A1 Good evening #ELLCHAT friends! I’m Karen Nemeth, co host of #ELLCHAT I’m an author/consultant focusing on PD for early childhood educators on teaching children who are DLLs/ELLs (from eastern PA)
I’m Lisa Payne-I’m new here. :) I teach early childhood special education in Kansas, but also Work with ELL students at the EC level to help determine difference versus disability in the gen ed preschool rooms. #ellchat
A2) As a consultant, I provide all kinds of PD from workshops to coaching; data analysis to program development. At this time of year, it's all about data analysis and planning for next year. #ellchat
At the risk of sounding under-educated in all things Twitter-is the best way to see all the comments that follow this evening’s PLN of #ellchat to refresh the page and see what’s new??
#ELLCHAT A2 I am a member of the advisory committee helping administer a grant @ps received to build a teaching and learning center. I am delighted that the needs of our #ELLs are being taken into account. One big line of funding is going to internationalizing the curriculum.
A2 Our admin decided a few years ago to give one grade level team meeting a month to EL PD. I was lucky to be able to lead this work. We have had a schoolwide shift for our ELs. #ellchat
#ellchat Q2: As the sole #ELD teacher (45 #EnglishLearners in #ELD classes with me and mainstreamed for rest), I'm a fierce advocate for educational #equity for them. Happy to collaborate with content teachers.
A2: Being new to ELL in the K-12 field, my role currently is to advocate more inclusive instruction in the general education classroom. The other ELL teacher did a cultural identity PD in November, it was awesome! #ELLCHAT
A2) I encourage pre- and in-service teacher candidates who are working with ELs in school settings to create PD (in different forms) that meets the needs of their teaching setting. #ELLCHAT
A2: Job-embedded PD is major part of my role as instructional coach. Also, I work with ESL PLC & provide trainings for teachers, admin, & staff #ELLChat
A2) I have only 3 ESL teachers in my district. Most of our PD occurs with the four of us sitting around a table discussing ideas, issues, and solutions. I am always attending some kind of PD, so I turnkey whenever possible. #ellchat
A2 I create & provide PD for teachers and administrators. In addition, I support ESL teachers as they build capacity on their campus or the district level to provide PD #ELLCHAT
A2: I am the only ENL teacher so I led a PD on ELLs and try to provide additional info on best practices and collaboration to content teachers #ELLCHAT
#ellchat Q2: As the sole #ELD teacher (45 #EnglishLearners in #ELD classes with me and mainstreamed for rest), I'm a fierce advocate for educational #equity for them. Happy to collaborate with content teachers.
A2 as campus T: PLC planning, PBIS and Culturally Responsive Literature. Currently at district level PD for ESL instruction & working on more content PD that addresses the needs of ELs. #ELLCHAT
All questions welcome! Most of us use an app that creates columns for each hashtag we follow, like Hootsuite or Tweetdeck. But, if you follow on your phone, type #ELLCHAT in search box and keep refreshing
If you tweet, include #ELLCHAT and # of question you answer
At the risk of sounding under-educated in all things Twitter-is the best way to see all the comments that follow this evening’s PLN of #ellchat to refresh the page and see what’s new??
A2) I have only 3 ESL teachers in my district. Most of our PD occurs with the four of us sitting around a table discussing ideas, issues, and solutions. I am always attending some kind of PD, so I turnkey whenever possible. #ellchat
A2 Sometimes, your important roll in PD could be just to attend the curriculum PD provided for gen ed teachers so THEY know you know what they’re doing! #ELLCHAT
A2) I’m really looking forward to getting my ESL teachers to lead PD for their colleagues next year. They don’t want to hear from me over and over, and I want my fabulous teachers sharing their expertise! #ellchat
A2) Our "Role of the #ESL Teacher" section includes resources on leading PD, advocacy, and collaboration -- it is great to see so many examples of these tonight in the posts! https://t.co/1g9IwQfYBb#ELLchat
#ellchat Q2: As the sole #ELD teacher (45 #EnglishLearners in #ELD classes with me and mainstreamed for rest), I'm a fierce advocate for educational #equity for them. Happy to collaborate with content teachers.
A2 in addition, I support teachers by providing classroom demonstrations - lessons that are language rich. Groups of teachers come in and observe followed by a debriefing #ELLCHAT
A2 I coach Ts in the classroom as well. My district ESL teachers (18 campuses) are responsible for content and language instruction. Trying to merge the two so that it’s not seen as separate. #ELLCHAT
A2) The ELL population in my district is growing slowly and is becoming more significant at 6-12. I’m really excited to get some PD and strategies to teachers who have never taught ELLs before. #ellchat
#ELLCHAT A2 I am grateful that inclusion and issues around #ESOL are regularly incorporated into our annual inservice. I am glad to share with my colleagues and also learn about the challenges they face including #ELLs in their classrooms.
