Primary IELP/ESL Coordinator (Bilingual)

Position Overview

We seek a skilled and compassionate leader to manage our school's Intensive English Language Program (IELP) and lead ESL teaching for students entering with limited or no English skills. This role is essential for supporting students' language acquisition, academic integration, cultural adjustment, and behavioral growth. The IELP/ESL Lead will be responsible for coordinating, mentoring, and supervising classroom teachers, overseeing the onboarding of students and families, and building a nurturing learning environment. This includes implementing pre-school-year and rolling admissions bridging programs, working closely with parents (primarily Mandarin-speaking), and fostering a positive learning culture that emphasizes respect and sensitivity. Familiarity with recognized ESL curricula, such as Cambridge English Young Learners (YLE), WIDA, and the Cambridge English Language Assessments (CAE), is essential to align instructional practices with international standards. The IELP and ESL programs cover Grades 1-6.

Reports To

• Founder and Head of School 
• Vice Principal

Key Responsibilities 

Support for Teaching and Learning

• Lead and manage the school-wide IELP and ESL programs, ensuring alignment with academic standards, language learning objectives, project-based learning themes, and individual student needs.
• Oversee, supervise, and evaluate IELP and ESL teachers, providing mentorship and supporting integration with the mainstream curriculum and to support ESL students' language development across various subjects.
• Develop and deliver high-quality English language lessons and oversee instructional methods that engage students at various proficiency levels, incorporating assessments (WIDA, CAE, OPT), multimedia tasks, performances, and oral presentations to track progress.
• Provide targeted professional development for staff working with ESL students to strengthen instructional practices and support academic and language skill development.
• Maintain a positive, culturally sensitive classroom atmosphere that promotes respect, inclusivity, and a supportive learning environment.
• Stay up-to-date with current research, best practices, and resources in the field of English language teaching, particularly ESL instruction. Participate in ongoing professional development activities to enhance teaching skills and knowledge of language acquisition methodologies.

Student Onboarding, Behavior Management, and Parent Communication

• Design and implement onboarding programs for new students and families to support their academic and cultural adjustment, including pre-year bridging programs and ongoing support through rolling admissions.
• Provide pastoral care and guidance, promoting social-emotional well-being and positive student behavior, ensuring alignment with the school’s values and ethos.
• Engage in proactive communication with parents and guardians, particularly Mandarin-speaking families, to foster student success and address behavioral or academic concerns effectively.
• Manage behavioral challenges among students, fostering respect and addressing disruptions to support a safe and focused learning environment.

Admissions Collaboration

• Work closely with the Director of Admissions to support recruitment efforts for ESL students, providing guidance to help identify students’ language needs effectively.
• Assist in developing and enhancing language assessment tools for admissions to ensure accurate placement and support planning.
• Promote the IELP and ESL programs to prospective families and provide insights into program benefits for language learners.

Standards and Quality Assurance

• Model professionalism in appearance, punctuality, and attendance, collaborate constructively with staff, and support the school’s mission through actions that demonstrate commitment to holistic student development. 
• Perform additional responsibilities as assigned by the Head of School or supervisors, aligned with professional duties.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of five (5) years of successful classroom teaching experience in ESL 
• Bachelor’s degree in Education, English, TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) or equivalent, with TESOL, TEFL, or similar certification. 
• Native-level fluency in English AND Mandarin
• Strong knowledge of language acquisition theories, instructional strategies, and assessment practices
• Current teaching certification or licensure
• Familiarity with recognized ESL curricula, such as Cambridge English Young Learners (YLE), WIDA, and Cambridge English Language Assessments (CAE)
• Proven experience in supervising and managing teachers
• Strong academic background and commitment to professional excellence
• Successful completion of a criminal background check

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Education, TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages), Linguistics, or a related field
• Experience collaborating with other professionals, such as speech therapists or SEN learning support specialists, to provide comprehensive language support to students

Qualified candidates will be remunerated with a competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience. 

To apply, please email your cover letter, detailed resume and expected salary to recruitment@bloom.edu.hk. 

Personal information will be used for recruitment purposes only. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.