The ESL Teaching Podcast
Episodes
Episode 73 - The 3 ESSENTIAL Components of the Long Summer Break for Teachers
04 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
As I was planning my summer episodes for The ESL Teaching Podcast, I hit a wall. In the spring I was on a roll…sharing tips and resources for EL and...
Episode 72 - 4 Easy Ways to Differentiate the Same Lesson
27 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I will be sharing all about differentiating for varied proficiency levels in your classroom. You will hear about the four ways you ca...
Episode 71 - How to Write Content and Language Objectives for EL Lessons
20 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Why is it important to have an objective in the lesson? Well, number one, it helps the students and you, the teacher, focus attention on what's m...
Episode 70 - 3 Lesson Planning Mistakes That Can Keep You in the Rut
13 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
There are two types of teachers. Those who close their computer for the summer and only open it to begin checking their work email a week or so before...
Episode 69 - How to Engage English Learners with TPR with guest Meeghan Carter
06 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Let's talk about movement and engaging your whole body in language learning using TPR, or Total Physical Response. Meeghan Carter is an ESL teac...
Episode 68 - 5 Things to Do BEFORE Leaving for Summer Break
30 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
As the summer is nearing, I want to talk about planning and time management. Not for the students, but about what we, as teachers, should do before we...
Episode 67 - 3 Ways to Finish the School Year Meaningfully
23 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
May is one of those months that is long and fast at the same time. Somehow everything falls into this month as a teacher and in our personal life.As t...
Episode 66 - 3 Activities For a Mixed-Proficiency EL Class (re-air)
16 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
A lot of teachers work with mixed-proficiency classes where they have newcomers and higher level students all at the same time. This makes for challen...
Episode 65 - 3 Tech Tools that Work Wonderfully in the EL Classroom
09 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This episode is for you to learn, find out, and get excited about the possibilities of technology in your classroom. I will not be talking about ChatG...
Episode 64 - How to Pre-teach Vocabulary to ELs in the Mainstream Classroom (re-air)
25 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
As we continue talking about English Learners in the mainstream classroom this month, I wanted to bring back a previous episode from last year that is...
Episode 63 - How to Grade EL Students in the Mainstream Classroom
18 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s episode is sharing thoughts and tips on how to grade English learners. You will hear the difference between grading and assessing, what make...
Episode 62 - 4 Strategies for Teaching Math to ESL Students
11 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Math teachers often express that they teach math…not language or how to read. Or even that math is universal. If this sounds familiar, then this epi...
Episode 61 - Three Tips for Classroom Teachers with ESL Newcomers
04 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We all know that new students start school not only in August or September, but anytime of year. Often I get asked by general education teachers how ...
Episode 60 - How To Love Teaching Again With Jamie Sears
28 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This month we have been talking about how Spring can be a difficult season for teachers energy wise, and changes that teachers either need or want to ...
Episode 59 - How Tutoring Can Be the Secret Sauce You Need with Molly Wheatley
21 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I was able to talk to Molly Wheatly about starting a tutoring business, and how she went from being a teacher to now coaching teachers...
Episode 58 - 3 Teacher Interview Tips To Help You Get The Job (Part 2)
14 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Sometimes we find ourselves desperate for a teacher contract in a new district, but facing unknown territory as an ESL teacher, you must navigate the ...
Episode 57 - How to Nail Your ESL Teacher Interview Part 1
07 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
It seems like every year there are only two speeds within a school year: rushing to get everything covered up to the ACCESS testing, and trying to cat...
Episode 56: Inclusion and Advocacy for ELs and Teachers with Valentina Gonzalez
28 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Valentina Gonzalez is a former teacher who has served 20 plus years in her own classroom, a district facilitator for English Learners, a professional ...
Episode 55 - How To Get Back On Track After Testing? Here Are 4 Ideas
21 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We spend so long preparing for testing and getting testing completed, but what do we do once the testing season is over? Getting back into the swing o...
Episode 54: Coaching Session Part 2 - How to Teach Reading, Writing, and Phonics to Older EL Students
14 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, we continue our coaching session from last week and discuss reading, writing, and phonics with ELs. For teaching literature, lik...
Episode 53: Coaching Session Part 1- How to Teach Research to ELs
07 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, I share a coaching session I had with a ESL Teaching Roadmap member. She teaches 9th grade ELA and ELD in a district that is jus...
Episode 52 - How to Use Your Teacher Burnout As An Opportunity for Growth with Amber Harper
31 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, I speak with my friend, Amber Harper about teacher burnout. Amber is a full time kindergarten teacher and teacher burnout coach....
Episode 51 - Teaching English Content - Here are 3 Ideas How To Make it Accessible to ELs
25 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, I discuss academic connections in response to a question from one of my listeners about teaching English Content.Why is traditio...
