Click below to hear more about a cultural crash course:
Understanding where our students come from and who they are is so important to ensuring we are providing them with an environment where they feel welcome and respected. This may mean dismantling some assumptions we have about different countries and really trying to understand the countries they are coming from and the specific areas they are coming from. Margarita Pearce is joining us today to share her unique perspective and provide some insight and tips for ESL teachers.
In this episode, Margarita is sharing what it was like growing up in Panama and her experience working with the U.S. Embassy in Panama and the Fullbright Program. We are diving into ways teachers can ensure that newcomers feel comfortable in their new school, why you should consider the challenges their families face and find ways to support them in understanding the school system, and tips for how teachers can create an environment that fosters success.
Margarita Pearce was born and raised at the crossroads of the world, the Republic of Panama. My education includes a Master in Business Administration and a Bachelors Degree in Biology both from universities in the U.S.A. I also have TESOL certificate and I am completing my TEFL certification. My teaching experience includes in-person and online ESL tutoring. My background also includes counseling, student recruitment, and program management for universities in the U.S.A.
Topics discussed in this episode:
- Margarita’s experience growing up in the Republic of Panama
- What the Fullbright Program is and how Margarita’s time working for the U.S. Embassy in Panama allowed her to help many students experience programs and education in the U.S.
- Advice for teachers on how to ensure their newcomers feel welcome, understood, and respected
- Why teachers should consider the challenges that newcomer families may face and how they can help families to understand how things work at your school
- Tips for creating an environment for both students and families where questions are welcomed and encouraged
Resources:
- Grab a copy of “Home Is in Between” by Mitali Perkins
- Join the Equipping ELLs Membership
- Check out the ELL Strategy Academy
- Download the ESL Teacher Toolkit
- Shop TpT resources that help with supporting your ELLs
Related episodes and blog posts:
- Episode 12. Helping ALL Students See Themselves with Guest Jenny LaRocque
- Episode 7. From Newcomer to MLB Scout
- What to do When They are New! Part 1: Before They Arrive
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.
