Teacher, do you know the fascinating history of bilingual education in the U.S.? In this insightful episode, we are delving into the rich history of bilingual education, dating back to 1839. We explore pivotal moments, from early state laws permitting bilingual instruction to the significant shifts post-World War I and the landmarks in educational legislation. Unveiling key insights, Beth navigates the complexities of bilingual education's evolution, shedding light on its political, cultural, an...
Jan 26, 2024•24 min•Ep. 111
Teacher, are you navigating the challenges of ACCESS testing and misclassification issues with your ELLs? Join host Beth Vaucher in this episode of Equipping ELLs as she engages in a compelling conversation with Mariel Norris, a seasoned ESL educator. Mariel shares her educational journey and discusses her impactful article, "How We Can Help Daniela," published in the Washington Monthly. Together, they unravel the challenges posed by ACCESS testing, shedding light on misclassification issues and...
Jan 19, 2024•32 min•Ep. 110
It's testing time, and you need support! Host Beth Vaucher delivers essential solutions for teachers facing the challenge of preparing themselves, their ELLs, parents, and homeroom teachers for the WIDA Access test. Dive into this episode brimming with expert guidance and actionable strategies, providing invaluable support in navigating this assessment. Discover a wealth of practical tips, from familiarizing students with the test format to empowering educators and homeroom teachers, and even en...
Jan 12, 2024•21 min•Ep. 109
How do I advocate for myself and my multilingual learners? In this episode of Equipping ELLs, host Beth Vaucher dives into the crucial realm of advocacy. Listen in for a comprehensive guide breaking down the what, why, and how of effective advocacy in education. Explore a five-step plan, from identifying challenges to crafting impactful solutions, empowering educators to become passionate advocates, working to transform the educational landscape for ELLs. Tune in to equip yourself with the tools...
Jan 05, 2024•27 min•Ep. 108
What if 1 word could transform your teaching journey in 2024? Join us as we dive deep into the power of advocacy. From embracing the role of an advocate to navigating the challenges faced in education, this episode is your guide to empowering your classroom. In upcoming episodes, host Beth Vaucher will explore hot topics like mandated testing, equitable grading, and bilingual education, equipping you with practical tools and expert insights to amplify your voice and champion the needs of your st...
Dec 29, 2023•15 min•Ep. 107
Struggling to integrate vocabulary effectively in your daily routines? Discover expert insights with Megan Polk (from The Literacy Dive ) as she uncovers seamless methods to integrate vocabulary into classroom activities and daily curricula. From engaging games to technology-enhanced approaches, explore diverse strategies that transcend subjects, fostering deeper word connections for students. Elevate your teaching arsenal with practical tips ensuring vocabulary growth in student discussions and...
Dec 22, 2023•25 min•Ep. 106
Teacher, are you ready to supercharge your ELLs' vocabulary skills? Do you want to equip them to add new words to their working vocabulary on their own? Today's show is all about context clues , and I've got a fantastic treat for you—it's a special episode featuring my awesome friend, Sara Marye , from The Stellar Teacher Podcast ! She's a real rockstar in teaching and has loads of wisdom to share. In this episode, Sara breaks down the 5 different types of context clues that can be used to decip...
Dec 15, 2023•29 min•Ep. 105
Discover the magic of vocabulary development through GAMES! On episode 104 of the Equipping ELLs podcast we are exploring 25 engaging games designed to supercharge vocabulary learning among your ELLs. Uncover the educational benefits games offer, from sharpening concentration and problem-solving skills to improving memory, speaking, and reading abilities. In this episode, Beth shares 25 games, categorized by language proficiency level. The list includes a new spin on classic favorites like Bingo...
Dec 08, 2023•32 min•Ep. 104
Could it be we've been wasting precious time with outdated methods for vocabulary instruction? In this episode of the Equipping ELLs podcast, we are diving deep into the world of vocabulary acquisition. Join us as we unpack 8 outdated methods that hinder effective ELL vocabulary learning. From the pitfalls of rote memorization to the drawbacks of isolated word teaching, discover why these techniques might be holding back your students' language acquisition journey. Learn how to steer away from t...
Dec 01, 2023•23 min•Ep. 103
What methods give the most bang for your buck in teaching vocabulary to ELLs? In this episode, we dive into five actionable strategies tailored for teachers of English language learners to supercharge vocabulary instruction in the classroom. Join us as we explore practical methods for creating a language-rich environment, guiding ELLs through the stages of vocabulary development, and fostering independent learning. From daily conversations to purposeful word selection in read-aloud sessions, dis...
