The First Weeks of Being an ESL Teacher: A Journey to Success

Starting your journey as an ESL (English as a Second Language) teacher can be both exciting and daunting. The first few weeks are crucial for setting the foundation for a successful year. Here’s a roadmap to help you navigate this important period and ensure you’re setting your students up for success. Listen to my podcast episode on this topic here. 

1. Getting to Know Your Students

Begin by conducting short interviews with each student. This is an invaluable opportunity to learn about their interests, backgrounds, and personalities. Ask questions about their favorite subjects, hobbies, and any previous experiences with English. Understanding who they are will help you tailor your teaching methods to meet their needs.

2. Assessing English Proficiency and Content Knowledge

Early assessment is key. Start by evaluating your students’ English proficiency and their background knowledge in various content areas. Use a combination of formal assessments and informal observations. This will give you a clear picture of where each student stands and what areas require more focus. You can check my progress monitoring spreadsheet here and my progress monitoring materials here. 

3. Planning for Progress Monitoring

To track your students' development, plan to monitor their progress at the beginning, middle, and end of the year. Focus on a specific language function, such as sequencing, comparing and contrasting, or describing. Embed these language functions within content areas like science to make the learning relevant and engaging. Regular progress monitoring will help you adjust your teaching strategies and provide targeted support where needed. Progress monitoring your students at the beginning, middle and end of the year is suggested, however if you have a big caseload try your best to progress monitor at the beginning and end of the year, or pick a smaller group of students to progress monitor three times during the year. Check out my Speaking Checklist to assess speaking progress throughout the year. 

4. Creating ELD Small Groups

With assessment data in hand, start forming your English Language Development (ELD) small groups. Look at WIDA scores, progress monitoring information, and any other relevant data, including previous year's records. Sometimes, a deeper dive into student files can provide additional insights. Group students with similar needs to provide focused and effective instruction. Listen to the podcast episode on creating ELD groups here. 

5. Building Relationships with Colleagues

If you’re teaching at an elementary school, it's essential to collaborate with the other teachers. Meet with your colleagues to build relationships and discuss how you can support their classrooms. This teamwork will create a more cohesive learning environment for the students and help you integrate language support into the broader curriculum.

6. Organizing Your Small Group Teaching Area

A well-organized teaching area can significantly enhance your effectiveness. Ensure you have the necessary materials, such as:

• Small whiteboards

• Expo markers

• Clipboards

• A calendar

• A table

• Pocket charts

• Anchor chart paper that sticks to the walls

These tools will help you conduct engaging and interactive small group sessions. Keep your area tidy and accessible, so you can maximize teaching time and minimize disruptions. Check out my list of essential materials for ESL/ELD teachers here. 

The first weeks as an ESL teacher are about laying the groundwork for a successful year. By getting to know your students, assessing their abilities, planning for progress monitoring, forming effective ELD groups, building relationships with colleagues, and organizing your teaching space, you'll create an environment where your students can thrive. Remember, the effort you invest now will pay off throughout the year, leading to significant growth and achievement for your students.