The ESL Teaching Podcast

When it comes to teaching English learners, some things come naturally for EL teachers, while regular education teachers might be wondering how they can reach their multilingual students. I have several episodes about teaching all ELs, but I wanted to distill this information into even more practical and really actionable advice that all teachers can take whenever they have an English learner in their classroom. In today's episode, I will be talking about 5 non-negotiables for integrating ELs in your regular education classroom. No matter what subject or what grade level you teach. They may be new to you or you may have already heard them many times. But as we say, the more times you hear it, the more you internalize the information and the more it can become natural to you to implement.What you will hear about in this episode:Importance of reaching out to EL specialists for proficiency assessmentsThe four main language functions: inform, narrate, argue, and explainImportance of speech adjustment to assist EL comprehensionStrategies for teaching newcomers with overwhelmed capacitiesShow Notes:Episode 112 - 5 Non-Negotiables for Integrating ELs in Regular Education Classroom Simply Ieva Offers:🥳 On-Demand Digital Library “Light The Way to EL Teaching Success” 🥳Record a comment for us - click HERE. We can’t wait to hear from you!Free Audio Training - 3 Mindset Shifts for Instilling and Living Out a Belief that All Teachers are Teachers of Language.Book a $0 Consult Call - Lead ELs to Progress without OverwhelmAccommodate and Modify Your Lessons for ELs with Less than 1 Hour of Planning a Week - classroom teacher and admin checklist The ESL Teaching Roadmap – membership community for middle and high school ESL/ELL teachers. As a thank you for listening, use code ESLPODCAST for 10% off when you join. My TpT storeRelated/Previous Episodes:Episode 98 - EL Newcomer to Experienced Multilingual: A Journey Through Proficiency LevelsLet’s Connect!Follow me on InstagramFollow me on LinkedInJoin the Simply Ieva Facebook GroupI have compiled every masterclass I have ever recorded on how to teach and reach English learners in a regular education classroom - I’m talking strategies, how-tos and done for you resources!) and have created a digital masterclass library called Light the Way to EL Teaching Success where you can get instant access to 10 practical and actionable videos, 8 done-for you lessons and 1 professional development certificate for 3 hours of your time. Support the Show.

I don't know about you, but every year around April, I feel like my energy is drained. I can no longer focus, and the feeling of inadequacy begins to creep in. The students have absorbed as much as they could. We all are just counting the days until that summer break when we all can recharge and look at things from a different perspective. But we have to somehow get through those last weeks of school. I want to share some of the end of year hacks that I use to feel like I'm still making a difference in my teaching and student learning and, what I do to not lose my own sanity in the process.What you will hear about in this episode:Shifting focus from new material to reviewing past lessonsStrategies to handle waning student focus and increased energyThe impact of changing environment on teacher motivation and creativityThe importance of self-care and maintaining personal well-beingShow Notes:Episode 111 - 5 End of the Year Hacks to Finish the School Year With SanitySimply Ieva Offers:🥳 On-Demand Digital Library “Light The Way to EL Teaching Success” 🥳Record a comment for us - click HERE. We can’t wait to hear from you!Free Audio Training - 3 Mindset Shifts for Instilling and Living Out a Belief that All Teachers are Teachers of Language.Book a $0 Consult Call - Lead ELs to Progress without OverwhelmAccommodate and Modify Your Lessons for ELs with Less than 1 Hour of Planning a Week - classroom teacher and admin checklist The ESL Teaching Roadmap – membership community for middle and high school ESL/ELL teachers. As a thank you for listening, use code ESLPODCAST for 10% off when you join. My TpT storeRelated episodes and articles:Shinrin Yoku: The Japanese Practice that Could Transform Your DayEpisode 74 - Why Teachers Should Embrace Meditation as Part of Their Daily RoutineEpisode 64 - 3 Ways to Finish Your School Year MeaningfullyLet’s Connect!Follow me on InstagramFollow me on LinkedInI have compiled every masterclass I have ever recorded on how to teach and reach English learners in a regular education classroom - I’m talking strategies, how-tos and done for you resources!) and have created a digital masterclass library called Light the Way to EL Teaching Success where you can get instant access to 10 practical and actionable videos, 8 done-for you lessons and 1 professional development certificate for 3 hours of your time. Support the Show.

