Visual Learner Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Position Type:
Support Staff/Paraeducator - ESL
Date Posted:
1/30/2026
Location:
Blackhawk Elementary
Anticipated Start Date:
02/13/2026
TITLE: English Learner Paraprofessional
QUALIFICATIONS: High School diploma.
Associate degree or 60 college credit hours or pass the ETS (Educational Testing
Service) ParaPRO Assessment Test
Educator License with Stipulations (ELS) with a Paraprofessional Endorsement
Speaks the language of the supported students
Evidence of emotional stability and maturity
REPORTS TO: Building Principal
JOB GOAL: Responsible for working with students whose primary language is not English.
Inputs
(activities done by the position/ how they spend their time/ daily schedule
Evidence
(what can we see as a result of the daily schedule - logs, data book, quarterly reports, calendar)
Outcomes
(what happens for students - attendance, test scores, Panorama scores - how do we know this position is getting good ROI?)
1. Language Support
- Provide one-on-one or small group language instruction to ELL students
- Assist ELL students in understanding and completing classroom tasks
- Support students in developing listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in English
- Help students build academic vocabulary across subject areas
2. Classroom Assistance
- Support lead teachers in adapting lessons and materials for ELL students
- Assist in creating a welcoming and culturally responsive classroom environment
- Help manage classroom activities, focusing on the needs of ELL students
- Facilitate communication between ELL students and their English-speaking peers
3. Cultural Liaison
- Act as a cultural bridge between ELL students, their families, and the school
- Assist in translating and interpreting when necessary (if bilingual)
- Help students and families navigate school systems and cultural differences
- Support teachers in understanding and respecting students' cultural backgrounds
4. Academic Support
- Reinforce concepts taught by the classroom teacher in students' native language if possible
- Assist ELL students with homework and test preparation
- Provide additional explanations of academic content as needed
- Support ELL students in using educational technology and resources
5. Language Assessment and Progress Monitoring
- Assist in administering language proficiency assessments
- Help collect data on students' language development progress
- Participate in the identification and reclassification process for ELL students
- Support teachers in tracking and documenting ELL students' academic progress
6. Collaboration and Communication
- Work closely with ELL teachers, classroom teachers, and other support staff
- Participate in team meetings regarding ELL student progress and needs
- Communicate regularly with teachers about students' language development and academic challenges
- Assist in maintaining open lines of communication with ELL students' families
7. Resource Development
- Help create or adapt learning materials for ELL students
- Assist in developing visual aids and language support tools
- Contribute to the creation of culturally relevant educational resources
- Organize and maintain ELL resources and materials
8. Professional Development
- Attend training sessions on ELL instructional strategies and cultural competence
- Stay informed about best practices in second language acquisition
- Participate in workshops on working with diverse student populations
- Seek opportunities to improve personal language skills if bilingual
1. Language Support Documentation
- Logs of language instruction sessions provided to ELL students
- Records of vocabulary and language concepts taught
- Progress notes on students' language development
2. Adapted Educational Materials
- Modified classroom materials with language supports
- Translated documents or resources (if bilingual)
- Visual aids and graphic organizers for language learning
3. Cultural Liaison Activities
- Records of cultural mediation instances
- Documentation of translation/interpretation services provided
- Notes from meetings with ELL families
4. Academic Support Records
- Logs of tutoring sessions and homework assistance
- Examples of scaffolded assignments for ELL students
- Records of technology use in supporting ELL students
5. Assessment and Progress Monitoring
- Data collection sheets on language proficiency progress
- Notes on students' performance in language assessments
- Documentation of students' academic achievements in content areas
6. Collaboration Artifacts
- Minutes from team meetings about ELL students
- Communication logs with teachers and families
- Emails or messages coordinating ELL support
7. Resource Development Products
- Created or adapted ELL learning materials
- Organized ELL resource libraries or digital repositories
- Culturally relevant educational tools and resources
8. Professional Growth Evidence
- Certificates from ELL-related training and workshops
- Personal language learning progress (if applicable)
- Reflections on implemented ELL strategies and their effectiveness
1. Language Proficiency
- Accelerated English language acquisition among ELL students
- Improved scores on language proficiency assessments
- Enhanced confidence in using English for academic and social purposes
2. Academic Achievement
- Improved performance of ELL students in content area subjects
- Increased participation of ELL students in classroom activities
- Higher rates of homework completion and assignment understanding
3. Cultural Integration
- Greater involvement of ELL students in school activities and programs
- Improved cross-cultural understanding among all students
- Enhanced sense of belonging for ELL students within the school community
4. Family Engagement
- Increased participation of ELL families in school events and conferences
- Improved communication between the school and ELL families
- Greater understanding among families of the U.S. education system
5. Classroom Inclusivity
- More effective differentiation of instruction for ELL students
- Increased use of culturally responsive teaching practices
- Enhanced peer relationships between ELL and non-ELL students
6. Student Confidence and Well-being
- Improved self-esteem and self-efficacy among ELL students
- Reduced anxiety related to language barriers
- Increased willingness to take risks in language learning
7. Teacher Effectiveness
- Enhanced capacity of classroom teachers to support ELL students
- More efficient use of instructional time through targeted ELL support
- Improved collaboration between mainstream and ELL teachers
8. Resource Utilization
- More effective use of language learning materials and technologies
- Increased availability of culturally and linguistically appropriate resources
- Better alignment of ELL support with curriculum objectives
9. School Culture
- Heightened awareness and celebration of linguistic diversity
- Improved overall school climate regarding inclusion and multiculturalism
- Increased recognition of bilingualism as an asset
10. Long-term Student Success
- Higher rates of ELL student retention and graduation
- Improved college and career readiness among ELL students
- Enhanced long-term academic and social outcomes for ELL students
11. Assessment and Accountability
- More accurate assessment of ELL students' content knowledge
- Improved tracking of language proficiency growth
- Enhanced ability to demonstrate program effectiveness to stakeholders
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: 176 day Classified position with salary and hours to be established by the Board of Education. 6.5 hours per day
EVALUATION: Performance will be evaluated annually in accordance with the provisions established by the Board of Education.
SALARY RANGE: In accordance with the USW (United Steelworkers) Negotiated Agreement; starting wage $16.93 per hour based on 2025/2026 USW union contract.
This job description has been reviewed and is in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.