Episode 50 - Fun and Effective Test Prep Strategies with Laura Kebart
17 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, I discuss test prep with a dear friend and business bestie of mine, Laura Kebart. Laura serves busy middle school English Langua...
Episode 49: 5 Ways to Build Background Knowledge for your ESL Students
10 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In order for students to reach an optimal level of learning, they need to know what we’re talking about and that involves not only language, but bac...
Episode 48 - 8 reasons why ESL instructional coaching is an integral part in teacher success
03 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Happy New Year, 2023! I quite enjoy having a routine but I am also a huge fan of the energy of new beginnings.And speaking about new beginnings and em...
Episode 47 - 5 Ways to Reset Your ESL Classroom Management
27 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, I will share with you 5 ways you can reset your classroom anytime of year.The first one is to revisit classroom expectations. ...
Episode 46 - How to Set Intentional Goals with your EL Students
20 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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,...
Episode 45 - You asked - We answer! December 2022 Q and A
13 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I do another ESL question and answer session with my dear friend Susan Patterson, aka My MLL Mentor.Our first ESL question was from a...
Episode 44 - How to Teach Your Students (and Colleagues) about December Holidays Around the World
06 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I discuss different December holidays that are celebrated around the world and by many English Learners. Last year I started sharing ...
Episode 43 - Three Books for Perspective Shift and Aha Moments
30 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I attempt to explain my perspective on the immigrant experience. I have struggled with how to explain this all my life. I share the c...
Episode 42: Q&A with Ieva and Susan Patterson
01 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I talk with Susan Patterson to answer five of the most popular questions I get from my awesome community about multilingual learners....
Episode 41 - Language, Inclusion, and Moving Beyond for Multilingual Learners
25 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I talk with Carly Spina about her experience as a teacher and her book Moving Beyond for Multilingual Learners. I have followed Carly...
Episode 40 - Authentic, Engaging, and Motivating Speaking Activities for Your English Learners
18 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I build upon the tips I shared in episode 39 on how to set up your speaking lesson by sharing several speaking activities my students...
Episode 39 - How to Teach Speaking to English Learners - Essential Lesson Components For Best Results
11 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I share what I have learned about how to teach speaking to English Learners. Speaking is part of our students’ everyday lives becau...
Episode 38: Responsive Classroom and Planning with ELs in Mind - An Interview with Hilary Woods
27 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I interview my friend and colleague, Hillary Woods. She shares her perspective on the responsive classroom method and teaching with E...
Episode 37: 3 Activities That Work Fantastically Well In A Mixed Proficiency Class
20 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In episode 37, we continue with the topic of mixed proficiency classrooms. Last week I talked about setting up your mixed proficiency class for succes...
Episode 36 - How To Set Up Your Mixed Proficiency Class For Success
13 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we talk about a very popular topic - setting up a mixed proficiency class. Mixed proficiency or mixed level classes are challenging t...
Episode 35 - What ILPs Are And What To Include In Them
06 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
What are ILPs? The letters ILP stand for Individualized Learner Plan, I like to think of them as Personalized Learner Profiles and in today’s ep...
34.Why we should use affirmations with our English learners
23 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Affirmations are a great way for anyone to combat negative self talk and our English learners are no exception. The teenagers I work with often strugg...
33. 4 icebreaker activities for a great start of the school year
16 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Icebreaker activities can help you build rapport and a sense of community in your classroom. However, it is important to know that not all ice breaker...
32. From new student to future doctor - an English learner's perspective with Maja Pastuszka
09 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
As summer comes to an end, I thought it would be nice to hear an English learners' perspective on what it is like to be a new student in high sch...
31. 3 mistakes I made when I was a newer EL teacher
02 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, I share some of the mistakes I made when I was a newer EL teacher. We all make mistakes when we are first starting out, and hone...
30. The First and Most Important Step in Teaching English Learners
26 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
When you are teaching English Learners, making connections with students and families is one of the most important things you can do. When you are tea...
29. How can having a newcomer curriculum guide save you time
12 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
I have gotten so many questions about curriculum guides and the resources included in them and I have decided to address those issues in this episode....
28. What to include in a scope and sequence for newcomers
06 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we discuss the importance of creating a scope and sequence for your EL students and how to get it done over the summer. I have a ton o...
27. 5 things every EL teacher needs to prepare for a successful school year
28 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I share 5 things you need to do to get ready for a successful school year. Summer is a time to rest and not think about anything schoo...
26. 5 professional development books for EL teachers
21 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
I love books, especially historical fiction, but in this episode I focus on a different type of book, professional development books for EL teachers. ...
