Equipping ELLs

Beth Vaucher, ELL, ESL Teachers
  • 5.0 (102)
  • LANGUAGE LEARNING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
Equipping ELLs

Equipping ELLs is a podcast for 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. Each week you’ll 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 an ESL certified homeroom teacher with over 10 years of experience teaching in the US and internationally. Learn more at www.inspiringyounglearners.com.

  1. 5 DAYS AGO

    167. Listening, Speaking, Reading, Writing: Simple Routines to Boost ELL Learning

    Welcome back to the Equipping ELLs Podcast! In this episode, host Beth Vaucher kicks off a powerful new series designed to help you maximize the last few months of the school year without adding to your workload. If you’re feeling exhausted but still want to give your English Language Learners (ELLs) the best support possible, this episode is for you. Beth breaks down the critical role of language acquisition and the importance of focusing on the four essential domains: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. You’ll learn why these domains don’t exist in isolation and how to identify which areas your students need the most support in. Discover practical, easy-to-implement routines that make teaching language skills more effective and less overwhelming. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why the last few months of the year are prime for language growth.How to strategically focus on the four language domains for maximum impact.Simple ways to assess your students' strengths and weaknesses without formal tests.Practical, stress-free routines to boost listening comprehension, oral fluency, reading comprehension, and writing skills. Beth also shares insights from her own language learning journey, highlighting the foundational role of listening in building overall language proficiency. Plus, she previews the upcoming episodes in this series, where each domain will be explored in greater depth, complete with actionable routines you can start using immediately. 🎙️ Don’t miss out! Hit that subscribe button and share this episode with a fellow teacher who could use a little extra support during this busy season. Together, let’s help our ELLs continue growing, one domain at a time. RESOURCES AND LINKS: ⁠⁠⁠Join the Equipping ELLs Membership Shop our TpT Store

    14 min

  2. FEB 14

    166. The Power of Being Bicultural: Lessons for Educators & Multilingual Learners with Gabby Rivera

    Did you know that supporting your students' growth goes far beyond bilingualism and language itself? In this episode of Equipping ELLs, host Beth Vaucher welcomes Gabby Montenegro Rivera, a bilingual and bicultural educator with a powerful personal story. Gabby, who grew up in Panama with Colombian and Panamanian roots, shares her journey of embracing both Latin and American cultures, highlighting the challenges and advantages of being bicultural. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How early exposure to English shaped Gabby’s academic and personal growthThe difference between bilingualism and biculturalism, and why both matterThe cultural barriers multilingual learners face in educationHow to foster a sense of belonging for bicultural students in the classroomThe emotional impact of living between two cultures, and what “home” really means As an educator, understanding the cultural experiences of multilingual learners is key to helping them succeed. Gabby shares eye-opening insights on the importance of cultural fluency, her personal struggles with writing in English despite being fluent, and why teachers should actively create spaces where students can embrace both their linguistic and cultural identities. Plus, Gabby dives into how language influences personality and how educators can bridge cultural gaps in the classroom. Whether you're a teacher, student, or someone passionate about cultural identity, this episode is filled with practical strategies and inspiring takeaways. 🎧 Tune in now and learn how to support bicultural students in and beyond the classroom! RESOURCES AND LINKS: ⁠⁠⁠Join the Equipping ELLs Membership Shop our TpT Store

    32 min

  3. FEB 7

    165. Dismantling Misconceptions About ELLs: What Really Stands in the Way of our Students' Success with Pamela Broussard

    Have you been told that your students' grades are all that matters as indicators of their success? They can figure out the rest on their own? In this eye-opening episode of Equipping ELLs, host Beth Vaucher sits down with the incredible Pamela Broussard, a veteran educator with over 30 years of experience working with multilingual learners, refugees, and students in high-need communities. Together, they dismantle the myth that multilingual learners will simply "figure things out" on their own. Instead, Pamela highlights the critical importance of social and cultural capital in ensuring these students don’t just graduate but thrive beyond high school, whether in college, careers, or their communities. Pamela shares actionable strategies that educators, schools, and families can implement at every stage of a student’s journey, from elementary school to high school graduation. You’ll learn: ✅ Why “school + something else” is the key to scholarship opportunities and career success ✅ How to bridge the gap between ELLs and native English-speaking peers ✅ Ways to introduce leadership opportunities, even for students with limited English proficiency ✅ The role of extracurricular activities in breaking cycles of poverty and opening doors ✅ How schools can intentionally create cross-cultural relationships Pamela also offers practical solutions for making sure ELLs gain access to scholarships, service hours, and leadership roles that set them apart in college and career applications. Plus, she reveals why starting in elementary and middle school is crucial for long-term success. This episode is packed with real-life success stories, expert advice, and a fresh perspective on how we can better serve multilingual students. RESOURCES AND LINKS: Leading ELLs Facebook GroupVisit Pamela's Website for More Info and Resources⁠⁠⁠Join the Equipping ELLs Membership Shop our TpT Store

