ALBANY AREA SCHOOLS
JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: English as a Second Language (ESL) Teacher — Long-Term Substitute
Exempt Status: Exempt
Department: Instruction
Reports To: Building Principals
Assignment: Grades K–12 at all four district sites
Approximate Assignment Dates: December 21, 2026, through May 3, 2027

Job Summary:

Under the direction of the Building Principals, the ESL Long-Term Substitute Teacher provides instruction and support to English Language Learners in grades K–12 across all four district sites. This position helps students develop English listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills while supporting their participation and progress in classroom learning.

The teacher collaborates with classroom teachers, support staff, administrators, and families to address students’ language development and academic needs. During the substitute assignment, the teacher maintains continuity of ESL services, follows established instructional plans, and adjusts instruction based on student needs and progress.

The duties outlined below are representative examples of the responsibilities of this position and are not intended to be a comprehensive listing of all duties performed.

Instruction and Language Development

Provides English language instruction to students in grades K–12 at all four district sites.
Plans and delivers lessons that develop listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills based on students’ English proficiency, grade levels, and individual learning needs.
Follows established ESL instructional plans and makes adjustments as needed to maintain student progress during the long-term substitute assignment.
Provides individual, small-group, and classroom-based instruction, as appropriate.
Helps students develop the academic vocabulary and language skills needed to understand classroom instruction and participate in learning activities.
Uses instructional strategies such as visuals, modeling, guided practice, and adapted materials to make lessons accessible.
Incorporates appropriate technology and instructional resources to support language development.
Creates a welcoming and respectful learning environment that values students’ languages, cultures, and experiences.

Classroom Learning and Collaboration

Collaborates with classroom teachers to support English Language Learners’ access to grade-level curriculum and classroom activities.
Shares strategies and resources that help staff address students’ language needs within classroom instruction.
Coordinates services and maintains a schedule that supports students across all four district sites.
Communicates with building staff regarding student needs, service schedules, instructional priorities, and progress.
Participates in student support meetings, conferences, and other meetings relevant to the assignment.
Provides instructional guidance to paraprofessionals supporting English Language Learners, as assigned.

Assessment and Recordkeeping

Reviews available student records, language proficiency information, and instructional plans to guide services.
Monitors and documents student progress in English language development and classroom learning.
Uses formal and informal assessments to identify student strengths, needs, and appropriate instructional adjustments.
Assists with English language proficiency screening and assessments, as assigned and with required training.
Maintains accurate records of attendance, services provided, assessments, and student progress.
Prepares information and instructional records to support a smooth transition when the regular teacher returns.

Family Communication

Communicates with families about students’ language development, academic progress, and school participation.
Coordinates with qualified interpreters and translation resources, as needed, to support communication with families.
Encourages family participation in students’ education and helps families understand school routines and expectations.

Professional Responsibilities

Follows district policies, building procedures, and expectations for student supervision and confidentiality.
Participates in staff meetings and professional development relevant to the assignment.
Maintains a safe, organized, and supportive learning environment.
Travels between district sites as required by the assigned schedule.
Performs other duties of a comparable level or type, as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in education or a related instructional field.
Valid Minnesota teaching license appropriate to the assignment; ESL licensure preferred.
Knowledge of English language development and instructional strategies for multilingual learners.
Ability to work with students across grades K–12 and varying English proficiency levels.
Ability to travel among all four district sites; valid driver’s license required.
Experience working with English Language Learners preferred.

Essential Knowledge and Specialized Subject Knowledge:

Principles and practices of English language development and second language acquisition.
Instructional strategies that support listening, speaking, reading, writing, and academic vocabulary development.
Methods for adapting instruction to students’ grade levels, language proficiency, and learning needs.
Child and adolescent development.
Culturally responsive teaching practices.
Assessment methods used to monitor language development and academic progress.
Classroom management and student engagement strategies.
District policies and procedures related to instruction, student records, confidentiality, and student support.
Technology and software used for instruction, communication, assessment, and recordkeeping.

Essential Skills and Abilities:

Plans and delivers instruction appropriate to students’ ages, language proficiency, and academic needs.
Explains concepts clearly and uses a variety of strategies to support understanding.
Assesses student progress and adjusts instruction accordingly.
Builds positive relationships with students and families from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds.
Collaborates effectively with classroom teachers, paraprofessionals, administrators, and other staff.
Communicates clearly and respectfully with students, families, and colleagues.
Organizes schedules, instructional materials, and student records across multiple sites.
Works independently while maintaining communication with building teams.
Adapts to changing schedules and student needs.
Maintains confidentiality and exercises sound professional judgment.

Work Environment:

Duties are generally performed in classrooms and other school settings across all four district sites. The position requires regular travel between buildings and work with students individually, in small groups, and within classrooms. The employee may occasionally encounter challenging student behaviors or sensitive family situations.

Physical Job Requirements:

The position requires frequent communication with students and staff; standing, walking, sitting, and moving throughout school buildings; and using computers and instructional equipment. Duties may involve occasional bending, kneeling, crouching, reaching, and lifting or carrying instructional materials weighing up to 25 pounds. Essential functions may be performed with or without reasonable accommodation.

English as a Second Language Long Call Substitue