25. 5 fantastic virtual events for EL teachers
14 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
I enjoy taking a break and recharging my batteries over the summer, but I also love to take some time to work on lesson ideas that I don’t have as m...
24. 6 Elements of an Effective EL Lesson Plan
07 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I share 6 elements of an effective EL lesson plan that I have learned in my years as a teacher. Planning for English Learners is not ...
23. Lesson planning for ELs with Molly Badrawy
31 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, I am chatting with Molly Badrawy all about lesson planning for ELs and the realities of working in a low incidence district. Mol...
22. How to teach reading to ELLs with Kristen Vibas
24 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, I speak with Kristen Vibas, an ELL teacher from Virginia who I met on Instagram. Kristen has been teaching since 2005.She shares...
21.How to pre-teach vocabulary in the mainstream classroom
17 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
To us EL teachers, vocabulary pre-teaching is our daily bread, but I received a question from one of the content area teachers that made me think…wh...
20. 5 end of the year activities for your EL students
10 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s episode is the answer to the question from one of my readers/listeners. What do I do with my newcomers the last three weeks of school? They ...
19. 5 self-management techniques for the EL classroom
03 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
I have been a big believer in the importance of social emotional learning for a long time. But, teaching amidst the pandemic for the last few years ha...
18. Collaboration with teachers, families and students - Beth Mailley’s insight
26 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I am chatting with Beth Mailley. Beth is an ESL teacher in the Washington, DC area. She has been teaching for 23 years with 11 year...
17. A Peek into My Middle School ELL classroom
19 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Planning for middle school EL students is different from planning for just about any other class. You may have 20 students or just a few, and you wi...
16. A New EL Teacher's Perspective with Kennedy Merriam
12 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
So often we hear advice from educators who have been in the classroom, honing their craft for years. While their experience is valuable, I thought it ...
15. How to Teach Grammar to English Learners
05 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Teachers are often puzzled when they approach teaching grammar for a couple of reasons. Particularly if they are native english speakers, they often d...
14. Vocabulary for ESL Students
29 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
We all know that learning a new language requires vocabulary instruction, but what is the best approach? Which words should we teach? Which words are ...
13. Teaching newcomers any time of year with Karen Emerson
22 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, I am chatting with Karen Emerson, who is a friend and a fellow ELL teacher in the town that I live in. She works with the younge...
12. How to teach speaking effectively to ELL students with Carissa Ford
15 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, I am chatting with my friend Carissa Ford about teaching speaking to our English learners. Speaking is such a personal aspect of...
#011 Radical self-care for teachers in times of crisis
07 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, I wanted to talk about the mental and emotional health of teachers and processing emotions in difficult times. We always seek ...
#010 - Three things you need to know when teaching SLIFE students
01 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, I want to chat with you about a special group of students - those who have limited or interrupted formal education, otherwise kn...
#009 - Text engineering for EL success with Susan Patterson
22 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, I am chatting with my dear friend Susan Patterson about text engineering and how we all can help make content accessible to our ...
#008 - ESL/ELL Curriculum in Three Easy Steps
15 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Can you relate to any or all of the next statements? I am tasked with teaching ESL/ELL newcomers, but my district doesn’t have a curriculum for tha...
#007 - How to Make an Impact as an ESL Teacher
08 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, I wanted to talk about the impact we make as ESL teachers. We know we are an important part of our English learners’ day, but ...
#006 - The simple steps to collaboration between EL and general education teachers with Courtney Morgan
01 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, I am chatting with my dear friend Courtney Morgan about collaboration between EL and general education teachers. This topic is...
#005 - 4 Ways to Use Students' First Language in Teaching English
25 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Are we allowed to use the students’ first language in the classroom? If so, how much and for how long? I can translate all the materials, but where ...
#004 - Choice Boards for ESL Students: How to Use them in the Classroom
18 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Choice boards in the ESL classroom?The idea is great, but how can I implement it? I have a mixed-level classroom, or I work with ESL newcomers, or - i...
#003 - 5 Steps to Teaching a Mixed Proficiency Level ESL Class
11 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
A lot of ESL/ELL teachers work with students in mixed proficiency level classes. It is a challenging task, and we always wonder if we are doing the ri...
#002 - What to Teach ESL/ELL Newcomers FIRST
11 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I answer the question I receive by far the most frequently - what to teach ESL/ELL newcomers first. Here is what you will hear:A stor...
Meet your host!
09 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to episode 1 of The ESL Teaching Podcast!In this episode, I am sharing a little bit about myself - who I am, where I am coming from and why I ...
Welcome to The ESL Teaching Podcast
25 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to The ESL Teaching Podcast, a place for K-12 teachers of English learners who are looking for simple and easy-to-implement ways to engage the...