Episode Summary
You just found out you have English learners in your classroom, but you don’t speak their language. Now what? Should you Google translate your entire lesson? Mime your way through the day? Don’t worry. You don’t have to speak their language to be an effective and impactful teacher. In today’s episode, we’re going to talk about how to teach ELs when you don’t speak their language, the mindset shift that will take some pressure off your shoulders, practical strategies that make your teaching more accessible, and even a few stories from my own classroom to prove that you really don’t need to speak another language to be an amazing teacher for your English learners…especially those who are just starting to learn English.

Simply Ieva offers:
Today’s episode:
- EL Newcomer Teaching Compass for grades 6-12 – curriculum guide created using backward design PLUS a year-long scope and sequence!
- 1:1 EL Teacher Clarity Power-Up Session
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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.
- Essential Lesson Plan Bundle
- 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:
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