TL;DR: Assigning labels (such as Long Term English Learner) to students can often stigmatize, otherize, or further marginalize them. We don’t need to fix or change our students. We need to change our systems and our mindsets. There has been a phrase used in the multilingual education space called LTEL, or Long Term English Learner. It has come up more … Read More
Unmasking the Fears of Communicating with EL Parents
TL;DR: أهلا بك…欢迎…bienvenido….welcome! We can empower ourselves and improve relationships by taking action to empower our EL parents. Learn the preferred language spoken at home for EL parents. Below are three great translation resources you can access to help communicate with EL parents rather than asking a family friend or sibling to help communicate. “Andrea, you HAVE to be at … Read More
Creating a Path to Success
TL;DR: There are many things a teacher can do to prepare for Parent-Teacher Conferences that help make them run more smoothly and make a lasting impact. Below you will find 10 tips on what you can do to create a path to success for students: schedule ahead, be prepared to share something positive about each child, prepare your students and … Read More
One Size Does Not Fit All
TL;DR: Just like it’s impossible for one size of pants to fit all students, one way of teaching will not reach all students. In addition, teachers come from a variety of backgrounds themselves and naturally have different styles. Learn how to differentiate instruction to meet the needs of each student. The Perfect Pants The movie Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants … Read More
I Am Not Your Hero
TL;DR: Teachers are whole people who oftentimes surrender themselves to this profession. The idea that teaching is an extension of mothering began during industrialization and continues to this day, creating the perception that teachers should put the needs of students before themselves. Comparing teachers to superheroes is problematic because it’s a thinly veiled manipulation that justifies the injustice and minimizes … Read More