Episode 151 - The Big 5: Key Pillars of EL Inclusion in Mainstream Classrooms
04/22/25 • 18 min
When it comes to teaching English learners, there's no question that EL specialists are trained to meet their unique language and learning needs. But what about regular classroom teachers, the ones juggling 25 different needs in one room and suddenly faced with students who speak little or no English? It can feel overwhelming, confusing, and even a little bit lonely at times. That's why I wanted to share this episode with you, the key pillars of EL inclusion. Whether you are an EL teacher looking to support your colleagues or a general educator who wants to do right by the multilingual learners in your room. I've shared lots of strategies over time, but today, I'm boiling it all down into five non-negotiables, the core things that every teacher should keep in mind when integrating ELs into their regular classroom. These are practical, clear, and designed to make your teaching life easier while helping your EL students feel seen, included, and empowered to grow.
Show Notes:
Simply Ieva Offers:
- EL Newcomer Teaching Compass for grades 6-12 - curriculum guide created using backward design PLUS a year-long scope and sequence!
- EL Newcomer Compass: Little Learners’ Edition - a curriculum guide for grades k-2
- 1:1 EL Teacher Clarity Power-Up Session
If you find value in The ESL Teaching Podcast and want to support the time, effort, and costs that go into bringing you these episodes each week, consider making a small donation—whatever feels right for you. Your support helps keep this podcast going and means the world to me! You can find the donation link below. Thank you so much! https://www.paypal.biz/simplyieva
Save time and build confidence in your EL teaching with these resources:
- Simply Ieva website
- EMBARKTM Newcomer Curriculum
- The ESL Teaching Roadmap – EL curriculum and coaching membership for middle and high school ESL/ELL teachers.
- Essential Lesson Plan Bundle
- My TpT store
- Accommodate and Modify Your Lessons for ELs with Less than 1 Hour of Planning a Week - classroom teacher and admin checklist
Related episodes:
- The Heart and Art of Teaching ELs in Regular Education Classrooms with Zach Camenker
- 3 Misconceptions About Teaching Newcomers in Regular Classrooms
Let’s connect!
- Follow me on Instagram
- Follow me on LinkedIn
- Join the Simply Ieva Facebook Group
- Record a comment for us - click
When it comes to teaching English learners, there's no question that EL specialists are trained to meet their unique language and learning needs. But what about regular classroom teachers, the ones juggling 25 different needs in one room and suddenly faced with students who speak little or no English? It can feel overwhelming, confusing, and even a little bit lonely at times. That's why I wanted to share this episode with you, the key pillars of EL inclusion. Whether you are an EL teacher looking to support your colleagues or a general educator who wants to do right by the multilingual learners in your room. I've shared lots of strategies over time, but today, I'm boiling it all down into five non-negotiables, the core things that every teacher should keep in mind when integrating ELs into their regular classroom. These are practical, clear, and designed to make your teaching life easier while helping your EL students feel seen, included, and empowered to grow.
Show Notes:
Simply Ieva Offers:
- EL Newcomer Teaching Compass for grades 6-12 - curriculum guide created using backward design PLUS a year-long scope and sequence!
- EL Newcomer Compass: Little Learners’ Edition - a curriculum guide for grades k-2
- 1:1 EL Teacher Clarity Power-Up Session
If you find value in The ESL Teaching Podcast and want to support the time, effort, and costs that go into bringing you these episodes each week, consider making a small donation—whatever feels right for you. Your support helps keep this podcast going and means the world to me! You can find the donation link below. Thank you so much! https://www.paypal.biz/simplyieva
Save time and build confidence in your EL teaching with these resources:
- Simply Ieva website
- EMBARKTM Newcomer Curriculum
- The ESL Teaching Roadmap – EL curriculum and coaching membership for middle and high school ESL/ELL teachers.
- Essential Lesson Plan Bundle
- My TpT store
- Accommodate and Modify Your Lessons for ELs with Less than 1 Hour of Planning a Week - classroom teacher and admin checklist
Related episodes:
- The Heart and Art of Teaching ELs in Regular Education Classrooms with Zach Camenker
- 3 Misconceptions About Teaching Newcomers in Regular Classrooms
Let’s connect!