In education, hard skills such as the academic knowledge of the subject and the know-how of teaching in general, the strategies, the methodology, the assessment are the focal point. But today, I wanted to talk about the soft skills that are much more difficult to define and quantify because they are less concrete, but have been proven time and time again just as important as the know-how. These skills involve interpersonal and interpersonal communication, being flexible, cultural awareness, and others. And they help us forge meaningful relationships, as well as allow us to live a more fulfilling life. And, in particular, I wanted to touch upon two aspects of those soft skills, communication and cultural awareness, and why they are extremely important when you're working with English learners.What you will hear about in this episode:The crucial role of soft skills in effective communication and relationship buildingList of Essential Soft Skills for EducatorsThe impact of teacher communication on student connection and content accessibilityDefinition and significance of cultural awarenessShow Notes:Episode 110 - The Two Most Important Soft Skills for Teachers of English LearnersSimply Ieva Offers:🥳 On-Demand Digital Library “Light The Way to EL Teaching Success” 🥳Record a comment for us - click HERE. We can’t wait to hear from you!Free Audio Training - 3 Mindset Shifts for Instilling and Living Out a Belief that All Teachers are Teachers of Language.Book a $0 Consult Call - Lead ELs to Progress without OverwhelmAccommodate and Modify Your Lessons for ELs with Less than 1 Hour of Planning a Week - classroom teacher and admin checklist The ESL Teaching Roadmap – membership community for middle and high school ESL/ELL teachers. As a thank you for listening, use code ESLPODCAST for 10% off when you join. My TpT storeRelated/Previous Episodes:Episode 106 - Common SEL Challenges ELs Face in the ClassroomLet’s Connect!Follow me on InstagramFollow me on LinkedInJoin the Simply Ieva Facebook GroupI have compiled every masterclass I have ever recorded on how to teach and reach English learners in a regular education classroom - I’m talking strategies, how-tos and done for you resources!) and have created a digital masterclass library called Light the Way to EL Teaching Success where you can get instant access to 10 practical and actionable videos, 8 done-for you lessons and 1 professional development certificate for 3 hours of your time. Support the Show.

Welcome back to another episode of The ESL Teaching Podcast. Today we're tackling an issue that's close to the heart for so many of us educators: the challenge of negative self-talk. As teachers, we navigate not only academic pressures but also the emotional and mental weight of our personal lives. Recognizing our humanity is crucial to maintaining not just our performance in the classroom but our overall well-being. In this episode, we explore practical strategies and self-reflection tools designed to transform our inner dialogue. From identifying types of negative thoughts to embracing moments of quiet and mindfulness, join us as we unpack five powerful practices that can uplift our spirits and reshape how we perceive and respond to stress. What you will hear about in this episode:Overcoming the feelings of mental exhaustionThe parallel between the struggles of students and teachersFive practices to combat negative self-talk and mental health challengesThe necessity of self-care for effective teaching and personal well-beingFour types of negative self-talkReframing thoughts for mental well-beingShow Notes:Episode 109 - Rewriting the Script of Negative Self-Talk for TeachersSimply Ieva Offers:🥳 On-Demand Digital Library “Light The Way to EL Teaching Success” 🥳Record a comment for us - click HERE. We can’t wait to hear from you!Free Audio Training - 3 Mindset Shifts for Instilling and Living Out a Belief that All Teachers are Teachers of Language.Book a $0 Consult Call - Lead ELs to Progress without OverwhelmAccommodate and Modify Your Lessons for ELs with Less than 1 Hour of Planning a Week - classroom teacher and admin checklist The ESL Teaching Roadmap – membership community for middle and high school ESL/ELL teachers. As a thank you for listening, use code ESLPODCAST for 10% off when you join. My TpT storeRelated/Previous Episodes:Episode 74 - Why teachers should embrace meditation as part of their daily routineLet’s Connect!Follow me on InstagramFollow me on LinkedInJoin the Simply Ieva Facebook GroupI have compiled every masterclass I have ever recorded on how to teach and reach English learners in a regular education classroom - I’m talking strategies, how-tos and done for you resources!) and have created a digital masterclass library called Light the Way to EL Teaching Success where you can get instant access to 10 practical and actionable videos, 8 done-for you lessons and 1 professional development certificate for 3 hours of your time. Support the Show.

Welcome to Episode 108 of The ESL Teaching Podcast! In this episode, I share my go-to activities for those "I can't even" days, when exhaustion and lack of inspiration make lesson planning a struggle. I candidly discuss my own experiences with feeling tired and bored while teaching, and offer practical, low-prep activities to reignite the classroom's energy. From engaging listening and speaking activities like back-to-back drawing and interviewing, to creative writing prompts using social media and vocabulary categorization, these tips are designed to invigorate both teachers and students. So, if you're looking for innovative teaching strategies to combat those off-days, stay tuned for some valuable insights!What you will hear about in this episode:Dealing with exhaustion and lack of creativity as a teacherThe need to teach regardless of challengesActivities to boost classroom energy and learningTeaching persuasive speech and helping ELLs think on their feetWriting activities for ELLsShow Notes:Episode 108 - No Plan? No Problem! 5 Activities for those "I can't even" daysSimply Ieva Offers:🥳 On-Demand Digital Library “Light The Way to EL Teaching Success” 🥳Record a comment for us - click HERE. We can’t wait to hear from you!Free Audio Training - 3 Mindset Shifts for Instilling and Living Out a Belief that All Teachers are Teachers of Language.Book a $0 Consult Call - Lead ELs to Progress without OverwhelmAccommodate and Modify Your Lessons for ELs with Less than 1 Hour of Planning a Week - classroom teacher and admin checklist The ESL Teaching Roadmap – membership community for middle and high school ESL/ELL teachers. As a thank you for listening, use code ESLPODCAST for 10% off when you join. My TpT storeRelated/Previous Episodes:Episode 64 - How to pre-teach vocabulary to ELs in the regular education classroomEpisode 88 - How to use novel study to enrich vocabulary and speakingLet’s Connect!Follow me on InstagramFollow me on LinkedInI have compiled every masterclass I have ever recorded on how to teach and reach English learners in a regular education classroom - I’m talking strategies, how-tos and done for you resources!) and have created a digital masterclass library called Light the Way to EL Teaching Success where you can get instant access to 10 practical and actionable videos, 8 done-for you lessons and 1 professional development certificate for 3 hours of your time. Support the Show.

