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As teachers, we are incredibly well-trained in structure, curriculum, and how to organize the day-to-day of teaching. But what about the human side of the classroom—for both our students and ourselves?
In this episode, I sit down with Lisa Riegel to explore what really drives behavior in the classroom. We go beyond strategies and into the intersection of brain science and human systems—how biology and environment work together to shape how students learn, respond, and engage.
We talk about intellectual safety, what it actually means in practice, and why it’s especially critical for English learners. We also bring the focus back to you—the teacher—as a human being navigating all of this in real time.
This conversation is both practical and reflective. It will invite you to look at your classroom—and yourself—through a new lens.
How Lisa Riegel connects brain science to real classroom experiencesWhat it means to understand behavior through the lens of biology + contextA deeper look at intellectual safety and how it impacts English learners specificallyExamples of how classroom systems can either support or block student successWhy fulfillment and growth—both for students and teachers—come from alignment, not just effortA conversation about the teacher’s internal experience and how it shapes what happens externally in the classroom
Here is What You Will Hear in This Episode:
Grab your free practice The First 7 Minutes: How to Start the Class Grounded (Even if Your Students Aren’t)EL Newcomer curriculum guides:
Simply Ieva offers and resources:
The EL Newcomer Teaching Compass - curriculum guide for grades 6-12
EL Newcomer Compass: Little Learners Edition - curriculum guide for grades K-2Take the next step:
Book The Inner Classroom™ Clarity SessionSupport the time, effort and costs that go into bringing you The ESL Teaching Podcast episodes each week - consider making a small donation—whatever feels right for you. Thank you so much! https://www.paypal.biz/simplyieva
When “You’re the Expert” Becomes Too Much: Decision Fatigue in EL TeachingThe First 7 Minutes: Why Your Class Needs a Better Beginning (Not a Better Lesson)
Related episodes:Let’s connect!
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisariegel/ https://www.epinstitute.net/
Connect with Lisa:Connect with Ieva:
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In this episode, I’m diving into lesson planning and introducing a process called backward design, which is a truly great way to plan for our English Learner (EL) students. You will hear how backward design differs from the traditional, “build-as-you-go” approach that often leaves lessons feeling scattered and disconnected. I also share how I applied this powerful framework to update my EL newcomer curriculum guide, transforming it from an activity generator into a clear, coherent language acquisition journey.
Here is What You Will Hear in This Episode:
My real-life example of teaching a newcomer student using a traditional planning approach and the key realization that the lesson lacked a clear ultimate goal.1A breakdown of the steps for both traditional lesson planning and backward design, which was originally developed by Grant Wiggins and Jay McTighe in Understanding by Design.1A detailed comparison of the pros and cons for both traditional lesson planning (e.g., easier for quick lessons, but often scattered) and backward design (e.g., clear learning goals, but requires more upfront time).1How I used the backward design process—starting with "what do we want our newcomers to know," moving to "performance tasks," and ending with a sequenced learning experience—to update the EL newcomer curriculum guide.Join me for The First 30 Days with EL Newcomers, which will be held LIVE on April 1, 2026, where you’ll learn: what to teach first, how to structure those early weeks, how to build language routines, and how to plan lessons that support students who are just beginning their English learning journey.
EL Newcomer curriculum guides:
The EL Newcomer Teaching Compass - curriculum guide for grades 6-12
EL Newcomer Compass: Little Learners Edition - curriculum guide for grades K-2
Take the next step:
Book The Inner Classroom™ Clarity SessionSupport the time, effort and costs that go into bringing you The ESL Teaching Podcast episodes each week - consider making a small donation—whatever feels right for you. Thank you so much! https://www.paypal.biz/simplyievaRelated episodes:
4 Easy Ways to Differentiate the Same LessonThe Ultimate Planning Framework for ELL TeachersThe First 7 Minutes: Why Your Class Needs a Better Beginning (Not a Better Lesson)Let’s connect!
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Saknas det avsnitt?
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In this episode, I dive into a common source of overwhelm for EL teachers: overplanning. The pressure to adapt content-area lesson plans for multilingual learners often leads us to try to plan everything, including both content and detailed language support. I explain that the goal of planning isn't control—it's clarity. I share my framework for simplifying this process by identifying the four critical areas that truly deserve your deep planning energy, allowing the rest of your lesson design to remain light and flexible. This approach will help you feel more grounded, make your teaching more responsive, and ultimately create better conditions for language learning in your classroom.
