ML Specialist

Description

ML Specialist (Multilingual Learner Specialist)

Location: Learning Site Based | Salary: $46,000 – $59,000 Schedule: Full-Time, Exempt (Academic Year Calendar)

The Mission

At HOPE Online Learning Academy, we believe every student deserves a voice and a path to success. As an ML Specialist, you aren’t just a coordinator; you are an instructional bridge-builder. You will empower Learning Site Mentors, coach instructional staff, and ensure our English Learners (ELs) have the tools, language support, and advocacy they need to thrive in a blended learning environment.

Core Responsibilities

1. Instructional Leadership & Direct Student Support (35%)

You are the bridge between data-driven strategy and classroom reality. You don't just coach from the sidelines; you dive into instruction to ensure student success.

• Direct Student Impact: Deliver targeted interventions and language development lessons directly to students to help bridge academic gaps.
• Coaching & Modeling: Use "Situational Leadership" to support Learning Site Mentors—co-planning lessons and role-modeling effective teaching strategies (such as SIOP) in real-time.
• Strategic Grouping: Use data to identify and lead small groups for intensive language acquisition.
• Standards Mastery: Partner with Site Coordinators to "unpack" Colorado Academic Standards into accessible learning targets for ML students.

2. Assessment, Data & Progress Monitoring (35%)

You own the "big picture" of student growth and compliance.

• Identification & Placement: Oversee the Home Language Survey process, WIDA Screeners, and ACCESS testing to ensure students are correctly identified and supported.
• Data Advocacy: Analyze iReady, MAP, and Virtual Instructor reports to adjust instruction and monitor progress toward language mastery.
• ML Plans (MLPs): Coordinate the timely writing and monitoring of ML Plans, ensuring goals are ambitious and achievable.

3. Collaboration & Communication (10%)

• Bridge Building: Develop trusting, culturally responsive relationships with families, students, and virtual instructors.
• Team Integration: Participate in IEP meetings for MLs and collaborate with MTSS/RTI teams to identify behavioral or educational strategies for struggling learners.

4. Professional Growth & Community (20%)

• Expertise: Stay at the forefront of English language acquisition by attending CDE/Think Tank sessions and leading "mini-workshops" for site staff.
• Culture: Participate in site events (Back to School, conferences) to build a positive, safe, and engaging learning environment.

What You Bring to the Team

The Essentials:

• Certification: Active Colorado Teaching License with a Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CLD) Education endorsement (or the ability to obtain it within three years).
• Experience: 3+ years of teaching, with at least 2 years working with at-risk youth in a multicultural setting.
• Instructional Excellence: A track record of coaching adults and using data-driven practices to improve student outcomes.
• Equity Mindset: A deep commitment to educational equity and ensuring all students have the resources to achieve excellence.

Preferred Skills:

• Bilingualism: Oral and written fluency in Spanish.
• Advanced Education: Master’s Degree in an Education-related field.
• Tech Proficiency: Comfort with Edmentum, Google Classroom, and data management systems.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• The Schedule: Following the HOPE Academic Calendar, you will be on-site 30 minutes before and after the Learning Site’s operational hours.
• The Setting: A dynamic classroom/office environment with moderate noise.
• Physical Needs: Ability to lead a classroom (standing, walking, bending) and use a computer for extended periods. Occasionally lifting up to 25 lbs.
• Travel: Reliable transportation to travel between assigned Learning Sites and the main HOPE office for training (mileage may be reimbursed).

Why HOPE?

HOPE is a community-based, blended learning model. We don't just provide an education; we provide a pathway for students who need a different approach. Join us in making a high-quality education accessible to every learner.

Apply today to help our students find their voice and reach their potential.