Upper School ESL Teacher

Gaston Day School is an independent, coeducational day school for 500 students in grades K-12.

This posting is for an Upper School ESL teacher. The Gaston Day Upper School ESL teacher is responsible for instructing 9th through 11th-grade students in English courses following the content and objectives of the curriculum prescribed by the upper school English department. The successful candidate will show evidence and enthusiasm for English as a second language and encourage English language learners to grow in knowledge and understanding. The teacher will supervise students in academic classes, advisory programs, and extra-curricular activities and demonstrate a commitment to the well-being of all Gaston Day students and the school's best interests as a whole.

 Key Responsibilities:

• Instruction & Curriculum Development:

  • Develop and implement engaging lesson plans tailored to the language proficiency levels of ESL students, aligning with the English Department’s curriculum.

  • Teach listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills using various instructional strategies and resources to meet the needs of diverse learners.

  • Adapt lessons and activities to accommodate students’ English language proficiency levels and learning styles.

• Assessment & Monitoring:

  • Regularly assess students’ language development and academic progress through formal and informal assessments.

  • Provide constructive feedback on assignments, projects, and exams, helping students track their growth in English proficiency.

• Supportive Environment:

  • Foster a positive, inclusive, and respectful classroom environment that encourages students to express themselves and build confidence in using English.

  • Address cultural differences and create an environment where students feel comfortable learning and engaging.

  • Assist students in adjusting to their new school environment and facilitate their integration into the wider school community.

• Collaboration & Professional Development:

  • Work closely with other teachers to monitor students’ progress and share strategies for supporting language development.

  • Attend faculty meetings, professional development workshops, and ESL-related conferences to stay updated on best practices in ESL education.

• Classroom Management:

  • Maintain a well-organized and structured classroom with clear expectations for behavior and academic performance.

  • Establish and maintain effective routines and procedures to maximize student learning and engagement.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in English, Education, TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages), Applied Linguistics, or a related field.

• Certification in ESL, TESOL, or a related subject area (or in the process of obtaining certification).

• Experience teaching ESL at the high school level is preferred but not required.

• Strong knowledge of language acquisition theories, ESL instructional methods, and culturally responsive teaching practices.

• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.

• Patience, empathy, and a passion for helping students succeed.

Desired Skills:

• Experience working with students from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.

• Ability to use technology effectively in the classroom to enhance learning and engage students.

• Proficiency in a second language (Spanish, Mandarin, Arabic, etc.) is a plus.

• Ability to differentiate instruction to meet the needs of individual students

Reporting:

The Upper School ESL Teacher will report directly to the English Department Chair and the Head of Upper School.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We cannot sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

Contact:

To apply, please email a cover letter and resume to Carolyn Senter, Head of Upper School, at [email protected].  

Gaston Day School is committed to increasing the racial, ethnic, and religious diversity of our faculty and staff. GDS welcomes applicants who would bring additional dimensions to the school's teaching mission. In accordance with the law, Gaston Day School is an equal opportunity employer and hires without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex/gender, age, or disability.