My guest Zach Camenker, and I explore the challenges and joys of teaching English learners in a regular classroom. Zach, an English Language Arts teacher, shares his struggle with the repetition of the curriculum and his passion for reading instruction. The importance of adaptability, feedback, and collaboration in setting up a successful classroom environment for diverse learners is stressed. We discuss the need for better preparation for teachers facing ELL students and Zach's personal reasons for pursuing a master's in TESOL. Both of us reflect on the value of making connections with students and the pressures of meeting curriculum standards. Zach expresses his career aspirations towards leadership, illustrating his extensive involvement in educational extracurricular activities. The episode highlights the complex balance between following the curriculum and addressing the individual needs of English learners.What you will hear about in this episode:Challenges faced by mainstream teachers with ELL studentsBenefits of feedback and suggestions from colleagues and studentsChallenges due to students' lack of cultural and historical background knowledgeThe balance between connecting with students and delivering curriculumShow Notes:Episode 107 - The Heart and Art of Teaching ELs in Regular Education Classrooms with Zach CamenkerSimply Ieva Offers:🥳 On-Demand Digital Library “Light The Way to EL Teaching Success” 🥳Record a comment for us - click HERE. We can’t wait to hear from you!Free Audio Training - 3 Mindset Shifts for Instilling and Living Out a Belief that All Teachers are Teachers of Language.Book a $0 Consult Call - Lead ELs to Progress without OverwhelmAccommodate and Modify Your Lessons for ELs with Less than 1 Hour of Planning a Week - classroom teacher and admin checklist The ESL Teaching Roadmap – membership community for middle and high school ESL/ELL teachers. As a thank you for listening, use code ESLPODCAST for 10% off when you join. My TpT storeRelated/Previous Episodes:Episode 81 - Unlocking ESL Success: the top 5 questions every general ed teacher asksEpisode 99 - Why Less is More when Teaching EL Newcomers and BeginnersConnect with Zach: I have compiled every masterclass I have ever recorded on how to teach and reach English learners in a regular education classroom - I’m talking strategies, how-tos and done for you resources!) and have created a digital masterclass library called Light the Way to EL Teaching Success where you can get instant access to 10 practical and actionable videos, 8 done-for you lessons and 1 professional development certificate for 3 hours of your time. Support the Show.

We talk a lot about instruction of English learners, how we can accommodate our lessons, how we can scaffold, and what to teach them in general. But today, I wanted to bring to light another aspect of working with English learners that is just as important for all teachers to know as the instructional strategies. It is the social emotional aspect that is involved in moving to another country, learning a new language, making a new life, or for those students who have lived here all their life, it's the feeling like you are a part of two worlds that you're trying to navigate and to bridge. These non instructional challenges that our ELs come with into the classroom do affect their engagement and performance. So in this episode, I will share 6 challenges and how they can be addressed. Of course, there are many more, and each student's situation might have even more nuances, but let's begin with six. What you will hear about in this episode:Importance of addressing social emotional aspects of learning for English learnersImpact of non-instructional challenges on ELs' engagement and performanceLink between social emotional challenges and language learning progressChallenges faced by ELs in the social emotional domainShow Notes:Episode 106 - 6 Most Common SEL Challenges ELs Face in the ClassroomSimply Ieva Offers:🥳 On-Demand Digital Library “Light The Way to EL Teaching Success” 🥳Record a comment for us - click HERE. We can’t wait to hear from you!Free Audio Training - 3 Mindset Shifts for Instilling and Living Out a Belief that All Teachers are Teachers of Language.Book a $0 Consult Call - Lead ELs to Progress without OverwhelmAccommodate and Modify Your Lessons for ELs with Less than 1 Hour of Planning a Week - classroom teacher and admin checklist The ESL Teaching Roadmap – membership community for middle and high school ESL/ELL teachers. As a thank you for listening, use code ESLPODCAST for 10% off when you join. My TpT storeRelated/Previous Episodes:Episode 81 - Unlocking ESL Success: the top 5 questions every general ed teacher asksEpisode 99 - Why Less is More when Teaching EL Newcomers and BeginnersLet’s Connect!I have compiled every masterclass I have ever recorded on how to teach and reach English learners in a regular education classroom - I’m talking strategies, how-tos and done for you resources!) and have created a digital masterclass library called Light the Way to EL Teaching Success where you can get instant access to 10 practical and actionable videos, 8 done-for you lessons and 1 professional development certificate for 3 hours of your time. Support the Show.

