacy in both program languages (Spanish and English), and assessed academic proficiency and fluency in Spanish (current DESE-approved tests include the Spanish MTEL and the Oral Proficiency Interview and Writing Proficiency Test through ACTFL)
- Willingness to pursue DESE Bilingual Education Endorsement
- SEI Endorsement as approved by Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (preferred)
- Willingness to participate in district and school-based dual language professional development beginning in Spring 2023 and continuing throughout the summer and upcoming school year.
- Understanding of and a strong commitment to the philosophy of dual language learning and teaching
- Successful experience teaching young learners, experience with second language acquisition preferred
- Strong organizational skills, time-management, and communication skills
- Demonstrates a high level of cooperation to work with grade-level and dual-language teams
- Fulfillment of Lynn Public Schools district requirements
*Due to the new licensure requirements for teachers in Massachusetts bilingual education programs, applicants who do not currently have all necessary licensure/endorsements are still encouraged to apply. The Lynn Public Schools and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education will support selected teachers through the waiver process during the 2023-2024 school year. If hired, teachers are expected to work towards meeting all licensure requirements by March 2024.
SKILLS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Teach third grade students in Spanish, including literacy, Spanish language arts, mathematics, social studies, and science, using district curriculum maps and curricular resources, reflecting a deep understanding of state curriculum frameworks.
- Create a positive, language rich, asset-based, multicultural learning environment that is conducive to the learning and success of all students and language proficiencies.
- Administer language and literacy assessments, and analyze student data to inform planning, develop targeted instruction and make instructional decisions.
- Participate and collaborate in building-based and department staff meetings.
- Work as a vested member of the dual language team on issues specifically related to dual language, philosophy, programs, and approaches.
- Thoughtfully plan lessons with grade-level partner and implement specific strategies to meet the needs of all students while fostering cultural understanding, developing students’ social growth and focusing on language acquisition
- Duties related to dual language teaching and learning and district goals for growing dual language programming.
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:
BENEFITS: The City of Lynn offers comprehensive and competitive health and dental benefits; Harvard Pilgrim PPO/HMO, Altus Dental High/Low, Vision and Life Insurance. Voluntary benefits including Flexible Spending Plan (FSA), Short Term Disability and Long-Term Disability and additional Life Insurance are also available.
An offer of employment is contingent upon successful completion of a pre-employment physical, including a drug test, National fingerprint-based Criminal Background Check (NCBC), and Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI).
All MUST be completed PRIOR to the start of employment.
Non-Discrimination Policy
It is the policy of the Lynn Public Schools not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, creed/religion, sex, gender identity, ethnicity, sexual orientation, mental or physical disability, age, ancestry, marital status, homelessness, special need, proficiency in the English language or academic achievement or any other consideration made unlawful by any federal, state or local laws or regulations, including Title VI and VII of Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the 1972 Amendments to the Civil Rights Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, The Age Discrimination in Employment Act, and M.G.L. Ch. 76:5, M.G.L., Ch.151C.