Part 1: Why Teachers Overplan: I talk about the hidden cause of planning overwhelm and why a focus on control is counterproductive to dynamic language learning.Part 2: Using WIDA to Focus Your Planning: I explain how to use WIDA language functions to shift your planning from activities to how students will actually use language.Part 3: What EL Teachers Should Plan Deeply: I break down the four essential elements that require your deepest attention and the common mistakes teachers make in each area:The Language Objective: The essential "HOW" of the lesson.Vocabulary and Language Support: Moving beyond single words to supporting the structure of ideas (modulation).The Core Language Task: Merging the content and language objectives for meaningful language use.The Opening Routine: Creating regulation and a low-pressure language activation moment.Part 5: What to Keep Light: I discuss which elements of lesson planning you can allow to remain flexible, saving your energy for where it matters most.Closing: I invite you to join my workshop, Your First 30 days with EL Newcomers, on April 1st, 2026, for a clear framework on planning those crucial first weeks of instruction.
Here is What You Will Hear in This Episode:
Grab your free practice The First 7 Minutes: How to Start the Class Grounded (Even if Your Students Aren’t)
Simply Ieva free offers and resources:Take the next step:
Book The Inner Classroom™ Clarity SessionSupport the time, effort and costs that go into bringing you The ESL Teaching Podcast episodes each week - consider making a small donation—whatever feels right for you. Thank you so much! https://www.paypal.biz/simplyieva
The Ultimate Planning Framework for ELL TeachersThe First 7 Minutes: Why Your Class Needs a Better Beginning (Not a Better Lesson)
Related episodes:
Follow me on InstagramFollow me on Facebook Follow me on LinkedIn
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Today, I’m sharing a simple but powerful structure—the 30–60–90 Minute Planning Framework—to help EL teachers stop the spiral of overplanning and find clarity, even during busy seasons like testing. In this episode, I am unpacking why planning often feels so heavy for teachers of multilingual learners (hint: it’s rarely about time), and how you can adjust your planning depth based on the time you actually have. This framework gives you a clear answer to the question: "Given the time I actually have today, what is enough?"
Why planning for teachers of multilingual learners is so layered and intense.The difference between planning from anxiety and planning from clarity.A detailed breakdown of the three tiers of the 30–60–90 Planning Framework.Practical steps for achieving "Core Clarity" when you only have 30 minutes.Specific examples of how to differentiate support—not content—in the 60-minute plan.How to strategically map out your week and pre-plan formative checks with the 90-minute structure.The importance of integrating emotional regulation (Inner Classroom) into your lesson plans.
Here is What You Will Hear in This Episode:
Want someone to talk to - teacher to teacher - but are not sure if coaching is the right fit for you? Fill out this form to be selected for a free 15-minute Coaching Fit Conversation. Currently taking applicants for March - April, 2026Grab your free practice The First 7 Minutes: How to Start the Class Grounded (Even if Your Students Aren’t)
Simply Ieva free offers and resources:Take the next step:
Book The Inner Classroom™ Clarity SessionSupport the time, effort and costs that go into bringing you The ESL Teaching Podcast episodes each week - consider making a small donation—whatever feels right for you. Thank you so much! https://www.paypal.biz/simplyieva
How to teach Listening, not just speaking to ELsHow to Teach Speaking to ELs-Essential Lesson Components for Best ResultsOne EL Strategy, One Shift: How to Support ELs Without Burning Yourself Out
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Today I'm diving into a topic I believe is foundational to everything we do in our classrooms: listening. Communication breakdowns are often about what wasn't fully heard. In the first part of the episode, I break down why listening is an active, intentional skill—not passive—and review Joseph DeVito's five stages of listening.Then, in the second part, I focus specifically on our multilingual learners. You’ll learn why listening in English is heavy cognitive work. I will share six concrete strategies for teachers to adapt their instruction (like slowing my rate of speech and extending real wait time) and six ways we can explicitly teach our students how to practice strategic listening skills, such as listening for keywords and practicing prediction.
Why most of us are not the great listeners we think we are, according to research.The five critical stages of listening outlined by communication expert Joseph DeVito.Why listening in English is "heavy cognitive work" for multilingual learners.Six ways you can immediately adjust your teaching to reduce the cognitive load for your students.Six explicit strategies to teach your students how to be strategic listeners in a new language.Three reflection questions to help you improve communication in your classroom.