Nov 24, 2023•25 min•Ep. 102
Are your ELL students struggling with vocabulary acquisition? In episode 101 of the Equipping ELLs podcast, discover top strategies for crafting language-rich lessons that transform how English language learners absorb new words. We'll discuss how to incorporate the three tiers of vocabulary, essential planning tips, and a 5-step approach for crafting vocabulary-rich units. And don't forget grab your free, printable flash cards template! Resources: Join the Equipping ELLs Membership (We have ...
Nov 17, 2023•27 min•Ep. 101
We are celebrating 100 episodes of Equipping ELLs! This episode compiles the ultimate top ten teaching tips for teachers of ELLs. Host Beth Vaucher dives deep into the power of building strong relationships, celebrating small wins, scaffolding, advocating for your students, and more. Packed with practical advice, this episode is your go-to guide for leveling up your teaching game when it comes to supporting multilingual learners. Whether you need a starting point or a refresher mid-year, tune in...
Nov 10, 2023•30 min•Ep. 100
As teachers of ELLs, we want every student to feel welcomed, safe, loved. We want every child to succeed. We want to celebrate diversity and admire the gift our students have in speaking multiple languages! In our 99th episode host Beth Vaucher sits down for a lively chat with the amazing Andrea Bitner. Andrea is an author, speaker, and educator of 23 years. Join us as Andrea shares valuable insights and practical strategies for how to bridge the diverse cultures in your school. Resources: Jo...
Nov 03, 2023•31 min•Ep. 99
Teacher, do you find it challenging to strike the right balance between offering support and nurturing students' independence in their language acquisition? In this enlightening episode, we welcome to the show, the brilliant Dr. Lillian Ardell of Language Matters . Host Beth Vaucher and Dr. Ardell delve into the art of linguistic scaffolding and oracy to help you transform your classroom. Discover how to harness the power of linguistic scaffolds to propel your ELL students forward, boost their c...
Oct 27, 2023•34 min•Ep. 98
Frustrated with keeping your ELL students engaged? Or struggling to give everyone the chance for output in a short amount of time? In this episode of the Equipping ELLs Podcast, we dive into 4 practical Kagan Cooperative Learning strategies that will help you keep every student participating. Boost engagement, scaffold activities, and empower your students to take the lead in their learning journey. Join us for insights that'll make your teaching life easier and your classroom time more producti...
Oct 20, 2023•27 min•Ep. 97
Teacher, are you grappling with the daily challenge of meeting the individual needs of your diverse students? This episode is a practical guide to get you started with scaffolds! Host Beth Vaucher takes you through three super practical scaffolding techniques that work in any content area. Beth not only explains these strategies but also paints a vivid picture of what they look like in real classrooms, catering to students at every language level. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting y...
Oct 13, 2023•29 min•Ep. 96
In this episode of Equipping ELLs, we're diving into "5 Must-Do Practices for Student Success" that you won't want to miss! Host Beth Vaucher kicks things off by emphasizing the importance of letting your ELLs take the lead in their learning journey. Plus, she spills the beans on the power of incorporating games into your classroom! Quality literature, meaningful conversations, and turning your students into "word detectives" also make the list of must-do practices. These simple, yet effective s...
Oct 06, 2023•23 min•Ep. 95
Do you need help implementing all 4 language domains into your lesson plans? In today's episode, we're diving into four key routines tailored for ELLs. Discover how these routines can boost reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills while creating a comfortable and predictable learning environment. (And they take very little prep work on your end! Yay!) Join host Beth Vaucher as she shares practical strategies, from pre-listening activities to daily speaking warm-ups, enriching vocabulary ...
Sep 29, 2023•26 min•Ep. 94
Are you an ESL teacher experiencing burnout as a result of an enormous case load? Whether you have a case load of 30 or 150 students, this episode is your lifeline. Discover the power of setting clear expectations, fostering collaboration with fellow educators, and implementing a delayed service schedule to ensure your students' success without succumbing to burnout. Join us as we delve into practical, time-tested methods tailored to ESL teachers, ensuring you maintain your passion and drive whi...
Sep 22, 2023•26 min•Ep. 93
Are you an educator looking for a game-changing resource to assess and define your English Language Learners' (ELLs) unique language skills? Join us in this enlightening episode as we welcome back Courtney Morgan from The All-Access Classroom. Courtney demystifies the role of Proficiency Level Descriptors (PLDs) in evaluating students' language proficiency and crafting improvement strategies. Discover the crucial importance of routinely incorporating PLDs to monitor student progress and tailor s...
