Why Join Duluth Public Schools?
At Duluth Public Schools, we are driven by a shared vision of unity, high achievement, and responsible stewardship of resources. Our schools create safe, supportive, and inclusive environments where every student can thrive. As a member of our team, you will help shape the future of an entire community—empowering English language learners to reach their full potential, become confident communicators, and build the skills they need for success in a multicultural world.
About the Role
We are actively seeking a passionate, qualified, and dynamic temporary English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher to work full‑time (1.0 FTE) in a remote capacity. This role is ideal for educators who thrive in a flexible, virtual setting, and who are eager to make an immediate impact on students across Duluth Public Schools. You will be part of an innovative instructional team dedicated to delivering high‑quality, standards‑aligned ESL instruction while fostering cultural awareness and linguistic competence.
Core Information
- Employer: Duluth Public Schools, Duluth, MN
- Compensation: Competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications
- Start Date: Immediate openings – start as soon as paperwork is complete
- Location: 100% Remote (work from home)
- Employment Type: Temporary, Full‑Time (1.0 FTE) contract
Key Responsibilities
The ESL teacher will be responsible for delivering engaging, evidence‑based instruction to English language learners (ELLs) across multiple grade levels. Core duties include, but are not limited to:
- Curriculum Development & Delivery: Design, adapt, and implement lesson plans aligned with Minnesota State standards, Common Core, and district ESL frameworks, ensuring they meet the linguistic and academic needs of diverse learners.
- Assessment & Progress Monitoring: Conduct formative and summative assessments, analyze data, and provide targeted feedback to students, families, and school leadership.
- Virtual Classroom Management: Create a supportive online learning environment using platforms such as Google Classroom, Canvas, or Microsoft Teams, incorporating multimedia resources, interactive activities, and differentiated instruction.
- Collaboration & Consultation: Partner with general‑education teachers, special‑education staff, and administrators to integrate ESL strategies into core content areas and to support inclusive practices.
- Family & Community Engagement: Communicate regularly with families of ELLs, offering resources, progress updates, and strategies for supporting language development at home.
- Professional Development: Participate in district‑wide training, webinars, and professional learning communities focused on best practices in ESL instruction, culturally responsive teaching, and virtual pedagogy.
- Compliance & Documentation: Maintain accurate records, including Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), language proficiency records, and compliance reports, adhering to state and federal regulations.
- Mentorship & Leadership (Preferred): Provide guidance to novice teachers or instructional aides, share resources, and lead virtual workshops when appropriate.
Essential Qualifications
To be considered for this role, candidates must meet the following baseline criteria:
- Licensure: Hold a valid Minnesota ESL teaching license (or be eligible for licensure upon hire).
- Education: Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in TESOL, Applied Linguistics, Education, or a closely related field. A Master’s degree is strongly preferred.
- Experience: At least 2 years of proven experience teaching English as a Second Language in K‑12 settings, with a track record of improving language proficiency and academic achievement.
- Technology Proficiency: Demonstrated ability to deliver instruction via virtual platforms, with competence in learning management systems, video‑conferencing tools, and digital assessment software.
- Communication Skills: Excellent oral and written communication skills in English, with the capacity to convey complex concepts clearly to students and families from diverse cultural backgrounds.
- Interpersonal Skills: Strong collaborative spirit, empathy, and cultural sensitivity, enabling effective partnerships with students, parents, colleagues, and community stakeholders.
Preferred Qualifications & Additional Assets
- Advanced certifications such as TESOL, CELTA, or DELTA.
- Experience with dual‑language or bilingual education programs.
- Knowledge of culturally responsive teaching methods and anti‑bias curricula.
- Familiarity with data‑driven instructional practices and proficiency in using data dashboards.
- Proficiency in a second language (e.g., Spanish, Somali, Hmong) to support multilingual families.
- Previous experience working remotely or in a blended learning environment.
- Leadership experience in instructional coaching, curriculum design, or professional development delivery.
Core Skills & Competencies
Success in this position hinges on a blend of technical, instructional, and interpersonal abilities:
- Instructional Design: Ability to create compelling, scaffolded lessons that address the four language domains—listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
- Assessment Literacy: Proficiency in designing and interpreting language assessments, including the WIDA ACCESS test, MAP ESL, and teacher‑created rubrics.
