Best Esl Ell Teaching Podcasts (2025)

1
Ep. 167 Mixed Groups? How to Prepare and Plan 10:32

13h ago10:32

10:32

Welcome educators! In today’s episode, we’re diving into one of the biggest challenges ESL teachers face: planning for mixed-level groupings. Whether you have newcomers just arriving in the U.S. or students on the verge of exiting your ESL program, finding ways to support every learner can feel overwhelming—but it is possible, and today’s episode w…

1
Episode 161 - Announcement + Big News About the Roadmap 7:48

2d ago7:48

7:48

Today’s episode is short, sweet, and exciting! I’m sharing a behind-the-scenes update and big news about the ESL Teacher Roadmap. Whether you're new to the ESL Teaching Podcast or you’ve been listening since day one, this quick episode is for you. I’ll walk you through a few upcoming changes, a big shift I’ve been planning, and how it will impact t…

1
Episode 160 - Your First Year as an EL Teacher- What Matters Most 21:14

9d ago21:14

21:14

Starting your first year as an EL teacher can feel both exciting and overwhelming. Especially if you're stepping into a new building, new subject, or working with newcomers for the first time. In this episode, I’m answering a listener question from a music teacher-turned-EL teacher who’s just beginning this journey. I’m walking you through five thi…

1
EP 166 Creating Systems for the New Year 11:21

16d ago11:21

11:21

Welcome educators! In this week’s episode of My Adventures in ESL, we’re diving into how to use your summer intentionally by building simple, effective systems that will support you—and your students—all year long. Whether you’re a first-year teacher or a veteran, setting up classroom systems during the summer isn’t about perfection. It’s about pre…

1
Episode 159 - What to Do When a Newcomer Walks Through Your Door: The First 30 Days 19:41

16d ago19:41

19:41

You’re in the middle of your school day when the front office calls: “You’re getting a new student tomorrow. They don’t speak any English.” Cue the racing heart and rising questions. In this episode, I’m sharing exactly what to do during those critical first 30 days after a newcomer walks into your classroom. Whether you're an ESL teacher or a clas…

1
Ep. 165 Flexible, Not Flustered: How ESL Teachers Can Prepare for the Unexpected 11:32

23d ago11:32

11:32

✨ Episode Summary: Welcome educators! In this inspiring episode of My Adventures in ESL, we’re diving into one of the most valuable skills you can develop as an ESL teacher—flexibility. If you’re feeling anxious or uncertain about the upcoming school year, know this: you are not alone. This episode is designed to help you build the mindset and stra…

1
Episode 158 - What They Wish You Knew: Muslim Students in the Classroom 44:29

23d ago44:29

44:29

I’m joined today by Farhana N. Shah - an experienced educator, instructional specialist, and advocate for Muslim students. Farhana brings over two decades of expertise in teaching, professional development, and equity work. Together, we explore what real inclusion looks like for Muslim students in today’s classrooms. Farhana shares powerful stories…

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Co-teaching Models: Impacts on Multilingual Learners with Graham Litterst 47:38

29d ago47:38

47:38

If your goal is to offer multilingual students an inclusive and supportive environment, you won’t want to miss this episode of the ML Chat Podcast. EL Coordinator Graham Litters discusses the value of co-teaching models, sharing strategies to encourage student interaction, language usage, and engagement. With double the support, English Learners th…

1
Episode 157 - Here is Why You're Drained (or Energized) by Teaching 28:34

30d ago28:34

28:34

Have you ever walked out of your classroom at the end of the day feeling completely drained by teaching, even when everything went “according to plan”? Or maybe you’ve had days where tossing the plan aside and following your gut left you feeling more energized by teaching than ever before. What’s really going on? In this episode, we dive deep into …