Welcome to episode 105 of The ESL Teaching Podcast. In this episode, I address three common misconceptions about teaching English learners in regular classrooms and provide practical strategies to reframe them. I discuss the importance of understanding the language acquisition process, the role of subject area teachers in language instruction, and the need for differentiated strategies for students at different proficiency levels. I also share insights on how to include English learners in lessons without spending hours of extra planning and emphasizes the power of consistent use of effective tools. Tune in to learn how to support multilingual learners in your classroom and discover your own power in reaching them.What you will hear about in this episode:Teachers feeling overwhelmed by teaching English learners due to pressure from programs and unfamiliar guidelinesImportance of clear guidelines for co-teaching and managing EL teacher workloadHighlighting that newcomers may already have concepts in their first languageEmphasizing that every teacher is a teacher of language, regardless of subject area expertiseUnderstanding the diversity in proficiency levels and educational backgrounds among English learnersShow Notes:Episode 105 - 3 Misconceptions About Teaching Newcomers in a Regular Classroom (and how to reframe them)Simply Ieva Offers:Record a comment for us - click HERE. We can’t wait to hear from you!Free Audio Training - 3 Mindset Shifts for Instilling and Living Out a Belief that All Teachers are Teachers of Language.Book a $0 Consult Call - Lead ELs to Progress without OverwhelmAccommodate and Modify Your Lessons for ELs with Less than 1 Hour of Planning a Week - classroom teacher and admin checklist The ESL Teaching Roadmap – membership community for middle and high school ESL/ELL teachers. As a thank you for listening, use code ESLPODCAST for 10% off when you join. My TpT storeRelated/Previous Episodes:Episode 61 - Three tips for classroom teachers with newcomersEpisode 97 - How to Harness the Power of Second Language Acquisition When Working with ELsEpisode 98 - EL Newcomer to Experienced Multilingual: A Journey Through Proficiency LevelsI have compiled every masterclass I have ever recorded on how to teach and reach English learners in a regular education classroom - I’m talking strategies, how-tos and done for you resources!) and have created a digital masterclass library called Light the Way to EL Teaching Success where you can get instant access to 10 practical and actionable videos, 8 done-for you lessons and 1 professional development certificate for 3 hours of your time. Support the Show.

Welcome to Episode 104 of The ESL Teaching Podcast! In this episode, I share valuable insights into how you can prepare for your ESL teacher interview. I delve into three essential tips to help you nail your interview: being prepared, being yourself, and asking questions. Through personal anecdotes and practical advice, I hope to provide guidance on how to approach the interview process with confidence and professionalism. Whether you're just starting your teaching career or seeking a new opportunity, these tips will be invaluable in securing that coveted ESL teaching position. So, tune in and get ready to ace your next teacher interview!What you will hear about in this episode:Preparing for an ESL Teacher InterviewNeeding a change and looking for new opportunitiesTips for Nailing the InterviewImportance of mindset and self-awarenessGathering insight into the school and programShow Notes:Episode 104 - Landing the Gig: 3 Secrets to a Successful Teacher InterviewSimply Ieva Offers:Free Audio Training - 3 Mindset Shifts for Instilling and Living Out a Belief that All Teachers are Teachers of Language.Book a Free Consult Call - Lead ELs to Progress without Overwhelm1:1 ESL Teacher Coaching Session The ESL Teaching Roadmap – membership community for middle and high school ESL/ELL teachers. As a thank you for listening, use code ESLPODCAST for 10% off when you join. My TpT storeRelated/Previous Episodes:Episode 57 - How to Nail Your ESL Teacher Interview Part 1 - Resume and Cover LetterLet’s Connect!Follow me on InstagramFollow me on LinkedInJoin the Simply Ieva Facebook GroupI have compiled every masterclass I have ever recorded on how to teach and reach English learners in a regular education classroom - I’m talking strategies, how-tos and done for you resources!) and have created a digital masterclass library called Light the Way to EL Teaching Success where you can get instant access to 10 practical and actionable videos, 8 done-for you lessons and 1 professional development certificate for 3 hours of your time. Support the Show.

Guess what? It's Q & A time. I receive many emails from teachers sharing their current biggest struggles, both EL teachers and classroom educators. I read every single email, and although I don't always have the time to respond to you personally, I want you to know that I see you and I hear you. And with that, I also know that if one person is asking the question, there have to be other people wondering about the same thing as well. So today, I took six of the most burning questions, and we'll answer them in this episode. As always, we will talk about teaching newcomers, both in an EL setting and in regular education classrooms. We will touch upon why it is essential for schools to address the way ELs are serviced and revisit the language acquisition process.What you will hear about in this episode:The importance of addressing questions that resonate with multiple teachersStruggles with teaching high school newcomers who do not speak EnglishA new English teacher's struggle with teaching students of all levels in a private academyEmphasizes honoring the stages of language acquisition and working with students at their paceThe challenges of limited resources and insufficient staffing in covering multiple schoolsThe importance of mindset shifts and collaboration between EL and regular education teachers for tangible changeShow Notes:Episode 103 - Questions Answered - Developing Supportive Mindset for EL SuccessSimply Ieva Offers:Free Audio Training - 3 Mindset Shifts for Instilling and Living Out a Belief that All Teachers are Teachers of Language.Book a $0 Consult Call - Lead ELs to Progress without Overwhelm1:1 ESL Teacher Coaching Session The ESL Teaching Roadmap – membership community for middle and high school ESL/ELL teachers. As a thank you for listening, use code ESLPODCAST for 10% off when you join. My TpT storeRelated/Previous Episodes:Episode 97 - How to Harness the Power of Second Language Acquisition When Working with ELsEpisode 98 - EL Newcomer to Experienced Multilingual: A Journey Through Proficiency LevelsLet’s Connect!Follow me on InstagramFollow me on LinkedInI have compiled every masterclass I have ever recorded on how to teach and reach English learners in a regular education classroom - I’m talking strategies, how-tos and done for you resources!) and have created a digital masterclass library called Light the Way to EL Teaching Success where you can get instant access to 10 practical and actionable videos, 8 done-for you lessons and 1 professional development certificate for 3 hours of your time. Support the Show.