Here is What You Will Hear in This Episode:
Book a free discovery sessionGrab your free practice The First 7 Minutes: How to Start the Class Grounded (Even if Your Students Aren’t)
Simply Ieva free offers and resources:Take the next step:
Book The Inner Classroom™ Clarity SessionSupport the time, effort and costs that go into bringing you The ESL Teaching Podcast episodes each week - consider making a small donation—whatever feels right for you. Thank you so much! https://www.paypal.biz/simplyieva
One EL Strategy, One Shift: How to Support ELs Without Burning Yourself OutHow to Teach Speaking to ELs-Essential Lesson Components for Best Results
Related episodes:
Follow me on InstagramFollow me on Facebook Follow me on LinkedInRecord a comment for us - click HERE. We can’t wait to hear from you!
Let’s connect!Support the show
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In this episode we tackle the pervasive issue of decision fatigue among educators, specifically focusing on teachers of multilingual learners (ELs). We redefine decision fatigue not as a result of being disorganized, but as a rational response to working within a system that demands constant decisions without providing sufficient structural clarity—what is called "Ambiguity disguised as autonomy." To combat this overload, the episode introduces and explores the five steps of the our Inner Classroom framework: Awareness, Regulation, Clarity, Aligned Action, and Renewal, offering practical ways to reclaim internal capacity and prioritize self-preservation.
Here is What You Will Hear in This Episode:
A clear definition of decision fatigue and why it's a common experience for teachers, often showing up as mental fog or irritation.How the concept of "You’re the expert" often masks a lack of necessary systemic support and structure.A breakdown of the five steps in the Inner Classroom framework—Awareness, Regulation, Clarity, Aligned Action, Renewal—and how to use them daily.Practical ways to apply The Eisenhower Matrix to teaching tasks to prevent burnout.The three powerful questions you can ask yourself to stop emotionally carrying decisions that are outside your authority and confuse responsibility with accountability.
The Inner Classroom™ Clarity Session
Simply Ieva Offers: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 websiteMy TpT storeFree resource:
Grab your free practice The First 7 Minutes: How to Start the Class Grounded (Even if Your Students Aren’t)
One EL Strategy, One Shift: How to Support ELs Without Burning Yourself OutSelf Management Techniques for the EL Classroom.
Related episodes:Let’s connect!
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In this episode, we address the overlooked emotional dimension of language testing, exploring why English Learners (ELs) may "freeze, shut down, or give up" during high-stakes assessments like ACCESS. ACCESS and other language tests don’t just measure English as they touch the themes of identity, confidence, and belonging. In this episode, we offer a framework for shifting from a state of urgency to one of grounded presence to support the student's emotional well-being first, which then allows them to access their language and learning.
Here is What You Will Hear in This Episode:
Why language testing can feel heavy for multilingual learners.What is actually happening beneath the behavior when students freeze, shut down, or give up.How our presence as teachers can either intensify pressure or create enough safety for students to access what they know.A personal story about where the host first learned what it truly means to hold space.A classroom moment that changed the host's approach to assessments, involving a student overwhelmed during ACCESS testing.Practical ways you can support students when anxiety shows up—without rushing, fixing, or pushing through.An invitation to download the free resource, The First 7 Minutes, designed to help teachers intentionally reset their classrooms.
The Inner Classroom™ Clarity Session
Simply Ieva Offers: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 websiteMy TpT storeFree resource:
Grab your free practice The First 7 Minutes: How to Start the Class Grounded (Even if Your Students Aren’t)
Related episodes:
One EL Strategy, One Shift: How to Support ELs Without Burning Yourself OutPreparing ELs for State and Language Proficiency Tests. Part 1: Listening and SpeakingLet’s connect!
Follow me on InstagramFollow me on Facebook Follow me on LinkedInRecord a comment for us - click HERE. We can’t wait to hear from you!Support the show
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ACCESS season can quietly shift the energy in our classrooms—bringing urgency, pressure, and the feeling that we should be doing more. More prep. More drills. More fixing. But let's talk about preparing ELs for ACCESS without panic.
In this episode, we slow the entire conversation down.
Instead of panic-driven test preparation, we focus on what actually supports English learners during ACCESS—and how your own regulation as a teacher directly impacts student language performance.
