26/27 ESL/ELL Teacher ($5,000 Annual Bonus for Certified Teachers)

The Opportunity: PLA Teachers are passionate and devoted leaders bringing creativity and rigor to our classrooms to support an improved learning experience for our scholars. As an ESL / ELL Teacher at Phalen Leadership Academies, you are responsible for ensuring English Learners receive high-quality English Language Development instruction and compliant services that support both academic and language acquisition growth. You will collaborate with classroom teachers, monitor scholar progress, ensure compliance with Michigan and federal ELL requirements, and partner with families to support scholar success. You will set ambitious goals for student achievement and hold scholars accountable for accomplishing those goals while building an inclusive and supportive learning environment. 

The Details

Key Deliverables:

• Provide and coordinate English Language Development services aligned to Michigan and federal requirements

• Ensure compliance with ELL documentation, including ILPs, service minutes, and WIDA testing coordination and administration

• Utilize WIDA standards, ACCESS assessments, and Michigan Section 41 requirements to guide instruction and compliance

• Support classroom teachers with integrated ELD strategies and differentiation for English Learners

• Monitor English Learner progress and proficiency data to inform instruction and program decisions

• Serve as a point of contact for ELL compliance, communication, and family support as needed

Experience and Education Requirements

• A passion for working with students and families in underserved communities
• Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university, with appropriate endorsements, if applicable
• Michigan teaching certificate required; English as a Second Language (NS) or Bilingual Education (Y) endorsement preferred
• Bilingual Spanish preferred but not required

The Network: PLA is a transformative education nonprofit changing communities across the country by providing a depth of resources not found in the traditional education model.  In addition to serving as one of the country’s best turnaround school operators and successfully launching charter school start-ups, PLA also provides our school communities with a successful, research-based summer learning program (Summer Advantage), a successful Reading and Math Intervention program (Reading and Math Advantage), and a workforce development program (Skilled US) that provides expanded opportunities for our high school graduates, along with the family members of our current staff and students. This menu of programs and services is unique to our network, sets us apart from other organizations, and provides expanded opportunities for our staff through career advancement opportunities and expanded income opportunities.  

The Campus: 

Discovery Creative Pathways (DCP) Harper Woods is a tuition-free charter school supporting K-8 scholars in the Harper Woods, MI area. Through a rigorous curriculum and high-quality instruction, our educators foster a love for learning. DCP Harper Woods embraces innovative teaching methods and technologies to enhance the learning experience and prepare students for the challenges of the future. Offering a wide range of extracurricular activities, such as Girls/Boys Basketball, Soccer, Dance, Martial Arts, Drama Club, Cheerleading, Garden Club, and Tutoring. These activities make our school unique by providing opportunities for students to develop their skills, explore new interests, and build social connections. DCP Harper Woods prides itself on its ability to work closely with support staff, educators, and families to create a sense of joy and belonging for all scholars.

Compensation and Benefits:

PLA School Teachers receive a base salary that is competitively aligned with the market. In addition to a base salary, PLA School Teachers receive: 

• Competitive Compensation
• Benefits – Healthcare, vision, and dental insurance
• Professional development opportunities, coaching and mentoring, and being a part of professional communities within the school
• $5,000 Annual Bonus for Certified