1
Ep. 164 New ESL Teacher? What You Need To Be Doing Now 11:58

1M ago11:58

11:58

Welcome, educators! In this episode, we’re diving into practical, low-stress ways new ESL teachers can begin preparing for the upcoming school year—without burning out or planning every single detail. Whether you’re ready to dig in or just testing the waters, you’ll leave with tangible steps to start the year with clarity and confidence. ✨ In this …

1
Episode 156 - The Hidden Key to Engagement: Learning Rhythms You've Probably Never Considered 20:53

1M ago20:53

20:53

In today's episode, we're talking and taking a closer look at what I call five learner energy profiles. These aren't learning styles per se in the traditional sense. They are patterns that I've seen over and over again. Patterns that help explain why some students engage instantly, why some stay quiet for months, and how we can meet all of them whe…

1
EP 163 Should you be planning this summer? 9:31

1M ago9:31

9:31

Welcome, educators! In this episode, we’re talking all about how you can use a little bit of your summer to plan intentionally for the upcoming school year—without giving up your much-needed rest. Whether you’re a veteran teacher or just starting out, this episode offers practical tips to help you plan smarter, not harder. What You’ll Learn in This…

1
Rewriting the Future with Martha Boisselle and Kristen Leathers 46:26

1M ago46:26

46:26

This episode of ML Chat is a love letter to multilingual learners and the teachers who fight for them. Mandi Morris sits down with Martha Boisselle and Kristen Leathers, whose work in Boston Public Schools is transforming what it means to teach English—not as a barrier, but as a bridge. It’s a story of heart, courage, and the power of educators to …

1
EP162 Planning for Rest- Creating Structure 9:27

1M ago9:27

9:27

💬 Episode Summary: Welcome educators! In this heartfelt and practical episode, we explore how to intentionally plan for rest and recovery during the summer. Many ESL teachers end the school year physically and emotionally drained—but it doesn’t have to be that way. Tune in as I share my personal experience of burnout, the importance of prioritizing…

1
Episode 155 - How to use AI to Personalize Learning, Boost Engagement and Assess Multilingual Learners (Part 2) 26:09

1M ago26:09

26:09

In part one, we covered the why behind using AI in the classroom, how to craft effective prompts, and two smart ways to use it to differentiate instruction and generate speaking and writing prompts based on proficiency levels. And today, we're picking right up where we left off with tips three through five, where I will walk you through how to use …

1
Episode 154 - Smarter Planning for ELs: AI Prompting & Differentiation Made Easy (Part 1) 24:20

2M ago24:20

24:20

In this episode, we’re exploring a topic that’s generating a lot of buzz in the world of education - AI. Whether you’re excited, skeptical, or simply overwhelmed by all things AI, I want to break down exactly how tools like ChatGPT can be a game-changer for EL teachers and classroom educators working with multilingual students. Planning, differenti…

1
EP 161 Simple Strategies to Make the Upcoming School Year Easier 12:28

2M ago12:28

12:28

Welcome, educators! 👩🏽‍🏫👨‍🏫 Before we dive into this week’s episode, don’t forget to check out the engaging resources available to support your ESL classroom at myadventuresinesl.com/store. 💙 A Heartfelt Thank You To all the incredible ESL teachers—thank you for the heart, patience, and dedication you pour into your students every day. You do more …

1
Seeing Students, Changing Systems with Steve Gill & Marcelo Sousa 1:08:27

2M ago1:08:27

1:08:27

In this episode of ML Chat, Steve Gill and Marcelo Sousa engage in a powerful conversation about what it truly means to support multilingual learners. Drawing on their personal experiences and decades of work in schools, they discuss how empathy, mentorship, and listening to students' stories can transform education. It’s a poignant reminder that r…

1
Episode 153 - 5 Must-Know Tips for New EL Teachers 20:49

2M ago20:49

20:49

One of my favorite things about connecting with teachers is hearing your questions. Whether it's navigating a tricky teaching moment or figuring out where to start with English learners. And while each situation is unique, so many of your questions echo the same themes, especially from those of you who are new EL teachers. If you are stepping into …

