Rutherford County Educators Join Tennessee English Learner Working Groups

What happens when dual-language immersion programs only provide enrichment for some students, instead of opportunity for all? Education Week talked with CTS Faculty Co-Director and UCLA professor Lucrecia Santibañez about her new research on dual-language immersion (DLI) programs. The piece highlights how these programs are growing nationwide. More than 3,600 programs exist, with the majority in Spanish — but English learners, the very students these programs were originally designed for, are often underrepresented. At schools like Pueblo Elementary in Arizona, most students come from English-speaking homes, while English learners make up only a small fraction of enrollment. Santibañez explains that while DLI can bring communities together and foster cultural understanding, programs must be designed intentionally to ensure access for English learners by, for example, offering accessible program information for Spanish-speaking families. Read the full Education Week story ➡️ https://lnkd.in/er8zB_w3 #EducationEquity #StudentSuccess #DualLanguage 

McAllen Public Library is partnering with South Texas College to offer free GED and English as a Second Language classes beginning Oct. 13. https://lnkd.in/g4HhmM5a

A number of teachers used their grant dollars to fill gaps for students whose families were unable to provide school supplies. https://lnkd.in/gkEvmzq3

🤟 Every classroom is stronger when every voice is heard, whether it's spoken or signed. On International Day of Sign Languages, we’re highlighting the power of inclusive education and the educators who make it possible. Through justteachers SEND Support, we offer rewarding opportunities for educators to work with students with additional needs, helping them thrive in schools where education speaks every language, including sign 💙 #SignLanguages #InclusiveEducation #TeachingOpportunities #Education #InternationalDayOfSignLanguages

EduGlow #37: Peer Mentors with Purpose In Bluff City, Tennessee, high schoolers are helping to teach Spanish. Last month, Spanish peer mentors from Sullivan East High School in Tennessee spent time helping 5th-graders at three elementary schools build language skills through games, conversation, and encouragement. Many of the mentors have completed advanced Spanish coursework and even earned college credits. Now, they’re stepping into classrooms as tutors, role models, and instructors, and possibly encouraging the younger students to take Spanish when they get to high school. When students step into classrooms, younger kids feel seen and motivated, and older students gain confidence and purpose. It’s a seemingly small investment with a huge payoff for everyone involved.

According to DfE data, only 37% of Early Career Teachers report that their teacher training prepared them well for teaching in multilingual classrooms, despite them being the norm in today’s schools.   Our interactive story outlines the key policy changes that are needed to ensure that schools are equipped to help multilingual schoolchildren thrive alongside their peers at school. Thank you to our contributors from across the sector who spoke to us about ways to support this group of learners in reaching their full potential. Do take a look.   

On this #EuropeanDayofLanguages we want to celebrate the incredible linguistic diversity in our schools and how it can enrich children’s learning. More than one in five schoolchildren in England speak another language at home. Many of them are new to English when they join school and face barriers to accessing the curriculum and unlocking their potential. Although multilingual classrooms are becoming the norm, this group of learners are almost invisible in education policy.  What opportunities should we be maximising to support learners who speak English as an Additional Language (EAL)? In our new interactive story we hear directly from experts, teachers, and learners themselves. Together we unpack the myths and opportunities around learning English at school, and what needs to change. Explore it now! https://lnkd.in/eregK8eC  A big thank you to Sufian Sadiq, Laura Tarantini-Amor, Marabee Fountain, Steve Strand, Agata Russe, Jo Hutchinson, James Searle, Chiltern Teaching School, City Academy Bristol, Harris Federation for their contributions. #LanguagesDay 

For the past three years, Melbourne Grammar School’s involvement in the 'Cultures of Thinking' program has been helping teachers create richer, more engaging learning environments. It is designed to deepen student understanding and empower young people in the classroom. Led by renowned educator Ron Ritchhart, the initiative encourages staff to observe colleagues, attend tailored workshops and run their own action research projects. English teacher John Donaldson shares how the program inspired him to shift his teaching approach, giving students a greater voice and ownership of their learning. Read the full story here: https://lnkd.in/gMdT_AcX #melboournegrammarschool #melbournegrammar

📚 What are tiered vocabulary levels—and why should ELL teachers care? Not all words are created equal. Today’s tip breaks down Tier 1, 2, & 3 vocabulary so you can teach smarter and boost comprehension fast! Vocabulary ELL teacher ESL MLL education bilingual multilingual

📚 Daily ELL Tip: Visuals & realia aren’t just “extras”—they’re essential. 🧠 They bridge language gaps, ground abstract concepts, and help ELLs see what they’re learning. Show it and say it. Always. esl mll enl esol multilingual education teacher