Throughout our conversation, Andrea shares how her collectivist upbringing and early experiences teaching in the very middle school she once attended shaped her collaborative spirit. She recounts pivotal moments from her career, including the visionary leadership of her first principal in the U.S., who encouraged her to bring ESL instruction out of isolation and into inclusive classroom settings. Andrea’s story serves as an inspiring blueprint for how even one educator, with the right support, can initiate systemic change.
This episode delves into practical strategies for educators navigating the challenges of teaching multilingual learners. From establishing co-teaching partnerships to shifting mindsets away from deficit-based models, Andrea offers insightful entry points for collaboration that school leaders and teachers can implement immediately. She discusses the critical importance of creating relational trust among staff, the power of shared planning time, and the role of instructional leaders in cultivating a culture where all teachers see themselves as language teachers.
Andrea also highlights her widely acclaimed books, including the Growing Language and Literacy series and Collaborating for English Learners, which serve as essential guides for educators looking to deepen their impact in multilingual classrooms. With over 11 bestsellers and a growing global footprint, Andrea continues to empower teachers with the tools they need to help students thrive.
Key highlights of the episode include:
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Andrea’s unique origin story as a multilingual learner and educator
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The transition from pull-out ESL models to co-teaching frameworks
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How collaboration fosters deeper learning for all students—not just ELLs
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Real-world examples of peer mentoring, summer study groups, and PLCs centered on language equity
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Why U.S. schools must shed their monolingual bias and embrace translanguaging
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How to build a school culture where multilingualism is celebrated, not sidelined
This episode is a must-listen for classroom teachers, instructional coaches, administrators, and anyone passionate about educational equity. Whether you’re just beginning to explore collaborative teaching or you’re deep into your journey supporting multilingual learners, Andrea’s wisdom and warmth will leave you inspired and equipped.
Resources:
- Join the Equipping ELLS Membership
- Shop our TpT Resources
- Find more from Dr. Andrea Honigsfeld
- Get your copy of Growing Language & Literacy: Strategies for English Learners
- Get your copy of Collaborating for English Learners: A Foundational Guide to Integrated Practices
Connect with Beth:
More about Equipping ELLs:
We all know that teaching isn’t easy, but it doesn’t have to be this hard. Equipping ELLs is a podcast for both ESL specialists and homeroom teachers who are looking for effective and engaging ways to support their English Language Learners without adding to their endless to-do list. Tune in each week to hear tips, strategies, and inspirational stories that will empower you to better reach your ELL students, equip them with life-long skills, and strengthen relationships with colleagues and parents.
Your host, Beth Vaucher, is the founder of Inspiring Young Learners. She is an ESL certified homeroom teacher with over 10 years of experience teaching in the US and internationally. Her background of M.Ed in ESL and Curriculum and Instruction combined with her experience has led her to develop a bestselling newcomer curriculum that has sold in over 90 countries around the globe. She brings a different perspective to teaching ELLs from her years teaching and living abroad and working with ELLs from around the world. You will walk away from each episode with the ideas and tools you need to transform your experience as a teacher and cultivate a thriving and welcoming environment for your ELL students.