This episode is about preparing ELs for ACCESS without cramming, without overload, and without sacrificing nervous-system safety—for you or your students.
Here is What You Will Hear in This Episode:
The 3–4 language behaviors ACCESS measures across listening, speaking, reading, and writingWhy understanding the task matters more than perfect grammarHow expansion (adding a reason, detail, or example) impacts scoresWhy language acquisition doesn’t respond to last-minute intensityA simple Inner Classroom check for awareness and regulation during testing seasonFour low-stress, high-impact prep routines that actually support ELsWhat to intentionally let go of during ACCESS seasonA grounded reframe of ACCESS as information—not judgmentSimply Ieva Offers:
The Inner Classroom™ Clarity SessionIf 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/simplyievaSave time and build confidence in your EL teaching with these resources:
Simply Ieva websiteMy TpT storeFree resource:
Grab your free practice The First 7 Minutes: How to Start the Class Grounded (Even if Your Students Aren’t)
Related episodes:
Reading and Writing Practice for State and Proficiency TestsPreparing ELs for State and Language Proficiency Tests. Part 1: Listening and SpeakingLet’s connect!
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If you’re listening today and you feel like you’re constantly trying to do more—more scaffolds, more supports, more differentiation—yet still wondering if you’re doing enough for your English learners, this episode is for you.
In today’s episode, I want to do something very simple and very intentional.
I’m going to share:
One practical EL strategy you can use tomorrowAnd one Inner Classroom takeaway that will help you actually sustain your teaching—without burning yourself outI have shared a lot about EL teaching strategies in some of my previous episodes on this podcast and I can link a few episodes for you to peruse below. But today’s episode is going to go a little deeper rather than wider - no overload, no long list. Just one solid instructional move and one internal shift.
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
Seeing is Understanding: 5 Visual Strategies for Supporting ELs4 Strategies for Teaching Math to ESL StudentsCultivating Comprehension: The Art of Strategic Questioning for English Learners
Related episodes:
Simply Ieva websiteMy TpT storeAccommodate and Modify Your Lessons for ELs with Less than 1 Hour of Planning a Week - classroom teacher and admin checklist
Save time and build confidence in your EL teaching with these resources:Let’s connect!
Follow me on InstagramFollow me on LinkedInJoin the Simply Ieva Facebook Group Record a comment for us - click HERE. We can’t wait to hear from you!Support the show
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Today, I want to do an official introduction. An introduction to the new layer of Simply Ieva ESL, the addition that I believe is so so important in teaching yet is so frequently overlooked. That addition is the Inner Classroom™ framework. The Inner Classroom is what is happening inside of your mind and your emotional landscape and how it affects your environment and your perceptions. In today’s episode, I will talk about how taking care of this inner classroom helps teachers prevent burnout before it happens—and recover from it when it does—by strengthening emotional regulation, clarity, and self-leadership.
If you enjoy this podcast and would like to support the time, effort, and costs that go into bringing you these episodes each week, you can now do so through a pay-what-you-can contribution. You can pay by clicking HERE—just choose an amount that feels right for you. Your support helps keep this podcast accessible and sustainable for teachers.
Grab your free practice The First 7 Minutes: How to Start the Class Grounded (Even if Your Students Aren’t)1:1 EL Teacher Clarity Power-Up Session
Simply Ieva websiteMy TpT storeAccommodate and Modify Your Lessons for ELs with Less than 1 Hour of Planning a Week - classroom teacher and admin checklist
Save time and build confidence in your EL teaching with these resources:
Follow me on InstagramFollow me on LinkedInJoin the Simply Ieva Facebook Group Record a comment for us - click HERE. We can’t wait to hear from you!
Let’s connect!Support the show
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Stop focusing only on the lesson plan and start focusing on the most critical moments of your class: the first seven minutes.
In this episode, we dive into the powerful shift that happens when teachers prioritize grounding the room over pushing through. We explore why those initial moments set the tone for all the learning that follows, especially for multilingual learners.
