Dismantling Misconceptions about ELLS: Embracing the Linguistic Assets of Multilingual Learners with Valentina Gonzalez

When it comes to multilingual learners, one of the most pervasive misconceptions is that these students are “starting from scratch” in their educational journey. In a recent episode of the Equipping ELLs Podcast, host Beth Vaucher and guest Valentina Gonzalez tackle this harmful myth and share actionable insights for educators looking to embrace the linguistic and cultural assets of their English Language Learners (ELLs).

Valentina, a former ELL herself, draws from her experiences as an ESL teacher, facilitator, and consultant to highlight how schools can shift from seeing multilingualism as a deficit to celebrating it as an asset. Her mantra, “ESOL is not an intervention,” has resonated with thousands of educators, sparking important conversations about the role of language in learning.

Listen in to Episode 163 here!

Why ESOL Is Not an Intervention

“Intervention implies fixing a problem,” Valentina explains. But ELLs are not broken—they are learners with unique strengths and abilities. When schools treat ESL programs as interventions, they send a damaging message to students and families that their native languages are barriers rather than bridges. Instead, these services should focus on enhancing language skills while honoring the linguistic systems students already possess.

The Power of Cultural and Linguistic Assets

Valentina shares her own story of starting school in the U.S. as a Serbian-speaking kindergartener. Over time, the lack of recognition for her native language led her to hide it, believing it was less valuable than English. This loss of connection to her first language is a common experience for multilingual students, but it doesn’t have to be this way.

Through culturally inclusive practices, educators can create classrooms where students’ identities are honored. This includes using visuals, labeling them in multiple languages, and fostering cross-linguistic connections to build vocabulary and comprehension.

Low-Prep, High-Impact Strategies for Educators

Valentina recommends simple yet powerful strategies for supporting ELLs:

Provide intentional wait time. Allow students to process questions, build courage, and respond thoughtfully.
Focus on word analysis. Explore prefixes, suffixes, and roots to help students connect words across languages.
Incorporate visuals and labels. Use images with written labels in students’ native languages to bridge understanding.

The Role of Leadership in Change

Advocacy starts at every level, but school leaders play a vital role in fostering inclusive cultures. Valentina emphasizes that effective administrators listen, learn, and engage directly with their schools’ multilingual populations. By attending professional development, observing classrooms, and collaborating with families, leaders can make meaningful changes that impact both students and educators.

Conclusion

As Valentina Gonzalez reminds us, embracing multilingual learners isn’t about programs or quick fixes—it’s about mindset. By valuing the linguistic and cultural assets of these students, educators and leaders alike can create environments where all learners thrive.

Resources:

Visit Valentina’s Blog
Purchase one of Valentina’s Books
Connect with Valentina on Instagram
⁠⁠⁠Join the Equipping ELLs Membership (We have everything you need for your school year!)
Shop our TpT Store for Hundreds of ELL Resources

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.

Beth

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