Episode Summary
In episode 107, my guest Zach Camenker, and I explore the challenges and joys of teaching ELs in regular education classrooms. 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 students
- Benefits of feedback and suggestions from colleagues and students
- Importance of considering individual personalities and needs
- Zach’s motives for obtaining a master’s in TESOL
- Challenges due to students’ lack of cultural and historical background knowledge
- The balance between connecting with students and delivering curriculum
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Related/Previous Episodes:
- Episode 81 – Unlocking ESL Success: the top 5 questions every general ed teacher asks
- Episode 99 – Why Less is More when Teaching EL Newcomers and Beginners