Sep 15, 2023•27 min•Ep. 92
ESL teacher, can we support you in your lesson planning? Join us as we guide you through a step-by-step success path to revolutionize your approach to lesson planning! Discover how to set clear goals, assess your students' progress effectively, and design engaging lessons that resonate with real-life contexts. We'll also explore the power of ongoing observation and proficiency level descriptors to fine-tune your teaching strategy. Whether you're a seasoned ESL teacher or just starting, this epis...
Sep 08, 2023•26 min•Ep. 91
Discover essential tools for success with your ESLs in this episode of Equipping ELLs! With insights drawn from classroom experience, we delve into five indispensable resources that can transform your teaching approach. From honing phonemic awareness through Heggerty Phonics to engaging high-frequency words with Snap Words, and from harnessing the power of digital libraries and interactive platforms like Nearpod to enriching vocabulary acquisition, this episode equips you with practical strategi...
Sep 01, 2023•24 min•Ep. 90
What curriculum should I be using with my ELLs? In this episode, Beth uncovers the reasons behind common curriculum pitfalls, from rigid one-size-fits-all approaches to the challenge of time constraints. She lays out a blueprint for an effective ESL curriculum with 8 key features to look for, including clear goals, comprehensive skill development, and adaptable flexibility. Last, she shares a practical four-step framework that guides you through assessing and adapting the curriculum you already ...
Aug 25, 2023•24 min•Ep. 89
Are you ready to make the most of the first 3 weeks with your ELL newcomers? Discover the ultimate guide in this episode as host Beth Vaucher equips you with actionable insights to ensure a successful start to the school year. While emphasizing essential foundational basics, we go beyond to provide a comprehensive breakdown of what to do with your newcomers during the first 3 weeks of school. With each week outlined for you and then ready-to-go resources offered to you, this episode is your key ...
Aug 18, 2023•24 min•Ep. 88
"Where do I begin with my SLIFE students?" S.L.I.F.E. stands for Students with Limited or Interrupted Formal Education . In this enlightening podcast episode, we welcome to the show Orly Klapholz of Inlier Learning. Orly and Beth uncover the significance of assessing students in their native language and ways to bridge language gaps by adopting an asset-based approach to teaching. Orly shares practical ways to boost schools' support for newcomers and SLIFE students . Tune in for actionable insig...
Aug 11, 2023•27 min•Ep. 87
As an ESL teacher, you can sometimes feel like you're on an island. For the next 30 minutes, sit down with a veteran ESL teacher who will impart wisdom and encouragement! In today's episode, host Beth Vaucher welcomes to the show Beth Mailley. Beth Mailley is an English Language Development Specialist currently serving students in grades 1 and 2. With experience as a homeroom teacher, and now 13 years of experience in ESL, Beth has so much wisdom to share! Tune in for practical advice regarding ...
Aug 04, 2023•35 min•Ep. 86
What does a language-rich, visually engaging ESL classroom look like? Today, we’re diving into practical ways to set up your classroom for the school year, ensuring it’s a space where ELLs can thrive and succeed. As teachers of ELLs, creating a language-rich and visually engaging classroom is crucial, as it enhances students’ language skills, fosters inclusivity, and empowers them to participate confidently! By incorporating these strategies, you create a welcoming and supportive learning enviro...
Jul 28, 2023•25 min•Ep. 85
What can you do now to set yourself up for a successful year? Whether you're new to ESL or just wanting to make this your best year yet, this episode covers the crucial aspects of the teacher setup, including lesson planning, paper organization, supplies, and effective communication with teachers and parents. We also touch on the student setup, exploring the significance of thoughtful storage, technology integration, and welcome folders. Tune in to ensure a smooth and successful academic year fo...
Jul 21, 2023•20 min•Ep. 84
Why do you do what you do? What is your goal as teacher? How does it drive the decisions that you make and how you prioritize your time? In this episode, host Beth Vaucher shares her story of how she started her career in education, the newcomer who forever left an impact, her failures and successes in the classroom, and her role as a second language learner living out of her native country. She shares what brought her to develop and grow Inspiring Young Learners. She shares with her listeners h...
Jul 14, 2023•20 min•Ep. 83
Teacher, your words have power! Join us as we delve into the power of language with Jen Rafferty, founder of Empowered Educator® . Jen is passionate about the latest research in mindset, leadership, and cognitive neuroscience. In our conversation, Jen shares transformative practical strategies to address teacher burnout, promote social-emotional well-being, and revolutionize your teaching approach! We know you'll leave encouraged and empowered! Related Resources: Join the Equipping ELLs Membe...
Jul 07, 2023•33 min•Ep. 82
