Ready, Set, Refresh: 5 Summer Goals for ELL Teachers

As the academic year draws to a close, educators are presented with a valuable opportunity to reset, recharge, and prepare for the upcoming academic year. In episode 128 of Equipping ELLs, hosted by Beth Vaucher, we are offering a roadmap for making the most of your summer break. With a focus on setting achievable goals and providing practical solutions, Beth guides her listeners through five essential objectives designed to enhance teaching practices and foster personal growth.

Summer often beckons with promises of productivity and relaxation, yet it’s all too easy to become overwhelmed by a laundry list of unfinished tasks. Every teacher can empathize. Beth emphasizes the importance of setting a single, focused goal for the summer and committing to its completion. To assist you in this endeavor, she outlines five distinct goals and offers simple strategies for achieving them.

1. Are you looking to strengthen your knowledge and best practices for teaching ELLs?
Binge the Equipping ELLs podcast! With curated playlists (links below) that cover various topics and offer valuable insights, this is a great way to prepare for your school year, all while sitting by the pool or taking a jog.

2. Are you wanting to go more in depth on theory from the experts?
Read 1 PD book. Beth’s suggestions include: Anything by Andrea Honingsfield, The ELL Teacher’s Toolbox by Larry Ferlazzo, EL Excellence Every Day by Tonya W. Singer, The Writing Revolution by Judith C. Hochman and Natalie Wexler, and The Science of Reading in Action Malia Hollowell.

3. Do you need to get organized?
Join us inside the Equipping ELLs membership for a comprehensive month-long program in July focused on streamlining materials and lesson plans. This initiative aims to alleviate stress and set educators up for success in the coming school year.

4. Are you looking for short, bite sized trainings, answering your most commonly asked questions?
We want to introduce you to Pathways to Proficiency, our new professional development platform offering concise, targeted training modules. These bite-sized sessions address common questions and challenges faced by ELL educators, providing accessible resources for ongoing growth.

5. Do you need help to cultivate a better work-life balance?
Engaging in activities such as meal prepping, pursuing hobbies, or incorporating daily exercise routines, can lay the foundation for a balanced and fulfilling school year.

Summer presents a unique opportunity for teachers of ELLs to recharge, refocus, and prepare for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Through thoughtful goal-setting and strategic planning, you can leverage this time effectively to enhance your teaching practices and personal well-being.

At Equipping ELLs, we want to see teachers return to the classroom rejuvenated and ready to make the upcoming academic year their best yet.