Testing season is upon us, and with it, changed schedules, test practice, and new questions about how we can help our students, especially ELs, navigate this time of quite a bit of stress. Any test, whether it's a check-in quiz, a unit test, or a serious state assessment, can be a challenge to an English learner, especially one that is at a newcomer, beginner, or low intermediate proficiency level. So how do we help those students who bring with them so much knowledge yet frequently do not have an equitable way to demonstrate it? In today's episode, you'll hear why assessments can be difficult for ELs and what teachers can do to help them prepare for any test.What you will hear about in this episode:Timed formal assessments are challenging for ELs who need more time to process information.Challenges posed by multiple choice tests, including nuances of language and vocabulary.Importance of understanding the needs of EL students in relation to assessmentsStrategies to help EL students prepare for assessmentsShow Notes:Episode 102 - 3 Essential Keys to Assessing English LearnersSimply Ieva Offers:Free Audio Training - 3 Mindset Shifts for Instilling and Living Out a Belief that All Teachers are Teachers of Language.Book a Free Consult Call - Lead ELs to Progress without Overwhelm1:1 ESL Teacher Coaching Session The ESL Teaching Roadmap – membership community for middle and high school ESL/ELL teachers. As a thank you for listening, use code ESLPODCAST for 10% off when you join. My TpT storeRelated/Previous Episodes:Episode 97 - How to Harness the Power of Second Language Acquisition When Working with ELsEpisode 98 - EL Newcomer to Experienced Multilingual: A Journey Through Proficiency LevelsLet’s Connect!Follow me on InstagramFollow me on LinkedInJoin the Simply Ieva Facebook GroupI have compiled every masterclass I have ever recorded on how to teach and reach English learners in a regular education classroom - I’m talking strategies, how-tos and done for you resources!) and have created a digital masterclass library called Light the Way to EL Teaching Success where you can get instant access to 10 practical and actionable videos, 8 done-for you lessons and 1 professional development certificate for 3 hours of your time. Support the Show.

How many times have you heard this phrase, math is math, it is a universal language. Well, let me tell you, it is not. And that is exactly what today's guest, Odalis Amparo from Illustrative Mathematics, and I talk about. Odalis is a skilled educator who is highly committed to elevating the voice and supporting the achievement of students and teachers in historically marginalized communities. She's fiercely passionate about the intersection between language learning, mathematics instruction and the culturally sustaining pedagogy. Odalis is currently a professional learning specialist at Illustrative Mathematics, but has experience as an elementary classroom teacher and mathematics coach in a variety of settings. Odalis and I have a powerful conversation about why teaching math language is a must.I personally could talk to her for hours, but we had a little bit of time and we managed to get so many meaningful and important ideas in just the short time that we had. I know you will find this conversation both very helpful and moving at the same time.What you will hear about in this episode:The importance of teaching math languageWe dissect the notion that every student can in fact be a math personThe cultural frameworks that students and teachers bring into a math classroomHow to make math joyful and so much moreShow Notes:Episode 101 - Math is NOT a Universal Language and Here is Why with Odalis AmparoSimply Ieva Offers:Free Audio Training - 3 Mindset Shifts for Instilling and Living Out a Belief that All Teachers are Teachers of Language.Book a Free Consult Call - Lead ELs to Progress without Overwhelm1:1 ESL Teacher Coaching Session The ESL Teaching Roadmap – membership community for middle and high school ESL/ELL teachers. As a thank you for listening, use code ESLPODCAST for 10% off when you join. My TpT storeRecord a comment for us - click HERE. We can’t wait to hear from you!Related/Previous Episodes:Episode 62 - 4 Strategies for Teaching Math to ESL StudentsConnect with Odalis: LinkedInLet’s Connect!Follow me on InstagramFollow me on LinkedInI have compiled every masterclass I have ever recorded on how to teach and reach English learners in a regular education classroom - I’m talking strategies, how-tos and done for you resources!) and have created a digital masterclass library called Light the Way to EL Teaching Success where you can get instant access to 10 practical and actionable videos, 8 done-for you lessons and 1 professional development certificate for 3 hours of your time. Support the Show.

