Teachers, today we are talking about the importance of understanding and utilizing the language lens to promote the academic success of our ELLs!
We welcome to the show Sarah Ottow, educator, professional development specialist, entrepreneur, and author. Sarah is the founder of Confianza, an organization who strives to value educators and improve student outcomes through equity, language, and literacy. Sarah’s knowledge and insights have been captured in her book, The Language Lens for Content Classrooms: A Guide for K-12 Educators of English and Academic Language Learners.
In our conversation, Sarah highlights the language lens, which includes looking at language acquisition from the perspective of our ELLs, understanding their experiences, and creating an environment that fosters their success! It encourages us, as teachers, to build mutual respect and trust with our students, developing empathy for their unique challenges!
Confianza: mutual respect and trust.
We recommend Sarah’s book, The Language Lens for Content Classrooms: A Guide for K-12 Teachers of English and Academic Language Learners, and praise it for its practicality and accessibility.
Tune in to the full episode to hear this insightful conversation with Sarah Ottow, and leave a review of the episode on Apple Podcasts for your chance to WIN A FREE COPY of her book!
Topics Discussed in this episode:
- Sarah’s journey, from living abroad to teaching ELL students, to founding and growing Confianza
- An explanation of the language lens
- The importance of teachers being progressing, lifelong learners
- Practical strategies for creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment
Resources:
- Join the Equipping ELLs Membership
- Confianza’s Free Article Collection
- Confianza’s Courses
- Follow Confianza on Instagram
- Follow Confianza on Facebook
- Follow Confianza on Twitter
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.