1
Episode 152 - 5 Simple Wins for the Days You’re Just Done 18:37

2M ago18:37

18:37

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 e…

1
The Multilingual Toolbox: Strategies That Speak Every Student’s Language with Dr. Sugely Solano 46:39

2M ago46:39

46:39

Join the ML-Chat Podcast as Dr. Suha Solano, a trailblazing leader for multilingual learners, shares her powerful journey from the Dominican Republic to Delaware’s Brandywine School District. With heart, humor, and hard-earned wisdom, she dives into the tools and strategies transforming classrooms into empowering spaces for all!…

1
Episode 151 - The Big 5: Key Pillars of EL Inclusion in Mainstream Classrooms 18:31

2M ago18:31

18:31

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…

1
Episode 150 - Rooted in Success: 5 Reasons to Teach Greek & Latin Roots in Any Classroom 33:07

3M ago33:07

33:07

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 …

1
Dr. Ester De Jong: Building Strong Education from the Inside Out 56:33

3M ago56:33

56:33

Is curiosity the secret ingredient to success in education? This week’s ML Chat Podcast highlights Dr. Ester De Jong, a trailblazer in bilingual education. From beginning her career in the Netherlands to shaping ESL education in the U.S., Dr. De Jong shares why curiosity is key to a thriving teaching career and how self reflection empowers educator…

1
Episode 149 - Why Social-Emotional Learning Matters Just as Much as Academics 18:08

3M ago18:08

18:08

The world needs emotional intelligence. We need emotional intelligence. Our students need emotional intelligence. Intellectual knowledge is great, but by itself, it wreaks havoc, as without emotional depth and experiences, we're not able to engage in meaningful conversations, discussions, learning, and problem solving. In today's episode, I'm going…

1
EP 160 Mistakes When Writing Language Objectives 9:58

3M ago9:58

9:58

📘 Episode Summary: In this episode of My Adventures in ESL, we're diving into one of the most foundational (yet often overlooked) aspects of ESL instruction: language objectives. If you’ve ever felt unsure about whether your objectives are truly effective—or you’re just looking to sharpen your approach—this episode is for you. I’m sharing the three…

1
Episode 148 - How to Teach ELs When You Don't Speak Their Language 19:55

3M ago19:55

19:55

You just found out you have English learners in your classroom, but you don't speak their language. Now what? Should you Google translate your entire lesson? Mime your way through the day? Don't worry. You don't have to speak their language to be an effective and impactful teacher. In today's episode, we're going to talk about the mindset shift tha…

1
Leslie Jones and Adriana Cernucan: Multilinguals are the Powerhouse of the Classroom 45:56

3M ago45:56

45:56

In this episode of the ML Chat Podcast, ML-specialist Adriana Cernucan and K-12 science coordinator Leslie Jones dish out how they’re supercharging language learning with content-based science classes. By blending language goals with science lessons, they’re helping students boost both writing and content skills—flipping multilingualism from a chal…

1
Episode 147 - Hooked on Books! How Novels Can Supercharge EL Vocabulary and Thinking 19:05

3M ago19:05

19:05

Reading is always a hot topic for good reason, and it's something every teacher thinks about no matter the grade level. But when it comes to teaching reading to English learners, there are extra layers to consider, especially around language proficiency and age. I'm excited to share something I've been trying out with my middle schoolers, something…

1
EP 159 Student Needs Assessments 8:10

3M ago8:10

8:10

In this week’s episode of My Adventures in ESL, we’re exploring one of the most powerful tools you can use to support your English Language Learners: the student needs assessment. You'll learn what a needs assessment is, why it’s crucial in an ESL setting, and how to effectively implement one in your own classroom. Whether you teach newcomers or lo…