You're listening to the 100th episode of the ESL Teaching Podcast. Can you believe the ESL teaching podcast has been around for 100 episodes? Me neither. This occasion certainly calls for celebration, and I wanted to make it a little different than usual. Instead of interviewing another wonderful educator or giving you teaching tips, today, you will hear an interview with me! That's right. I am in the hot seat, and I am answering your questions about Ieva, the person, and Ieva, the teacher! What you will hear about in this episode:You will learn about my family and my story as an immigrant and English learnerThe silly things I can't live without and my life outside of schoolMy philosophy as a teacher and educational consultantI will also share wonderful reviews from my listeners, and I invite you to share yours whenever you get a chanceShow Notes:Episode 100 - It's our 100th episode! Comments from listeners and hot seat with Simply IevaRecord a comment for us - click HERE. We can’t wait to hear from you!Simply Ieva Offers:Free Audio Training - 3 Mindset Shifts for Instilling and Living Out a Belief that All Teachers are Teachers of Language.Book a Free Consult Call - Lead ELs to Progress without Overwhelm1:1 ESL Teacher Coaching Session The ESL Teaching Roadmap – membership community for middle and high school ESL/ELL teachers. As a thank you for listening, use code ESLPODCAST for 10% off when you join. My TpT storeRelated/Previous Episodes:Episode 95 - Empowering Adult English Learners with Leah MitchellEpisode 69 - How to Engage English Learners with TPR with guest Meeghan CarterLet’s Connect!Follow me on InstagramFollow me on LinkedInJoin the Simply Ieva Facebook GroupConnect with Allison, Podcast Manager: Instagram - @allisonnitschWebsite - allisonnitsch.comI have compiled every masterclass I have ever recorded on how to teach and reach English learners in a regular education classroom - I’m talking strategies, how-tos and done for you resources!) and have created a digital masterclass library called Light the Way to EL Teaching Success where you can get instant access to 10 practical and actionable videos, 8 done-for you lessons and 1 professional development certificate for 3 hours of your time. Support the Show.

This is episode 3 of the 3-part series called, “You Can't Buy Language at Walmart: 3 Essential but Overlooked Details of Teaching Language to EL Newcomers and Beyond.” In the previous episodes, I talked about the time it takes to acquire a language and about proficiency levels and why they are essential for teachers to know when working with English learners. Today, I wanted to talk about the classwork and homework our ELLs have to do, and about how we can make it more manageable and effective with a less is more when teaching EL newcomers and beginners. The amount of academic work is highly dependent on the student grade level and school, but I wanted to offer a few insights about what can be done to battle teacher and student overwhelm when it comes to assigning work to English learners. I will share a seemingly simple phrase, which is so elusive when we try to implement it in real life, insights into why it is important to pause and review what we're doing and ways to make classwork more targeted for ELs. What you will hear about in this episode:Challenges faced by English language learners in schoolLess is more approach in teaching English language learnersStrategic instruction and quality of work for ELsCrafting a plan to enhance teaching strategies and create a system for effective instructionShow Notes:Episode 99 - Why Less is More When Teaching EL Newcomers and BeginnersSimply Ieva Offers:Free Audio Training - 3 Mindset Shifts for Instilling and Living Out a Belief that All Teachers are Teachers of Language.Book a Free Consult Call - Lead ELs to Progress without Overwhelm1:1 ESL Teacher Coaching Session The ESL Teaching Roadmap – membership community for middle and high school ESL/ELL teachers. As a thank you for listening, use code ESLPODCAST for 10% off when you join. My TpT storeRecord a comment for us - click HERE. We can’t wait to hear from you!Related/Previous Episodes:Episode 98 - From newcomer to experienced multilingual : a journey through proficiency levels Episode 87 - What does it take to acquire a language and why all teacher should know thisEpisode 9I have compiled every masterclass I have ever recorded on how to teach and reach English learners in a regular education classroom - I’m talking strategies, how-tos and done for you resources!) and have created a digital masterclass library called Light the Way to EL Teaching Success where you can get instant access to 10 practical and actionable videos, 8 done-for you lessons and 1 professional development certificate for 3 hours of your time. Support the Show.

Today's episode is episode 2 of the 3 part series, which I called, “You Can't Buy Language at Walmart: 3 Essential but Overlooked Details of Teaching Language to Young Newcomers and Beyond”. In the previous episode, I talked about the stages of language acquisition and the most important aspect of learning any language, which is time. If you haven't listened to it, I highly recommend going back and tuning in. Today, I wanted to take you a step further and talk about the language proficiency levels. Different states use different assessment tools to determine where on the English language learning spectrum the students are. But, nonetheless, it is crucial for all educators to know this information if we want to help our multilingual learners progress and succeed in the academic environment at school.What you will hear about in this episode:Different types of English learners, including newcomers and experienced multilingual learnersImportance of understanding language proficiency levelsWhy teachers should use proficiency based scaffolds in their classroomCorrelation between language proficiency levels and language acquisition stagesShow Notes:Episode 98 - EL Newcomer to Experienced Multilingual: A Journey Through Proficiency LevelsSimply Ieva Offers:Free Audio Training - 3 Mindset Shifts for Instilling and Living Out a Belief that All Teachers are Teachers of Language.Book a Free Consult Call - Lead ELs to Progress without Overwhelm1:1 ESL Teacher Coaching Session The ESL Teaching Roadmap – membership community for middle and high school ESL/ELL teachers. As a thank you for listening, use code ESLPODCAST for 10% off when you join. My TpT storeRelated/Previous Episodes:Episode 87 - What Does it Take to Acquire a Language and Why All Teacher Should Know ThisEpisode 97 - How Teachers Can Harness the Power of Language Acquisition Stages When Working With ELsLet’s Connect!Follow me on InstagramFollow me on LinkedInJoin the Simply Ieva Facebook GroupI have compiled every masterclass I have ever recorded on how to teach and reach English learners in a regular education classroom - I’m talking strategies, how-tos and done for you resources!) and have created a digital masterclass library called Light the Way to EL Teaching Success where you can get instant access to 10 practical and actionable videos, 8 done-for you lessons and 1 professional development certificate for 3 hours of your time. Support the Show.