Key Takeaways:
It's about the Nervous System, Not Competence: The class often feels "off" not due to a classroom management failure, but because students (and you) are still transitioning and their nervous systems are activated. Learning can't fully land until the room settles.The Power of Grounding: Learn what "grounding" actually means—it's not about silence or perfect behavior. It's an invitation to settle, which can be physical (a breath, a stretch), emotional (naming the room's energy), or cognitive (a predictable routine).Save Time Later: Grounding the first seven minutes saves time later in the lesson because you spend less time redirecting, repeating yourself, and trying to recover attention.If you are ready to change how you begin class, grab your free resource, The First 7 Minutes: Start the Class Grounded (Even If Your Students Aren’t). Find the link below..
I want to hear from you!
What is your biggest challenge when it comes to transitioning from one class to the next? Share with us in the comments or send a message on Instagram, Facebook, or email!
Three ways of grounding and what they can look like at the start of the classWhy it is incorrect to assume that chaotic start of class is always classroom management failureThe First 7 Minutes practice that you can use in your classroom right away
Here is What You Will Hear in This Episode:Simply Ieva Offers:
1:1 EL Teacher Clarity Power-Up SessionIf 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 websiteMy TpT storeAccommodate and Modify Your Lessons for ELs with Less than 1 Hour of Planning a Week - classroom teacher and admin checklist
Here is Why You’re Drained (or Energized) by TeachingHow to Beat the Mid-Year Slump in the EL Classroom
Related episodes:
Follow me on InstagramFollow me on LinkedInJoin the Simply Ieva Facebook Group Record a comment for us - click HERE. We can’t wait to hear from you!
Let’s connect!Support the show
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Today’s episode "When the Strategies Aren’t Enough: Teaching ELs without Losing Yourself," is a reintroduction to The ESL Teaching Podcast, marking a new season of growth and transformation.
Here are a few key ideas you'll here:
A Personal Break and Burnout: I am sharing why I stepped away from the podcast for several months (July through December 2025) - to recover from complete burnout from teaching, over-giving, and grieving the loss of a loved one. This break prompted a necessary pause and a shift in perspective.The 'Inner Classroom': We are shifting focus from solely teaching strategies and lesson plans to the internal state of the teacher, which I call the "inner classroom." The argument is that no external strategy will be enough if the teacher's inner state is chaotic, exhausted, or depleted.The Podcast's New Direction: The podcast will continue to cover practical EL teaching strategies, scaffolding, and effective instruction, but it will also become a "bridge between pedagogy and self-preservation." Topics will expand to include:Teacher energy and boundaries.Sustainability in teaching.Coaching (professional and personal).Acknowledging teaching as emotional, relational, and human work.Invitation and Free Resource: I am inviting you to stay, subscribe, and be part of a space where you don't have to pretend you are fine. Grab my free practice titled "The First Seven Minutes: How to Start Class Grounded (even if your students aren’t)," which is designed to help teachers slow down, reset, and reconnect.Grab your free practice The First 7 Minutes: How to Start the Class Grounded (Even if Your Students Aren’t)
1:1 EL Teacher Clarity Power-Up Session
Simply Ieva Offers: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:
My TpT storeAccommodate and Modify Your Lessons for ELs with Less than 1 Hour of Planning a Week - classroom teacher and admin checklist
Simply Ieva websiteRelated episodes:
Rewriting the Script of Negative Self-Talk for TeachersHow to Beat the Mid-Year Slump in the EL Classroom
Follow me on InstagramFollow me on LinkedInJoin the Simply Ieva Facebook Group Record a comment for us - click HERE. We can’t wait to hear from you!
Let’s connect!Support the show
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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 the content, resources, and support available to ESL teachers just like you.
If you’ve ever wished there was a clear, practical path to follow as an EL teacher - one that balances pedagogy, language acquisition, and real-world support - then this update will speak to you. Be sure to listen to the end so you don’t miss what’s coming next.
Show Notes:
Episode 161 - Announcement + Big News About the RoadmapHere is What You Will Hear in This Episode:
A special announcement about the future of the ESL Teaching PodcastExciting updates to the ESL Teacher Roadmap and what’s coming nextWhy this change matters for new and experienced EL teachers alikeHow to stay connected and make the most of upcoming resourcesSimply Ieva Offers:
New and improved: The ESL Teaching Roadmap membership for teachers of English learners1:1 EL Teacher Clarity Power-Up SessionIf 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 websiteEMBARK™ Newcomer CurriculumMy TpT storeAccommodate and Modify Your Lessons for ELs with Less than 1 Hour of Planning a Week - classroom teacher and admin checklistRelated episodes:
What to Do With a Newcomer in the First 30 DaysYour First Year as an EL Teacher- What Matters MostLet’s connect!