- Follow me on Instagram
- Follow me on LinkedIn
- Join the Simply Ieva Facebook Group
- Record a comment for us - click
Previous Episode
Episode 150 - Rooted in Success: 5 Reasons to Teach Greek & Latin Roots in Any Classroom
Today's episode is all about building vocabulary in a powerful and lasting way. We're diving into something that often gets overlooked, Greek and Latin root words. I am so excited because we have a special guest joining us who's incredibly passionate about this topic. My dear friend, Laura Kebart from Language Arts Teachers is on the podcast today again and sharing with us five compelling reasons why it's absolutely worth your time and energy to teach root words and how this one strategy can open up a world of understanding for your students no matter their language background.
Show Notes:
Simply Ieva Offers:
Today’s episode:
- EL Newcomer Teaching Compass for grades 6-12 - curriculum guide created using backward design PLUS a year-long scope and sequence!
- 1:1 EL Teacher Clarity Power-Up Session
- The Root Explorer: Greek and Latin Root Words Google Slides Game
If you find value in The ESL Teaching Podcast and want to support the time, effort, and costs that go into bringing you these episodes each week, consider making a small donation—whatever feels right for you. Your support helps keep this podcast going and means the world to me! You can find the donation link below. Thank you so much! https://www.paypal.biz/simplyieva
Save time and build confidence in your EL teaching with these resources:
- Simply Ieva website
- EMBARKTM Newcomer Curriculum
- The ESL Teaching Roadmap – EL curriculum and coaching membership for middle and high school ESL/ELL teachers.
- Essential Lesson Plan Bundle
- My TpT store
- Accommodate and Modify Your Lessons for ELs with Less than 1 Hour of Planning a Week - classroom teacher and admin checklist
Related episodes:
Let’s connect!
- Follow me on Instagram
- Follow me on LinkedIn
- Join the Simply Ieva Facebook Group
- Record a comment for us - click HERE. We can’t wait to hear from you!
Next Episode
Episode 152 - 5 Simple Wins for the Days You’re Just Done
Let’s get real about those exhausting days when lesson planning feels impossible and burnout lurks around every corner...especially as the end of the school year approaches. In this episode, I open up about my own struggles with low energy and share my solution: an “emergency lesson folder” packed with simple, engaging activities that spark student energy and make teaching easier when you’re running on empty. From creative listening and speaking tasks to easy yet effective writing prompts (including clever uses of social media) these activities are low-prep, fun, and work across all four language domains. Whether your students are in need of a routine shake-up or you just can’t muster the energy for complicated planning, today’s episode is filled with 5 simple wins for the days you’re just done.
Show Notes:
Simply Ieva Offers:
- EL Newcomer Teaching Compass for grades 6-12 - curriculum guide created using backward design PLUS a year-long scope and sequence!
- EL Newcomer Compass: Little Learners’ Edition - a curriculum guide for grades k-2
- 1:1 EL Teacher Clarity Power-Up Session
If you find value in The ESL Teaching Podcast and want to support the time, effort, and costs that go into bringing you these episodes each week, consider making a small donation—whatever feels right for you. Your support helps keep this podcast going and means the world to me! You can find the donation link below. Thank you so much! https://www.paypal.biz/simplyieva
Save time and build confidence in your EL teaching with these resources:
- Simply Ieva website
- EMBARKTM Newcomer Curriculum
- The ESL Teaching Roadmap – EL curriculum and coaching membership for middle and high school ESL/ELL teachers.
- Essential Lesson Plan Bundle
- My TpT store
- Accommodate and Modify Your Lessons for ELs with Less than 1 Hour of Planning a Week - classroom teacher and admin checklist
Related episodes:
- How to Teach ELs When You Don’t Speak Their Language
- How the 5 Whys Can Transform Your Teaching and Life
Let’s connect!
- Follow me on Instagram
- Follow me on LinkedIn
- Join the Simply Ieva Facebook Group
- Record a comment for us - click HERE. We can’t wait to hear from you!
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