Welcome to another episode of The ESL Teaching Podcast! In today's episode, I dive into the fascinating world of second language acquisition stages and how they impact teaching English learners. With a focus on the five stages of second language acquisition, I want to shed light on the importance of understanding this process for educators. From the cooing stage to advanced fluency, I outline the timeline and key milestones in language development, offering valuable insights for teachers working with EL students. What you will hear about in this episode:First language acquisition stagesSecond language acquisition stagesImportance of understanding where students are on the language acquisition timelineStrategies for teaching newcomers in the silent phaseAdjusting lessons for students at different language proficiency levelsShow Notes:Episode 97 - How Teachers Can Harness the Power of Second Language Acquisition Stages when working with ELsSimply Ieva Offers:Free Audio Training - 3 Mindset Shifts for Instilling and Living Out a Belief that All Teachers are Teachers of Language.Book a Free Consult Call - Lead ELs to Progress without Overwhelm1:1 ESL Teacher Coaching Session The ESL Teaching Roadmap – membership community for middle and high school ESL/ELL teachers. As a thank you for listening, use code ESLPODCAST for 10% off when you join. My TpT storeRelated/Previous Episodes:What does it take to acquire a language and why all teacher should know this - episode 87Connect with Ieva:Instagram - @simplyievaeslWebsite - www.simplyieva.comJoin the  - Simply Ieva Facebook Group I have compiled every masterclass I have ever recorded on how to teach and reach English learners in a regular education classroom - I’m talking strategies, how-tos and done for you resources!) and have created a digital masterclass library called Light the Way to EL Teaching Success where you can get instant access to 10 practical and actionable videos, 8 done-for you lessons and 1 professional development certificate for 3 hours of your time. Support the Show.

In today's episode, I reflected on the wisdom gained and impact made in the past year, sharing valuable lessons for teachers of English learners. From the power of "less is more" in lesson planning to the importance of connecting with student families in a genuine way, I provide insights that can transform your teaching approach. Additionally, I emphasize the significance of prioritizing your well-being as a teacher and share my personal strategies for self-care. Join us as we delve into my reflections and impactful initiatives, and discover how these lessons can empower educators in the new year.What you will hear about in this episode:Importance of slowing down and reflecting on wins and strugglesLess is more: acknowledging the tendency towards perfectionism in lesson planningThe importance of direct and real communication with familiesTeaching as a job and not an all-consuming identityThe 3 biggest ways Simply Ieva has made an impact for teachersShow Notes:Episode 96 - Lessons Learned, Impact Made and the Wisdom to Bring Into the New YearSimply Ieva Offers:Free Audio Training - 3 Mindset Shifts for Instilling and Living Out a Belief that All Teachers are Teachers of Language.Book a Free Consult Call - Lead ELs to Progress without Overwhelm1:1 ESL Teacher Coaching Session The ESL Teaching Roadmap – membership community for middle and high school ESL/ELL teachers. As a thank you for listening, use code ESLPODCAST for 10% off when you join. My TpT storeRelated Episodes:Episode 48 - 8 Reasons Why ESL Instructional Coaching is an Integral Part of Teacher SuccessEpisode 74 - Why Teachers Should Embrace Meditation as Part of Their Daily RoutineLet’s Connect!Follow me on InstagramFollow me on LinkedInJoin the Simply Ieva Facebook GroupSupport the Show.

