English Second Language Teachers (ESL)
The Role of the ESL Teacher
The English Language (EL) Specialist’s primary responsibility is to support students’ academic growth while helping them grow their English reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. EL specialists tailor lessons for students whose native language and English-speaking abilities are varied. Instruction is carefully developed to assist students in developing their language skills based on the common core standards, WIDA standards as well as each student’s individual language proficiency levels. EL specialists also work closely with the classroom teachers to in the differentiation of instruction for all learners.
In order to ensure our students are continually making progress, Specialists assess the four language domains (reading, writing, speaking, listening) regularly through frequent curricular (formative) assessments, end-of-unit (summative) assessments, and formally through the standardized ACCESS Test once each year.
Additionally, EL specialists advocate for EL families and students and maintain an open line of communication between home and school to enhance student learning and family engagement.
Services Provided
Elementary Kindergarten-5th Grade
English Language Specialists provide ESL (English as a Second Language) services in the form of TPI (Transitional Program of Instruction). Instruction is provided within the students’ classroom and/or in a small group setting. Instruction is tailored to the students’ needs and aligned to the grade level standards and classroom expectations. Teachers follow many teaching models to reach all needs, such as co-planning and co-teaching, push in services, and pull out services.
Middle School/High School
The English Language Specialist instructs students in self-contained classes, usually in place of a student’s regular English class. Teacher also leads a Resource class for students who need a Study Hall with language support. In these classes, there is both explicit teaching of English and support for their other subject classes.
Resources for Families
¡Colorin colorado! (English & Spanish available)
A bilingual site for educators and families of English language learners --¡Ayudando a los niños leer...ya triunfar!
Illinois Families & School Success (English & Spanish available)
The Illinois Families and School Success (IL-FSS) Web site is your gateway to evidence-based resources about ways families can be involved in the education and learning of their children in Title 1 programs, pre-K through high school.
Illinois Classrooms in Action (English & Spanish available)
The resources on this page are designed to help communicate information to parents about the New Illinois Learning Standards Incorporating the Common Core.