Follow me on InstagramFollow me on LinkedInJoin the Simply Ieva Facebook Group Record a comment for us - click HERE. We can’t wait to hear from you!Support the show
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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 things that matter most in your first year as an EL teacher with concrete examples, approachable strategies, and encouragement. If you're a newer EL teacher (or just want a back-to-basics refresher), this episode will help you feel more grounded and prepared for the year ahead.
Episode 160 - Your First Year as an EL Teacher- What Matters Most
Show Notes:Simply Ieva Offers:
1:1 EL Teacher Clarity Power-Up SessionEL 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-2Essential Lesson Plan Bundle to help you feel organized and to keep your students engaged
*** Your First 30 Days with EL Newcomers - online LIVE workshop on June 26, 2025***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 websiteEMBARK™ Newcomer CurriculumThe ESL Teaching Roadmap – EL curriculum and coaching membership for middle and high school ESL/ELL teachers.My TpT storeAccommodate and Modify Your Lessons for ELs with Less than 1 Hour of Planning a Week - classroom teacher and admin checklistRelated episodes:
What to Do With a Newcomer in the First 30 DaysBeyond Buddies: How Peer Pairing Empowers ELsLet’s connect!
Follow me on InstagramFollow me on LinkedInJoin the Simply Ieva Facebook Group Record a comment for us - click HERE. We can’t wait to hear from you!Support the show
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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 classroom teacher supporting English learners, you’ll leave this episode with clarity and calm.
Show Notes:
Episode 159 - What to Do When a Newcomer Walks Through Your Door: The First 30 DaysSimply Ieva Offers:
1:1 EL Teacher Clarity Power-Up SessionEL 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-2Essential Lesson Plan Bundle to help you feel organized and to keep your students engaged
*** Your First 30 Days with EL Newcomers - online LIVE workshop on June 26, 2025***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 websiteEMBARK™ Newcomer CurriculumThe ESL Teaching Roadmap – EL curriculum and coaching membership for middle and high school ESL/ELL teachers.My TpT storeAccommodate and Modify Your Lessons for ELs with Less than 1 Hour of Planning a Week - classroom teacher and admin checklistRelated episodes:
How Teachers Can Harness the Power of Second Language Acquisition Stages when working with ELsBeyond Buddies: How Peer Pairing Empowers ELsLet’s connect!
Follow me on InstagramFollow me on LinkedInJoin the Simply Ieva Facebook Group Record a comment for us - click HERE. We can’t wait to hear from you!Support the show
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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 and actionable tips for educators: how to build trust with students from diverse backgrounds, how to honor religious and cultural practices like Ramadan and Eid, and why visibility and empathy matter more than ever. Whether you're new to supporting Muslim learners or want to deepen your understanding, this conversation will leave you with clarity, compassion, and real-world strategies.
Episode 158 - What They Wish You Knew: Muslim Students in the Classroom
Show Notes:Simply Ieva Offers:
1:1 EL Teacher Clarity Power-Up SessionEL 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-2Essential Lesson Plan Bundle to help you feel organized and to keep your students engagedIf 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 websiteEMBARK™ Newcomer CurriculumThe ESL Teaching Roadmap – EL curriculum and coaching membership for middle and high school ESL/ELL teachers.My TpT storeAccommodate and Modify Your Lessons for ELs with Less than 1 Hour of Planning a Week - classroom teacher and admin checklist
Cultural Perspectives on Time and Social InteractionsHere is Why You’re Drained (or Energized) by Teaching
Related/Previous Episodes:Connect with Farhana:
Email - [email protected] - @farhanashah
Follow me on InstagramFollow me on LinkedInJoin the Simply Ieva Facebook Group Record a comment for us - click
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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 why you’re sometimes drained (or energized) by teaching, and how understanding your unique teaching energy can help you work with your natural rhythm, set better boundaries, and recover from those exhausting weeks.
