ELD Teacher

Guadalupe Centers Charter Schools (GCCS) serves more than 1,600 students from PreK–12 and is a free, open-enrollment public charter school system located in Kansas City, Missouri. Over 97% of our students identify as Latinx, and many are bilingual or English learners. Our network includes Guadalupe Centers Elementary School, Guadalupe Centers Middle School, and Guadalupe Centers High School.

GCCS grew out of Guadalupe Centers’ educational programs — part of the longest continuously operating agency serving the Latinx community in the United States since 1919. Our deep community roots shape our mission: to prepare all students academically, socially, and emotionally for college, career, and life success.

Why Work at GCCS

Students & Families:
Our teachers form strong relationships with students and families through a community-driven approach. The connection between our schools and Guadalupe Centers’ historic mission fosters trust and collaboration that support student success.

Staff Autonomy:
GCCS teachers are empowered to innovate. We value professional judgment and encourage creative, research-based classroom practices that meet the needs of diverse learners.

Coaching & Development:
Each staff member collaborates with their instructional coach and building leadership to set annual professional growth goals aligned to district priorities. Our development model focuses on reflection, collaboration, and continuous learning.

Competitive Benefits:

Competitive salary aligned to experience and certification level

Relocation stipend (for qualifying hires)

Bilingual stipend (Spanish-speaking staff)

Tuition reimbursement for continued education (up to lifetime cap per GCCS policy)

Mental health and well-being support through expanded employee assistance and wellness programs

403(b) retirement match up to 5% (for eligible staff)

Perfect attendance incentive program (up to $1,600 annually)

Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage

Reports To:

Building Principal

Summary

The English Language Development (ELD) Teacher provides targeted instruction and support to English Learners (ELs) in alignment with Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) guidelines and the WIDA English Language Development Standards. The ELD Teacher designs and delivers high-quality, culturally responsive instruction that supports students’ English language acquisition across listening, speaking, reading, and writing while promoting academic success in all content areas. This role fosters an inclusive, affirming classroom environment and collaborates closely with families, general education teachers, and support staff to ensure equitable access to instruction for multilingual learners.

Duties and Responsibilities

Instruction & Curriculum

Develops, implements, and continuously refines ELD curriculum aligned to WIDA ELD Standards, Missouri Learning Standards, and DESE guidance for English Learners.

Plans and delivers differentiated, standards-based instruction that addresses varying English proficiency levels and academic needs.

Demonstrates strong knowledge of grade-level content standards and integrates language objectives with content objectives.

Designs and administers balanced assessments, using formative and summative data (including ACCESS and WIDA Screener results) to drive instructional decisions.

Provides timely, affirming, and constructive feedback to students to support language growth and academic progress.

Student Support & Compliance

Implements accommodations, modifications, and instructional strategies for English Learners in accordance with DESE requirements, Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), and 504 Plans.

Participates in meetings related to IEPs, 504 Plans, and EL plans, providing input to ensure language needs are addressed.

Maintains accurate student records, progress monitoring documentation, attendance logs, and reports as required by DESE and school policies.

Collaboration & Communication

Collaborates with classroom teachers, instructional coaches, and administrators to support EL students through co-teaching, consultation, and data analysis.

Engages in regular communication with families regarding student progress, language development goals, and strategies for support at home.

Builds strong, respectful relationships with students, families, colleagues, and community members.

Professional Responsibilities

Models Guadalupe Centers Charter Schools’ values and upholds school policies, expectations, and professional standards.

Actively participates in weekly staff meetings, professional learning communities, and professional development aligned to EL instruction and cultural competence.

Commits to an extended instructional day, Saturday enrichment programming, and professional learning opportunities outside regular school hours.

Demonstrates ongoing growth in culturally responsive teaching practices and advocacy for multilingual learners.

Performs clerical and organizational duties as required, including ordering instructional materials and completing required reports.

Performs other duties as assigned by administration.

Required Skills and Abilities

Strong knowledge of second language acquisition and English Learner instructional strategies.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Ability to collaborate effectively in a fast-paced, high-expectations environment.

Demonstrated professionalism, flexibility, and tact in high-stress situations.

Commitment to equity and serving historically underserved student populations.

Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in English Language Development, TESOL, Education, or a related field (required).

Valid Missouri teaching certificate with EL/ESOL/ELD endorsement in accordance with DESE requirements (required).

Bilingual proficiency preferred (English required; Spanish strongly preferred).

Experience teaching English Learners in an urban or culturally diverse school setting preferred.

Familiarity with WIDA standards, ACCESS testing, and Missouri EL compliance requirements preferred.

Physical Requirements

Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the school day.

Ability to lift up to 15 pounds as needed.

Ability to access and navigate all areas of the school and participate in school-related activities and events.

Application Process:

Please complete an online application at https://www.gck12.org/o/gc/page/work-for-gccs.
Attach your resume, cover letter, transcripts, and certification (if applicable).

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

Guadalupe Centers Charter Schools (GCCS) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We strongly encourage applications from women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, or veteran status. We also prohibit retaliation against individuals who bring forward complaints or participate in investigations of discrimination.

Job Requirements:
At least 4 year(s) of relevant experience preferred.
Master degree preferred.
Citizenship, residency or work visa required