30. The First and Most Important Step in Teaching English Learners

This episode is for you to learn, find out, and get excited about the possibilities of technology in your classroom. I will not be talking about ChatGPT or AI tools, simply because I am still exploring how they can be used ethically by both teachers and students in the classroom. However, I will be giving you tips and tricks on how to use my top three technology tools. What you will hear about in this episode: Website and platforms that I use frequently and used to teach all language domains ...

9 Touko 202318min

As we continue talking about English Learners in the mainstream classroom this month, I wanted to bring back a previous episode from last year that is very relevant to our topic. With vocabulary being the main component of learning a language, this episode is all about how to pre-teach vocabulary when you are a regular education teacher. Pre-teaching vocabulary is very important to an English learner student. If the student does not understand the word, they will not be able to understa...

25 Huhti 202320min

Today’s episode is sharing thoughts and tips on how to grade English learners. You will hear the difference between grading and assessing, what makes teaching English learners equitable, and the differences between equality and fairness. Grading an English learner can be an adjustment. It should be flexible and not a rigid formula. It is also essential your assessments match the learning to help provide more accurate measurement of the student’s learning. Some key points are: content mu...

18 Huhti 202320min

Math teachers often express that they teach math…not language or how to read. Or even that math is universal. If this sounds familiar, then this episode is going to be for you. Students learn each subject through language. This episode will cover teaching math to ESL students. I will be sharing 4 math specific tips that can be easily implemented and will allow you to understand how to help your English learners. Your newcomer could be a math wiz, but without the basic language skills, you mig...

11 Huhti 202316min

We all know that new students start school not only in August or September, but anytime of year. Often I get asked by general education teachers how to help a new English learner, so I have decided to record a series of episodes specifically for general education teachers. They will help you make meaningful connections with your multilingual students, as well as give you some simple steps to help them be successful, even when it seems like they don’t understand. I’ll help you feel prepa...

4 Huhti 202313min

This month we have been talking about how Spring can be a difficult season for teachers energy wise, and changes that teachers either need or want to implement. Today’s guest, Jamie Sears, will help inspire and reinvigorate your love for teaching. Jamie and I have a heart-to-heart conversation about building relationships, having fun, setting boundaries, lesson planning and really simple, practical and actionable tips of how to work less, be happier, and make an impact you were born to make.&...

28 Maalis 202328min

In this episode I was able to talk to Molly Wheatly about starting a tutoring business, and how she went from being a teacher to now coaching teachers on how to grow their own tutoring business. Sometimes when we need a drastic change, we can benefit from taking a step back and look at the parts of our current situation that are missing. Just asking ourselves a few questions such as: what we love about our job, what we wish we could change, what would make me feel like I’m making a difference...

21 Maalis 202325min

Sometimes we find ourselves desperate for a teacher contract in a new district, but facing unknown territory as an ESL teacher, you must navigate the stressful interview process and bet on yourself to achieve your goal of finding the perfect job. After many attempts at trying to find a new position for myself, years ago, I picked up some tips along the way. I learned about preparing for an ESL teacher interview. This is part two of an interview series. If you missed part one on the resu...

14 Maalis 202313min