Location: Learning Site Based | Salary: $46,000 – $59,000 Schedule: Full-Time, Exempt (Academic Year Calendar)
At HOPE Online Learning Academy, we believe every student deserves a voice and a path to success. As an ML Specialist, you aren’t just a coordinator; you are an instructional bridge-builder. You will empower Learning Site Mentors, coach instructional staff, and ensure our English Learners (ELs) have the tools, language support, and advocacy they need to thrive in a blended learning environment.
You are the bridge between data-driven strategy and classroom reality. You don't just coach from the sidelines; you dive into instruction to ensure student success.
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Direct Student Impact: Deliver targeted interventions and language development lessons directly to students to help bridge academic gaps.
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Coaching & Modeling: Use "Situational Leadership" to support Learning Site Mentors—co-planning lessons and role-modeling effective teaching strategies (such as SIOP) in real-time.
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Strategic Grouping: Use data to identify and lead small groups for intensive language acquisition.
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Standards Mastery: Partner with Site Coordinators to "unpack" Colorado Academic Standards into accessible learning targets for ML students.
You own the "big picture" of student growth and compliance.
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Identification & Placement: Oversee the Home Language Survey process, WIDA Screeners, and ACCESS testing to ensure students are correctly identified and supported.
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Data Advocacy: Analyze iReady, MAP, and Virtual Instructor reports to adjust instruction and monitor progress toward language mastery.
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ML Plans (MLPs): Coordinate the timely writing and monitoring of ML Plans, ensuring goals are ambitious and achievable.
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Bridge Building: Develop trusting, culturally responsive relationships with families, students, and virtual instructors.
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Team Integration: Participate in IEP meetings for MLs and collaborate with MTSS/RTI teams to identify behavioral or educational strategies for struggling learners.
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Expertise: Stay at the forefront of English language acquisition by attending CDE/Think Tank sessions and leading "mini-workshops" for site staff.
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Culture: Participate in site events (Back to School, conferences) to build a positive, safe, and engaging learning environment.
The Essentials:
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Certification: Active Colorado Teaching License with a Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CLD) Education endorsement (or the ability to obtain it within three years).
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Experience: 3+ years of teaching, with at least 2 years working with at-risk youth in a multicultural setting.
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Instructional Excellence: A track record of coaching adults and using data-driven practices to improve student outcomes.
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Equity Mindset: A deep commitment to educational equity and ensuring all students have the resources to achieve excellence.
Preferred Skills:
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Bilingualism: Oral and written fluency in Spanish.
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Advanced Education: Master’s Degree in an Education-related field.
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Tech Proficiency: Comfort with Edmentum, Google Classroom, and data management systems.
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The Schedule: Following the HOPE Academic Calendar, you will be on-site 30 minutes before and after the Learning Site’s operational hours.
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The Setting: A dynamic classroom/office environment with moderate noise.
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Physical Needs: Ability to lead a classroom (standing, walking, bending) and use a computer for extended periods. Occasionally lifting up to 25 lbs.
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Travel: Reliable transportation to travel between assigned Learning Sites and the main HOPE office for training (mileage may be reimbursed).
HOPE is a community-based, blended learning model. We don't just provide an education; we provide a pathway for students who need a different approach. Join us in making a high-quality education accessible to every learner.
Apply today to help our students find their voice and reach their potential.