Episode 157 - Here is Why You're Drained (or Energized) by Teaching
Show Notes:Here is What You Will Hear in This Episode:
The impact of energy in teaching Differences in teacher energyFive teacher energy profilesAlignment between energy and teaching
1:1 EL Teacher Clarity Power-Up SessionEL 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-2Essential Lesson Plan Bundle to help you feel organized and to keep your students engaged
Simply Ieva Offers: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 websiteEMBARK™ Newcomer CurriculumThe ESL Teaching Roadmap – EL curriculum and coaching membership for middle and high school ESL/ELL teachers.My TpT storeAccommodate and Modify Your Lessons for ELs with Less than 1 Hour of Planning a Week - classroom teacher and admin checklistRelated episodes:
Student Learning Rhythms you’ve probably never consideredCommon SEL Challenges ELs Face in the ClassroomLet’s connect!
Follow me on InstagramFollow me on LinkedInJoin the Simply Ieva Facebook Group Record a comment for us - click HERE. We can’t wait to hear from you!Support the show
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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 where they are. We're going to explore how each learner shows up, what they need to thrive, and how small shifts in your teaching approach can make a big difference, not just in academics, abundant connection and confidence. Learning rhythms you've probably never considered before.
Show Notes:
Episode 156 - The Hidden Key to Engagement: Learning Rhythms You've Probably Never ConsideredSimply Ieva Offers:
5 learner profiles printableEL 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-2Essential Lesson Plan Bundle to help you feel organized and to keep your students engaged1:1 EL Teacher Clarity Power-Up SessionIf 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 websiteEMBARK™ Newcomer CurriculumThe ESL Teaching Roadmap – EL curriculum and coaching membership for middle and high school ESL/ELL teachers.My TpT storeAccommodate and Modify Your Lessons for ELs with Less than 1 Hour of Planning a Week - classroom teacher and admin checklist
Self-Management Techniques for the EL classroomCommon SEL Challenges ELs Face in the Classroom
Related/Previous Episodes:
Follow me on InstagramFollow me on LinkedInJoin the Simply Ieva Facebook Group Record a comment for us - click HERE. We can’t wait to hear from you!
Let’s Connect!Support the show
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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 AI to personalize learning experiences based on your students' needs, interests, and cultures, create engaging content and classroom activities that reinforce language in fun and low prep ways, and how to design quick and effective assessments and feedback that actually support growth. Plus, I will share important best practices and words of caution for using AI responsibly and how you can help your students become thoughtful, confident digital learners in this new AI powered world.
Episode 155 - How to use AI to Personalize Learning, Boost Engagement and Assess Multilingual Learners (Part 2)
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-2Essential Lesson Plan Bundle to help you feel organized and to keep your students engaged1:1 EL Teacher Clarity Power-Up SessionIf 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 websiteEMBARK™ Newcomer CurriculumThe ESL Teaching Roadmap – EL curriculum and coaching membership for middle and high school ESL/ELL teachers.My TpT storeAccommodate and Modify Your Lessons for ELs with Less than 1 Hour of Planning a Week - classroom teacher and admin checklistRelated episodes:
AI Prompting & Differentiation Made Easy for ELs (Part 1)5 Ways AI Can Help Save Teachers Time and Help Multilingual LearnersLet’s connect!
Follow me on InstagramFollow me on LinkedInJoin the Simply Ieva Facebook Group Record a comment for us - clickSupport the show
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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, differentiating, and scaffolding for English learners takes a ton of work, but what if AI could save you time and help you create more meaningful, engaging content without losing your unique teaching touch? In this first part of this special two-part series, I share practical, realistic strategies for using AI to make lesson prep more manageable. You’ll learn AI prompting and differentiation and tips you can implement right away to support your multilingual learners and free up your own creativity in the classroom.
Episode 154 - Smarter Planning for ELs: AI Prompting & Differentiation Made Easy (Part 1)
Show Notes:
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-2Essential Lesson Plan Bundle to help you feel organized and to keep your students engaged1:1 EL Teacher Clarity Power-Up Session
Simply Ieva offers: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 websiteEMBARK™ Newcomer CurriculumThe ESL Teaching Roadmap – EL curriculum and coaching membership for middle and high school ESL/ELL teachers.My TpT storeAccommodate and Modify Your Lessons for ELs with Less than 1 Hour of Planning a Week - classroom teacher and admin checklist
5 Ways AI Can Help Save Teachers Time and Help Multilingual Learners5 Key Pillars of EL Inclusion in Mainstream Classrooms
Related episodes:
Follow me on InstagramFollow me on LinkedInJoin the Simply Ieva Facebook Group Record a comment for us - click HERE
Let’s connect!Support the show
- Visa fler
