The role of ESL teacher is to assist schools in their provision of appropriate educational services for students who speak English as a Second Language, in the context of Education Queensland’s:

·          Cultural and Language Diversity in Education Policy

·          Anti-Racism Policy

·          Inclusive Curriculum

The ESL teacher can offer assistance to schools at two levels, program development and program delivery.

Program Development

Support to the school community, teachers and students by:

·          Assisting with enrolments, including the use of interpreters

·          Assisting with initial assessment of English language skills

·          Participating in case conferences to determine placement, appropriate educational programs and resources

·          Participating in reviews of educational programs

·          Advocating for children and raising awareness about Cultural Equity issues

Program Delivery

The ESL teacher’s involvement is negotiated through a case conference, which may include:

·          Professional consultation

·          Support in developing modified or alternative programs

·          Team teaching

·          Conferencing with students

·          Direct support

·          Assessment

·          Provision of bi-lingual support for students

·          Professional development projects

Identification of students for support

Students are identified by checking enrolment data, talking to parents, consultation with class teacher and assessment by the ESL teacher, to determine whether support is needed and what the particular needs of the students are.  It is also generally recommended that students are placed in the appropriate year level for their age.

In primary schools, immigrant students (born overseas and non-English speaking) are funded for support for 3 years.  Students born in Australia with one or both parents born in a non-English speaking country may be supported in years 1 to 3, if they have identified ESL needs.  These students may be on permanent of temporary visas.  Some students on temporary visas are required to pay fees to Education Queensland International and are not eligible for support on the ESL program.