1
Episode 146 - Digging Deeper: How the 5 Whys Can Transform Your Teaching and Life 18:50

4M ago18:50

18:50

Have you ever felt like you're constantly putting out fires in your classroom? Redirecting behavior, reteaching concepts, or dealing with burnout without really solving the root problem? Sometimes it feels like we are running around in circles and nothing changes our lives, in our classrooms, in our professional development even though we seem to d…

1
EP 158 My Go-to Engaging Lessons 9:17

4M ago9:17

9:17

Welcome to the My Adventures in ESL Podcast! In this episode, we’re diving into engaging ESL lesson ideas that will captivate your students and enhance their language skills. Teaching English as a second language is more than just lessons—it's about empowering students to express themselves, connect with others, and build confidence. Today, I’m sha…

1
Jeanette Mercer: The Impact of Inclusivity 49:43

4M ago49:43

49:43

As the Director of Multilingual Instructional Support at Aldine ISD, Jeanette Mercer leads the charge in supporting over 57,000 students across 80 campuses. Jeanette joins the ML Chat Podcast and reveals the game-changing strategies behind her district’s success, and how teachers and students alike are reaping the rewards of culturally inclusive te…

1
Episode 145 - It’s Not Just About Language! The 2 Soft Skills Every EL Teacher Should Have 13:32

4M ago13:32

13:32

In education, we often focus on the hard skills, the academic knowledge of our subject, the instructional strategies, the assessment methods, and the pedagogy that shape effective teaching. These are the measurable, tangible aspects of our profession, and they are absolutely essential. But today, I want to shift the focus to something just as impor…

1
EP 157 Celebrating Your Newcomer's Success 6:40

4M ago6:40

6:40

Welcome to the My Adventures in ESL Podcast! In this episode, we’re diving into meaningful ways to celebrate the achievements of your newcomer students—helping them build confidence, stay motivated, and feel valued in the classroom. As educators, we know the importance of encouragement, and today, I’ll be sharing simple yet powerful strategies to u…

1
Episode 144 - 3 Myths About Teaching Newcomers - And What Actually Works 13:22

4M ago13:22

13:22

Let’s talk about three common myths about teaching newcomers. Teaching English learners is really not as complicated as many think, yet I hear from so many overwhelmed teachers who have lost sight of the forest for the trees. Schools are notorious for grasping onto the newest programs and ideas for teaching English learners, which sometimes work ou…

1
Ep 156 Lesson Ideas for March 6:40

4M ago6:40

6:40

Welcome to this episode, where we dive into engaging lesson ideas for March! This month offers a wealth of opportunities to create meaningful learning experiences for your students. From celebrating Women’s History Month and Poetry Month to exploring the arrival of spring, we’ve got you covered with creative ideas and actionable lesson plans. Episo…

1
Sarah Whitfield: Going with the Flow 43:54

4M ago43:54

43:54

On this episode of the ML Chat podcast, we dive into Sarah Whitfield’s rapidly changing world as a District ML Instructional Specialist for Cabarrus County Schools. As the ML population in North Carolina grows, Sarah and her district grow along with it, developing enrichment programs and inclusive teaching practices that have students and teachers …

1
Episode 143 - How to Beat the Mid-Year Slump in the EL Classroom for Both Students and Teachers 21:03

4M ago21:03

21:03

Welcome to the mid-year slump. Whether you live in a colder climate like I do or anywhere else, the middle of the school year can get hard for so many reasons. February and March in particular can be especially tough months in the school year. Students and teachers are tired, motivation is dipping, and standardized testing is looming. If you are fe…

1
EP 155 My thoughts and experiences about Gifted ELLs 7:16

4M ago7:16

7:16

Welcome to the My Adventures in ESL Podcast! In this episode, we explore an important and often overlooked issue—identifying and supporting gifted English Language Learners (ELLs). Many multilingual students go unnoticed in gifted programs simply because traditional assessments don’t account for their unique skills and potential. Join me as I share…

