Starting your first year as an EL teacher can feel both exciting and overwhelming. Especially if you're stepping into a new building, new subject, or working with newcomers for the first time. In this episode, I’m answering a listener question from a music teacher-turned-EL teacher who’s just beginning this journey. I’m walking you through five things that matter most in your first year as an EL teacher with concrete examples, approachable strategies, and encouragement. If you're a newer EL teacher (or just want a back-to-basics refresher), this episode will help you feel more grounded and prepared for the year ahead.

Show Notes:

• Episode 160 - Your First Year as an EL Teacher- What Matters Most

Simply Ieva Offers:
*** Your First 30 Days with EL Newcomers - online LIVE workshop on June 26, 2025***

• 1:1 EL Teacher Clarity Power-Up Session
• EL Newcomer Teaching Compass for grades 6-12 - curriculum guide created using backward design PLUS a year-long scope and sequence!
• EL Newcomer Compass: Little Learners’ Edition - a curriculum guide for grades k-2
• Essential Lesson Plan Bundle to help you feel organized and to keep your students engaged

If you find value in The ESL Teaching Podcast and want to support the time, effort, and costs that go into bringing you these episodes each week, consider making a small donation—whatever feels right for you. Your support helps keep this podcast going and means the world to me! You can find the donation link below. Thank you so much! https://www.paypal.biz/simplyieva 

Save time and build confidence in your EL teaching with these resources:

• Simply Ieva website
• EMBARK™ Newcomer Curriculum
• The ESL Teaching Roadmap – EL curriculum and coaching membership for middle and high school ESL/ELL teachers.
• My TpT store
• Accommodate and Modify Your Lessons for ELs with Less than 1 Hour of Planning a Week - classroom teacher and admin checklist 

Related episodes: 

• What to Do With a Newcomer in the First 30 Days
• Beyond Buddies: How Peer Pairing Empowers ELs

Let’s connect!

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On June 26  I’m hosting a LIVE online workshop  called Your First 30 Days with EL Newcomers. We will break that first month with your newcomers down in depth and you’ll walk away with templates, daily plans, and time-saving tools you can use right away. Save your spot by heading over to simplyieva.com/workshop or click the link in the shownotes.

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