Back to School Ready: Essential Reflection Tips for Teachers of ELLs
Welcome to the “Back to School Ready Series” on the Equipping ELLs podcast! This series is crafted to help teachers of ELLs prepare for the new academic year with practical tips, insightful reflections, and inspiring stories. In our first episode, host Beth Vaucher dives into the importance of reflection in setting the stage for a successful school year.
The Best Parts of Last School Year
In this episode, we hope you’ll actively participate by using the provided Google Doc (click here!) as a space for your “brain dump”. Jot down anything that comes to mind—adjectives, phrases, or memories. What were the standout moments? By identifying at least three successes from the past year, you can build on these achievements moving forward.
Reflecting on Challenges and Frustrations
Next, we shift our focus to the challenges and frustrations faced last year. Teaching ESL can be immensely rewarding but also challenging. Beth suggests categorizing challenges into those within your control (like classroom management strategies) and those beyond your control (such as school policies). This approach allows you to concentrate on what you can change, reducing stress and enhancing effectiveness.
What Came Easy to You?
Reflecting on what came easily to you as a teacher is equally important. Identifying your strengths—whether it’s creating engaging visual aids or fostering discussions—can enhance job satisfaction and boost student outcomes. Leverage these strengths more in the upcoming year and share successful strategies with colleagues!
What Was Difficult?
On the flip side, honestly consider the areas where you struggled.. Seek support from colleagues, mentors, or online communities. Teaching is a collaborative profession, and reaching out for advice can provide new insights and strategies.
One Change for a Smoother Year
Finally, think about one change that could significantly ease your workload or improve your teaching experience. This could involve setting up a more organized lesson planning system or incorporating more student-led activities. Studies prove the importance of setting clear, achievable goals to provide direction and motivation.
Join us in the Equipping ELLs Community!
A study by the American Society of Training and Development found that individuals are 65% more likely to complete a goal if they commit to someone, and this increases to 95% with a specific accountability appointment. The Equipping ELLs community will offer not only accountability for these goals, but also support, curriculum, endless resources, and coaching.
Tune in next week for the next step in our Back to School Ready Series – we’ll see you then!
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Resources:
- Join the Equipping ELLs Membership (We have everything you need for your school year!)
- Shop our TpT Store for Hundreds of ELL Resources
- Check out our new Pathways to Proficiency PD platform
- Reflection Guide (Google Doc)
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.