- Technology Integration: Skillful use of digital tools (e.g., Kahoot!, Padlet, Nearpod) to enhance engagement and foster collaborative learning.
- Differentiation: Expertise in tailoring instruction to varied proficiency levels, learning styles, and academic needs.
- Classroom Management: Strategies for maintaining a positive, disciplined virtual environment that promotes student participation and accountability.
- Professional Ethics: Commitment to confidentiality, equity, and the highest standards of professional conduct.
- Time Management: Ability to balance instructional planning, grading, correspondence, and professional development within a remote work schedule.
Career Growth & Development Opportunities
Duluth Public Schools invests heavily in the professional advancement of its educators. As a temporary ESL teacher, you will have access to a robust suite of development resources, including:
- Paid attendance at state and national ESL conferences (e.g., TESOL International Convention, Minnesota Council of Teachers of English).
- Ongoing mentorship from senior ESL specialists and district instructional leaders.
- Eligibility for advanced certifications, graduate coursework scholarships, and tuition reimbursement programs.
- Pathways to transition into permanent full‑time roles, instructional coaching, curriculum leadership, or district‑wide ESL coordination.
- Opportunities to contribute to district policy development, research initiatives, and grant writing teams.
Work Environment & Culture
Our district prides itself on a collaborative, inclusive culture where teachers are valued as change agents. Key aspects of our work environment include:
- Supportive Leadership: Administrators who actively listen, provide constructive feedback, and champion teacher autonomy.
- Community Focus: Strong ties to local families, businesses, and cultural organizations that enrich student experiences.
- Innovation: A forward‑thinking approach that embraces technology, project‑based learning, and interdisciplinary teamwork.
- Work‑Life Balance: Flexible remote scheduling, generous paid time off, and a commitment to employee well‑being.
- Diversity & Inclusion: Ongoing initiatives to celebrate multiculturalism, promote equity, and ensure all voices are heard.
Compensation, Perks & Benefits
While exact salary figures will be discussed during the interview process, candidates can expect a competitive wage aligned with district salary schedules, reflecting experience and education level. Additional benefits include:
- Health Coverage: Comprehensive medical, prescription drug, and dental plans with generous employer contributions (100% premium for single coverage, 75% for family coverage).
- Life & Disability Insurance: Minimum $50,000 of district‑provided life insurance at no cost, optional supplemental coverage, and fully covered long‑term disability.
- Retirement Savings: District contribution of 7.25% of base salary to the Public Employees Retirement Association (PERS) pension plan, plus optional tax‑sheltered annuity options.
- Flexible Spending Accounts: Pre‑tax contributions for health care and dependent care expenses.
- Professional Development Stipends: Funding for courses, certifications, and conference participation.
- Paid Time Off: Holiday, sick, personal, and vacation leave as defined by the collective bargaining agreement.
- Wellness Programs: Access to employee assistance programs, mental health resources, and wellness initiatives.
- Technology Support: Provision of a laptop, high‑speed internet stipend, and necessary software licenses for remote instruction.
Application Process
We have streamlined an online application system for your convenience. To be considered, please submit the following documents through our portal:
- Cover Letter detailing your motivation, relevant experience, and how you will contribute to our ESL program.
- Updated Resume highlighting teaching credentials, certifications, and technology competencies.
- Official Transcripts (most recent degree(s) awarded).
- Three professional Letters of Recommendation from supervisors, mentors, or colleagues familiar with your instructional practice.
All applications must be completed online. After submission, you will receive confirmation via email. The district’s Frontline team will review applications and contact selected candidates to schedule interviews.
Contact Information
If you have any questions about the role, the application process, or need assistance with technical issues, please reach out to our Certified Human Resources team:
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: 218‑336‑8721
Take the Next Step – Apply Today!
Joining Duluth Public Schools means becoming part of a legacy of educational excellence and community impact. If you are ready to bring your expertise, enthusiasm, and commitment to empowering English language learners, we encourage you to apply now. Let’s work together to shape a brighter future for every student, every day.
Apply Now