1
Episode 142 - The Secret to Effective EL Lessons? Start at the End! 17:31

4M ago17:31

17:31

I am very excited about today's episode because I know it will bring so much value to you. I've talked about lesson planning before, but today, I wanted to share a process that has been very helpful and, honestly, is truly a great way to plan for our EL students. So in today's episode, I will be sharing all about backward design and lesson planning…

1
Empowering Educators: Engaging Lesson Plans for Black History Month 7:21

5M ago7:21

7:21

Welcome, educators! In today’s episode, we’re diving into impactful and engaging lesson ideas to help you plan for Black History Month. These lessons are designed to build background knowledge, strengthen reading comprehension, and encourage thoughtful discussions among your students. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✅ How to introduce Black Hist…

1
Lauren MacLean: Community Care and Collaboration 47:09

5M ago47:09

47:09

Educator Lauren MacLean has found a powerful community-based approach to teaching multilingual learners. In this week’s ML Chat podcast, Lauren shows us the importance of building meaningful connections with students and their families, playing to a student’s strengths, and how teachers can learn from their students in return.…

1
Episode 141 - A Look Behind the Scenes of The ESL Teaching Podcast 22:10

5M ago22:10

22:10

I don't know about you, but I love a good behind the scenes moment. In the world where we always see the final product, whether it's a great lesson plan, an engaging activity, or heck, someone simply looking amazing and put together, it is good to remind ourselves that the road to that result is not always very linear. Have you ever wondered what i…

1
EP 153 Supporting You & Your Students This Testing Season 9:23

5M ago9:23

9:23

Welcome to the My Adventures in ESL Podcast! I want to encourage you to take the time to explore the podcast and my website My Adventures in ESL. Testing season can be overwhelming for both ESL teachers and students, with multiple required assessments in a short period. In this episode, we’re diving into strategies to help your students feel confid…

1
Episode 140 - The Less is More Philosophy When Teaching EL Newcomers 14:07

5M ago14:07

14:07

One of the themes that keeps coming up in my teaching and that of many other teachers who work with English learners is this: How much work should we give EL newcomers and any EL student? What can we expect from them? Today, I wanted to revisit the topic of classwork and homework our ELs have to do and about how we can make it more manageable and e…

1
D-I-WHY: Creating Language-Rich Learning with Katie Toppel 1:10:04

5M ago1:10:04

1:10:04

Get schooled by our latest discussion with Dr. Kate Toppel, educator, organizer, and author of DIY PD: A Guide to Self-Directed Learning for Educators of Multilingual Learners. She shares strategies for successful co-teaching, balancing responsibilities with motherhood, and the power of K.I.S.S. - Keeping It Simple, (for) Students.…

1
Episode 139 - How to Prepare for State and Proficiency Tests Part 2: Reading and Writing Practice 19:21

5M ago19:21

19:21

Midwinter and early spring is the season for state and language proficiency testing, and I am dedicating a couple of episodes to help you prepare your students for them so that they can show off all of the great things they've learned so far. Last week, I talked about peculiarities of listening and speaking tests and what activities you can incorpo…

1
Breaking Myths About Newcomer Students: Insights for Educators 8:30

5M ago8:30

8:30

Welcome to today’s episode of the My Adventures in ESL Podcast! We’re tackling some of the most common misconceptions about working with newcomer students and sharing practical strategies to help educators support their success. Episode Highlights: 1. Myth: Students Must Acquire Oral Language Before Literacy Misconception: "Students need to speak E…

1
Episode 138: Preparing Your English Learners for State and Language Proficiency Tests. Part 1 - Listening and Speaking Practice 14:45

5M ago14:45

14:45

The testing season is upon us. I wanted to talk about a topic that every teacher working with English learners faces each year, preparing your English learners for state testing and language proficiency tests like ACCESS, TELPAS, and others. These tests play a crucial role in measuring student progress and shaping future instruction. However, prepa…

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