K-8 ESL Teacher For 2026-2027 School Year

Decatur Public School District; Decatur (IL); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A public school district in Decatur is looking for an English as Second Language Teacher for the 2026-2027 school year at John Hill Magnet School. The ideal candidate must hold a valid Professional Educator License and have an endorsement for English as a Second Language. Fluency in Spanish or other languages is preferred, along with five years of teaching experience. Responsibilities include coordinating language assessments and providing instruction aligned with curriculum standards. Salary is based on the Collective Bargaining Agreement for teachers.

Qualifications

• Valid Professional Educator License registered with ISBE.
• Endorsement for English as a Second Language or Bilingual Education at Senior High School level.
• Fluency in spoken and written Spanish or other languages preferred.
• Five years of teaching experience required; High School teaching experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and administer tests and language assessments to evaluate student placement.
• Plan, organize, and provide instruction in English and Spanish based on Core Curriculum.
• Compile and maintain a profile summary of each student’s achievement and progress.
• Provide a nurturing, supportive, and positive learning environment.

Job description

English as Second Language Teacher

K‑8 ESL Teacher for the 2026‑2027 school year at John Hill Magnet School.

Qualifications

• Valid Professional Educator License registered with ISBE
• Endorsement for English as a Second Language or Bilingual Education at Senior High School level
• Fluency in spoken and written Spanish or other languages preferred
• Five years of teaching experience required; High School teaching experience preferred

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Apply knowledge of current research and theory to instructional programs
• Plan and implement lessons based on best practices and student needs and abilities
• Align and plan instruction associated with Common Core Standards
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with students, peers, and parents
• Demonstrate strong oral and written communication skills
• Perform duties with awareness of all district requirements and Board of Education policies
• Promote and develop appropriate classroom‑management skills

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and administer tests and language assessments to evaluate student placement, progress, and language acquisition
• Plan, organize, and provide instruction in English and Spanish based on Core Curriculum Content Standards and Illinois English Language Proficiency Standards (IELPS)
• Coordinate administration of required language proficiency and academic achievement tests for placement and ongoing monitoring
• Develop and deliver lesson plans utilizing differentiated techniques that support reading, writing, speaking, and listening in content areas
• Compile and maintain a profile summary of each student’s achievement and progress
• Gather and report data for annual ISBE and other required reports (census, application, grant, annual report, etc.)
• Provide a nurturing, supportive, and positive learning environment with high expectations that encourages responsibility, motivation, and clear communication of classroom routines
• Promote research‑based pedagogical practices among program staff
• Coordinate communication among bilingual/ESL teachers regarding ELL student needs
• Serve as liaison between students, parents, staff, and community services
• Design and conduct academic support programs for students transitioning to the mainstream program
• Facilitate workshops for parents
• Advocate with District 61 administration and staff on behalf of ELL and ESL students
• Supervise and assign duties to teacher aides
• Perform other duties as requested by the Board of Education, superintendent, principal, or established by the School Code

Terms of Employment

Salary is based upon the Collective Bargaining Agreement for teachers.

Evaluation

Employees in continuing contractual service are evaluated at least once every two (2) years; employees not in continuing contractual service are evaluated once every year.

Physical Demands

Work involves manipulating objects and equipment; requires bending, stooping, twisting, turning, reaching, lifting (up to 50 pounds), carrying, pulling, pushing, climbing, kneeling, walking, and standing 50‑75% of the shift.

Mental Demands

Caring for students can be stressful; the teacher must be prepared to handle multiple simultaneous situations, accidents, and emergencies at any time.

Work Environment

The position is performed in a busy and occasionally noisy classroom setting where the teacher must supervise all students at all times. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities to enable them to perform essential functions.

Benefit information can be found in the attached salary schedule. The position falls under the Decatur Education Association (DEA) Contract - 2022‑2026.