    45 min

  4. JAN 31

    164. Dismantling Misconceptions About ELLs: Rethinking Assessment with Andrea Honigsfeld & Margo Gottlieb

    Do you find yourself questioning whether the assessments you are giving are truly accomplishing what they are intended to accomplish? In this episode of Equipping ELLs, host Beth Vaucher welcomes two of the most influential voices in multilingual education and assessment: Dr. Andrea Honigsfeld and Dr. Margo Gottlieb. As part of the ongoing series, Dismantling Misconceptions About Multilingual Learners, this conversation focuses on rethinking assessment practices to better support English Language Learners (ELLs). Traditional testing methods often fail to capture the full potential of multilingual learners, limiting both students and educators in the process. Dr. Honigsfeld and Dr. Gottlieb challenge these outdated perspectives, advocating for a collaborative, asset-based approach that empowers both teachers and students. Drawing from their latest book, Collaborative Assessment for Multilingual Learners: Pathways to Partnerships, they explain how assessment can be integrated into daily instruction rather than treated as an isolated, high-stakes event. Instead of relying solely on standardized tests, which often fail to reflect students' true abilities, they introduce strategies that emphasize student voice, self-reflection, and peer collaboration. By shifting the focus away from rigid testing structures and toward ongoing, meaningful and collaborative assessment, educators can better understand their students' academic progress while fostering confidence and engagement. Dr. Honigsfeld and Dr. Gottlieb make the case that effective assessment should be an ongoing, collaborative process rather than a one-time event. Through real-world examples, they highlight how student voice, choice, and self-reflection can transform assessment into a tool for empowerment rather than a barrier to success. They also emphasize the importance of school leadership and systemic support in making meaningful change, while providing practical steps for educators who want to start small and build more inclusive assessment practices in their classrooms. Resources Collaborative Assessment for Multilingual Learners and Teachers Check out Dr. Margo Gottlieb's Work Check out Dr. Andrea Honigsfeld's Work ⁠⁠⁠Join the Equipping ELLs Membership Shop our TpT Store Check Out Dr. Honigsfeld's other episode on the Equipping ELL's Podcast!

    35 min

  5. JAN 24

    163. Dismantling Misconceptions About ELLS: Embracing the Linguistic Assets of Multilingual Learners with Valentina Gonzalez

    In this transformative episode of the Equipping ELLs podcast, host Beth Vaucher is joined by the incredible Valentina Gonzalez, a former English Language Learner (ELL), educational consultant, and passionate advocate for multilingual students. Together, they tackle the widespread misconception that ELL students are starting from scratch in their educational journey. Valentina shares her personal experiences, professional insights, and actionable strategies to challenge this narrative and elevate the role of linguistic and cultural assets in education. Listeners will discover why labeling ESOL as an "intervention" undermines the potential of ELL students and how educators can shift their mindsets to foster inclusive, affirming learning environments. Valentina delves into practical, low-prep, high-impact strategies for supporting language development, such as leveraging cross-linguistic connections, integrating visuals, and providing meaningful wait time. She also shares her own journey as an ELL, the challenges of navigating an education system that often prioritizes assimilation, and her fight to ensure linguistic diversity is celebrated, not erased. Whether you're an educator, administrator, or advocate, this episode is packed with inspiration and tools to create classrooms that honor the unique strengths of multilingual learners. Plus, Valentina shares exciting updates about her upcoming illustrated guide, Welcome to Teaching Multilingual Learners, co-authored with Doug Fisher and Nancy Frey. Don’t miss this enriching conversation that will leave you motivated to rethink how you support ELL students in your schools. Key Highlights: The importance of seeing ESOL as an asset, not an intervention.Strategies for designing culturally inclusive classrooms.Why embracing linguistic diversity benefits all learners.How administrators can lead change to support ELL students.Valentina’s inspiring personal story and her advocacy for multilingual learners. Resources Visit Valentina's BlogPurchase one of Valentina's BooksConnect with Valentina on Instagram⁠⁠⁠Join the Equipping ELLs Membership Shop our TpT Store

