News | Port St. Lucie

Bilingual ESOL Instructors Needed in St. Lucie County Schools

October 21, 2025
5:49 am

Bilingual ESOL instructors are urgently needed in St. Lucie Public Schools, as the district faces a significant shortage of professionals to support English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Program students.

St. Lucie County’s Growing Need for Bilingual ESOL Instructors

St. Lucie County Public Schools report that roughly 15% of students are enrolled in the ESOL program. The district is seeking to fill 22 ESOL positions, with the most critical demand for Haitian Creole and Spanish-speaking professionals. Recent academic improvements in St. Lucie Public Schools have highlighted the importance of robust support systems like ESOL to ensure all students can thrive.

According to district data, the number of English language learners has increased by 10% since September 2024. This rise has intensified the need for qualified bilingual ESOL instructors throughout the county.

Details of the Upcoming ESOL Hiring Event in Port St. Lucie

St. Lucie Public Schools will host a hiring event at 9 a.m. on October 30 at the district administration building, located at 9461 Brandywine Lane, Port St. Lucie. The event aims to recruit new ESOL professionals to address the urgent staffing gap.

Date: October 30, 2025
Time: 9:00 a.m.
Location: St. Lucie Public Schools Administration, 9461 Brandywine Lane, Port St. Lucie

Applicants must have at least a high school diploma, pass a proficiency test in both English and their language of instruction, and complete an interview with a school principal.

Why Bilingual ESOL Instructors Are Essential in St. Lucie County

According to St. Lucie Public Schools, ESOL instructors play a vital role in supporting students whose primary language is not English. These students are required to meet the same academic and graduation standards as their peers but are eligible for additional assistance under the ESOL program.

ESOL professionals are embedded in classrooms, working alongside regular teachers to provide targeted support. They help students during lessons and standardized tests, ensuring equitable access to education. With the opening of a new high school in St. Lucie County next fall, the demand for qualified ESOL instructors is expected to grow even further, making recruitment efforts increasingly important.

Current Staffing Shortage for Haitian Creole and Spanish Speakers

The district reports a shortage of 17 Haitian Creole-speaking and 5 Spanish-speaking ESOL professionals. Officials say this gap is due to the recent increase in English language learners and the ongoing challenge of recruiting qualified bilingual staff.

Salary and Benefits for ESOL Professionals

According to St. Lucie Public Schools, the starting salary for ESOL instructors ranges from $24,556 for those without a two-year degree to $42,156 for more experienced professionals. The position offers medical benefits, standard teachers’ hours, and summers off, making it appealing for college students and those entering the education field.

Understanding the ESOL Program in St. Lucie County

ESOL, or English for Speakers of Other Languages, is a state-funded instructional program designed to help K-12 students who do not speak English as their first language. The program in St. Lucie County serves approximately 7,800 English language learners from 62 different birth countries.

Each public school in the district offers an ESOL program, despite ongoing staffing challenges. Most ESOL students are U.S.-born children of parents from other countries. Notably, Legacy High School‘s recent enrollment expansion is expected to further diversify the student population, increasing the need for multilingual support across the district.

How ESOL Support Works in Classrooms

According to district officials, ESOL students are not removed from their regular classrooms. Instead, they receive extra help during class and on tests. Support includes access to a trained professional, the use of dictionaries, and extended time during assessments.

Addressing Stigma and Misunderstandings About ESOL

Some parents express concern when their children are placed in the ESOL program, fearing that it may label or separate them. However, district staff emphasize that ESOL services are designed to provide additional support, not to isolate students from their peers or typical school activities.

ESOL Coordinator Aleida “Lily” Trinidad told TCPalm that the program’s goal is to help students succeed academically by offering the resources they need to learn English and keep pace with their classmates.

Personal Stories: The Impact of ESOL in St. Lucie County

Former ESOL student John Cesar shared his experience of entering the program after moving from Haiti at age four. He described feeling supported and encouraged, which helped him excel in school. Cesar now works for the Children’s Services Council of St. Lucie County, promoting literacy through his community outreach efforts as “Book Man.”

Such stories highlight the positive effect that ESOL instructors and programs can have on students’ educational journeys and future opportunities.

District and Community Leaders Stress the Importance of ESOL Support

Fort Pierce City Commissioner Curtis Johnson told TCPalm that supporting English language learners is essential for building a strong foundation for future community leaders. District officials continue to emphasize the need for qualified bilingual ESOL instructors to meet the needs of a diverse student population.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bilingual ESOL Instructors in St. Lucie County

What is the role of a bilingual ESOL instructor in St. Lucie County?

Bilingual ESOL instructors help students who are learning English by providing extra support in the classroom. They work alongside regular teachers to assist with lessons and tests.

How much do ESOL instructors earn in St. Lucie County?

Starting salaries for ESOL instructors range from $24,556 to $42,156, depending on experience and education. The job also includes benefits and follows the school calendar.

Are there specific language needs for ESOL instructors in PSL schools?

Yes, St. Lucie County schools have the greatest need for Haitian Creole and Spanish-speaking ESOL professionals. These languages reflect the most common backgrounds among English language learners in the district.