Being an educational consultant is one of the most rewarding experiences one can have. Through my website and podcast, I hear from so many teachers from all around the world who teach a variety of ages in a variety of places with a variety of experiences and resources. And what's even more exciting is that I get to work with some of those wonderful teachers as their coach. In today's episode, I am chatting with my teacher client, Leah Mitchell, who is an adult ESL teacher in Manitoba, Canada. Leah is a workplace language instructor and consultant. She has 15 plus years in the field of education and over a decade in adult instruction. Two years ago, she decided to get her TESOLT certificate as she saw a strong need for alternative options in the adult English language realm.She's a big believer in helping adults gain English language skills in a balanced way without having to sacrifice work, family and life. She's a teacher, business owner, mother, and just an overall wonderful human being. This is the 1st episode about adult ESL on the ESL Teaching Podcasts, and I'm super excited to share it with you all.What you will hear about in this episode:Teaching and learning English in the workplaceThe what, the why, and the how of working with adult English learnersThe biggest challenges and rewards of working as an adult language instructorBenefits of workplace language programs for adult learnersShow Notes:Episode 95 - Empowering Adult English Learners with Leah MitchellSimply Ieva offers:Free Audio Training - 3 Mindset Shifts for Instilling and Living Out a Belief that All Teachers are Teachers of Language.Book a Free Consult Call - Lead ELs to Progress without Overwhelm1:1 ESL Teacher Coaching Session The ESL Teaching Roadmap – membership community for middle and high school ESL/ELL teachers. As a thank you for listening, use code ESLPODCAST for 10% off when you join. My TpT storeRelated/Previous Episodes:Episode 87 - What does it take to acquire a language and why all teachers should know thisEpisode 92 - Embracing Diverse December Celebrations in EL classrooms Connect with Leah Mitchell: Leah Mitchell’s WebsiteLeah Mitchell’s LinkedInConnect with Ieva:Instagram - @simplyievaeslWebsite - www.simplyieva.comJoin the  - Simply Ieva Facebook Group Support the Show.

With the new year right around the corner, we tend to reflect on the things we accomplished and what we can do to improve on the quality of our lives, both personal and professional, in the next year. So setting goals is especially popular this time of year. The hopes are high that in the coming year, we for sure will exercise more, or read more books, or do more of this or less of that. Unfortunately, life continues flowing without much regard to the grand plans of our mind, and that's why we tend to fall off the wagon fairly quickly. Why is that? Well, it's been proven that it's the small habits that when tweaked and implemented consistently day in and day out that make the biggest difference in your life. So in this episode, I wanted to share my thoughts on goal setting with our EL students. What better time to do that than at the start of the year.What you will hear about in this episode:The importance of goal setting for english learnersThe anatomy of a goalIdentifying the four times during the school year that are great to set goalsA four-part activity that you can revisit and reuse anytime you needShow Notes:Episode 94 - From Vision to Reality: Intentional Goal Setting for the New Year and Beyond (re-air)Resources Mentioned:Free Audio Training - 3 Mindset Shifts for Instilling and Living Out a Belief that All Teachers are Teachers of Language.Book a Free Consult Call - Lead ELs to Progress without OverwhelmThe ESL Teaching Roadmap – membership community for middle and high school ESL/ELL teachers. As a thank you for listening, use code ESLPODCAST for 10% off when you join. Simply Ieva ESL Teachers Pay Teachers StoreGoal setting worksheetsRelated links:1:1 ESL Teacher Coaching Session Essential Lesson Plan BundleWriting Vocabulary PostersRelated/Previous Episodes:Episode 87 - What Does It Take To Acquire A Language And Why All Teachers Should Know ThisEpisode 92 - Embracing Diverse December Celebrations in EL classroomsConnect with Ieva:Instagram - @simplyievaeslWebsite - www.simplyieva.comJoin the  - Simply Ieva Facebook Group Support the Show.

In today's episode, I want to delve into the art of cultivating comprehension through strategic questioning for English learners.Every day, I am amazed at how language intense our students' classes are. Instructions are given in lengthy paragraphs and posted in Google Classroom or any other form your school uses. Students are required to show their reasoning in writing in complete sentences when responding to long and complex questions in all subjects. And while I am all for keeping the standards high, I do sometimes wonder what would happen if we gave students clearer, more targeted instructions on how to engage with a project or assignment. Students already know a lot of information that is taught in their classes. They understand a lot more than they can tell you.Since I live this every single day, I have found a way that works really well in helping my English learners access content and to those instructions and texts that seem to confuse everyone. In this episode, I will share with you 2 ways on how I use strategic questions to help students access the text, respond to open ended questions, and write paragraphs. I know this will be very helpful for not only EL teachers, but also content area teachers.What you will hear about in this episode:Challenges faced by english learnersThe importance of asking specific questions to elicit student comprehensionThe importance of providing scaffolded support for students to comprehend and respond to text-based promptsApproaches to guiding students through reading comprehension and essay writingStrategies for facilitating comprehension for english learnersCollaboration between EL and general education teachersEducator resources and ongoing supportShow Notes:Episode 93 - Cultivating Comprehension: The Art of Strategic Questioning for English LearnersResources Mentioned:Free Audio Training - 3 Mindset Shifts for Instilling and Living Out a Belief that All Teachers are Teachers of Language.Book a Free Consult Call - Lead ELs to Progress without OverwhelmThe ESL Teaching Roadmap – membership community for middle and high school ESL/ELL teachers. As a thank you for listening, use code ESLPODCAST for 10% off when you join. Writing Vocabulary PostersSimply Ieva ESL Teachers Pay Teachers StoreRelated/Previous Episodes:Episode 87 - What does it take to acquire a language and why all teachers should know thisRelated links:1:1 ESL Teacher Coaching Session Essential Lesson Plan BundleConnect with Ieva:Instagram - @simplyievaeslWebsite - Support the Show.