    33 min

  6. JAN 17

    162. Dismantling Misconceptions About ELLs: Disrupting the Monolingual Bias with Dr. Lillian Ardell

    In this episode of the Equipping ELLs podcast, host Beth Vaucher dives into dismantling misconceptions about English Language Learners (ELLs) with the help of Dr. Lillian Ardell. A bilingual education coach, keynote speaker, and advocate for multilingual equity, Dr. Ardell sheds light on the pervasive "monolingual bias" in education. Through real-life stories, she illustrates how this bias impacts teachers’ expectations and instructional strategies. Dr. Ardell passionately outlines her framework for teacher advocacy, emphasizing linguistic justice, culturally sustaining pedagogy, and actionable steps to support ELLs effectively. Listeners will hear how assimilation narratives harm multilingual students and why embracing their linguistic and cultural identities fosters stronger learning outcomes. From practical disruptors to engaging students in meaningful ways, this episode offers tools for educators to create more inclusive and joyful classrooms. Dr. Ardell also provides strategies for addressing policy-driven pressures and finding allies in the fight for equity. Tune in to learn how to reframe approaches, amplify advocacy, and sustain motivation in challenging environments. Don’t miss this empowering conversation and a sneak peek at Dr. Ardell’s upcoming book, "Disrupting the Monolingual Bias." Resources Connect with Dr. Ardell on InstagramGet More Info on Dr. Ardell's book Disrupting the Monolingual Bias⁠⁠⁠Join the Equipping ELLs Membership Shop our TpT Store

    41 min

  7. JAN 10

    161. Equipping ELLs: Dismantling Misconceptions for 2025

    Are misconceptions and biases about multilingual learners holding your students back from reaching their full potential? Welcome to the Equipping ELLs podcast, your essential guide to supporting multilingual learners and fostering inclusive classrooms. Hosted by Beth Vaucher, founder of Inspiring Young Learners, this episode kicks off 2025 with exciting updates and a powerful new direction. This year, Equipping ELLs expands to YouTube, bringing engaging video content alongside the podcast you know and love. Beth’s decade of experience teaching both nationally and internationally equips her with insights that help educators navigate the unique challenges of teaching English Language Learners (ELLs). In this episode, Beth introduces a groundbreaking four-part series designed to dismantle the persistent misconceptions surrounding ELLs. The series features renowned experts, including Dr. Lillian Ardell, who leads a compelling conversation about overcoming monolingual biases. Educators Margo Gottlieb and Andrea Honningsfield offer invaluable strategies for collaborative assessments that genuinely reflect ELL progress. Valentina Gonzalez shares insights on engagement and inclusion, while Pamela Broussard delivers practical tools to cultivate equitable classrooms for all students. Listeners can expect actionable insights, bridging the gap between educational theory and classroom practice. Whether you’re a seasoned teacher or just beginning your journey with ELLs, this series offers practical strategies to elevate your teaching and empower your students. Tune in weekly for episodes packed with tips you can implement immediately. Don’t forget to subscribe, follow us on YouTube, and join the mission to transform classrooms and advocate for multilingual learners. Resources ⁠⁠⁠Join the Equipping ELLs Membership Shop our TpT Store

    5 min

  8. JAN 3

    160. Essential ESL Teacher Resources: Our Top 5 Must-Haves

    Are you struggling to find the right resources to effectively support your ELL students without spending hours on lesson planning? In this episode of the Equipping ELLs podcast, host Beth Bochet shares her top five essential resources for ESL teachers looking to support their English language learners (ELLs) effectively. Whether you're navigating lesson planning for diverse classrooms or searching for tools that truly make a difference, this episode delivers actionable insights. Beth discusses the importance of phonemic awareness, the power of visual aids for vocabulary retention, and how digital libraries can transform accessibility for students. She highlights key resources such as Hegarty Phonics, SnapWords, and Nearpod, explaining how these tools foster engagement and growth. Additionally, Beth emphasizes the flexibility and comprehensive support offered through the Equipping ELLs membership. From downloadable K-12 lesson plans to interactive training and a vibrant educator community, this membership ensures teachers have what they need to succeed. Learn why personalized resources, adaptable curriculums, and consistent student check-ins are crucial for fostering literacy and confidence in ELLs. Resources & Links Join the Equipping ELLs MembershipShop our TpT Store⁠⁠⁠Join the Equipping ELLs MembershipShop our TpT StoreHeggerty PhonicsSnap WordsReading A-ZEpicUnite for LiteracyNearpodFlocabulary

    23 min
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About

Equipping ELLs is a podcast for 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. Each week you’ll 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 an ESL certified homeroom teacher with over 10 years of experience teaching in the US and internationally. Learn more at www.inspiringyounglearners.com.

Information

  • Creator
    Beth Vaucher, ELL, ESL Teachers
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    168
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Beth Vaucher, Equipping Teachers of English Language Learners
  • Show Website
    Equipping ELLs

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