Are you an ESL teacher experiencing burnout as a result of an enormous case load?
We were recently asked for support by a teacher who has been given a case load of a staggering 150 students! Whether you have 50 or 150 students, teacher burnout is a real threat. In episode 93 of the Equipping ELLs podcast, Beth provides practical support for effectively managing a large case load.
- Clear Expectations and Self-Advocacy: While we all enter teaching with a desire to reach every student and help them succeed, it’s crucial to set achievable goals. Recognize that you can’t do it all, and don’t hesitate to advocate for yourself. Familiarize yourself with your state’s laws and consider requesting support, such as a paraprofessional, to manage your caseload effectively.
- Open Communication: Overcommunicate with the teachers you work with. Let them know the size of your caseload and how you plan to support your students. Establish a mutually beneficial relationship where everyone works together to help ELLs succeed. At the beginning of the school year, share your plans and the importance of grouping students correctly for their success.
- Strategic Scheduling: Consider a delayed start to services. This involves carefully assessing your students, sorting them by language level, and focusing on newcomers and beginners first, as they require the most support. By gradually adding groups to your schedule, you can ensure your newcomers and beginners receive the focus they require, and you can avoid feeling overwhelmed.
- Handling Large Pull-Out Groups: Some ESL teachers are pulling out “small groups” of 15 students or more. If you’re dealing with sizable pull-out groups, don’t despair. Utilize the Differentiation Framework by Carol Ann Tomlinson, which covers environment, content, process, and product differentiation. Consider the specific needs of your group and adapt your teaching accordingly. Be cautious about introducing centers at the beginning of the year, as they can require a ton of planning and effort to get started!
This episode is a must-listen for ESL teachers seeking guidance on managing their caseloads while maintaining their passion for teaching. Don’t miss it!
Resources:
- Join the Equipping ELLs Membership (We have everything you need for your school year!)
- Shop our TpT Store for Hundreds of ELL Resources
- “Getting Started Bundle” for Newcomers
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.