Q3) What are the deficits you think exist in current professional development programs for teachers of ELLs that you have in your schoo/districtl? #ELLCHAT
Years ago as an #ESL teacher, I found myself beginning to advocate for #ELLs on my campus. No matter your role, you can advocate too.
Advocacy takes on multiple forms. Here’s how you can be a CHANGE MAKER!
#ellchat#ELs
#ELLCHAT A3: It’s hard to get consistent PD and follow-through when there are many priorities at the district or school level. ELs are usually an add on or a one-off, rather than consistently integrated into other PD
A3 I go back to college programs. MOST districts now have preK, but almost no teacher prep programs for elementary, principal, or ESL teach any courses about 3 - 5 year olds. So how is ANYONE doing PD for young ELLs/DLLs? #ELLCHAT
A3) Some undergraduate programs still do not include much focus on ELD--unimaginable, but true! So PD for inservice teachers often has to cover the basics of language acquisition and support strategies. #ELLchat
Q3) What are the deficits you think exist in current professional development programs for teachers of ELLs that you have in your schoo/districtl? #ELLCHAT
A3: There is great PD out there for EL teachers. It's a matter of time being the deficit. There is so much work to do with compliance and instruction.#ELLCHAT
A3 A district deficit that I have come across is not having the expectation that all teachers are language teachers. All teachers need PD in this area. All Ts, and their Ss, would benefit from an ESL endorsement. #ellchat
A3: Common language & connection to other initiatives so ELL-specific issues aren't discounted. Need for Ts to see ELL PD is applicable even if they currently don't have an ELL in class. #ELLChat
A2 Sometimes, your important roll in PD could be just to attend the curriculum PD provided for gen ed teachers so THEY know you know what they’re doing! #ELLCHAT
A3- imho it's bigger than just PD re:#ELs. Districts miss the mark when they don't help core teachers focus on the meat of their curriculum. It would help ALL at-risk Ss if instruction focused on proficiency, rather than quantity. #minimalism#nomoreworksheets#ELLCHAT
A3) When I first started to teach ESL, this was the case in the district where I taught. It took many years & persistence on my part to get PD for classroom teachers of ELLs. #ELLCHAT
#ELLCHAT A3: It’s hard to get consistent PD and follow-through when there are many priorities at the district or school level. ELs are usually an add on or a one-off, rather than consistently integrated into other PD
It's a momentous challenge. As a person who is sometimes too exhausted for more PD myself, I can relate to the reluctance of Ts to come in summer. But just your presence and shared resources might be something. You prob. make more of a difference than you know. #ELLCHAT
#ELLCHAT for me, there isn’t a lot of ELL training that occurs at the EC level. I office share with a bi-lingual SLP, and that’s where most of my ELL PD happens-just as we share cases. I feel good about the Spanish population most of the time-but May struggle with other languages
If I didn't teach at an ESL "camp" over the summer I wouldn't have experience with any ELLs other than Spanish speakers. I teach teens from all over the world there. #ELLCHAT
#ELLCHAT for me, there isn’t a lot of ELL training that occurs at the EC level. I office share with a bi-lingual SLP, and that’s where most of my ELL PD happens-just as we share cases. I feel good about the Spanish population most of the time-but May struggle with other languages
A3- I believe the ESL program design in elem doesn’t match the PD available: We need more content and ELD because that is the reality for ESL Ts. T new to leave PD & move it straight to their day to day learning blocks. #ELLCHAT
A3 I agree, Beth. Studies have shown that language development (even just one language) is least covered topic in teacher ed. They don’t even know what they don’t know! #ELLCHAT
A3) Some undergraduate programs still do not include much focus on ELD--unimaginable, but true! So PD for inservice teachers often has to cover the basics of language acquisition and support strategies. #ELLchat
Q3) What are the deficits you think exist in current professional development programs for teachers of ELLs that you have in your schoo/districtl? #ELLCHAT
A2) I find that many ESL teachers do not attend general curriculum development meetings. Is is the best place for us to make sure the curriculum takes ELLs into account. #ELLCHAT
A2 Sometimes, your important roll in PD could be just to attend the curriculum PD provided for gen ed teachers so THEY know you know what they’re doing! #ELLCHAT
A3) PD for ESL Ts should include how to collaborate with monolingual Ts. Often the 2 grps feel separate. Here is an example of a co-plan sheet https://t.co/aUN8UKw3Gg#ELLCHAT
A3 in early childhood, it is extremely critical that supports for 1st and 2nd language learning must be embedded all day, every day. So…. how can you support that if you aren’t in those curriculum trainings??? #ELLCHAT
A3) With a growing 6-12 ESL population, I’m also working on incorporating PD for the guidance dept to support them in decisions regarding ELLs so we are not only doing what’s best for the kids but are also compliant with code. Code can be intimidating to take on alone! #ellchat
A3 There is major power in T action research @TeachingChannel and @ELL_confianza have great resources around Ts driving their professional learning. #ELLCHAT
Indeed--most of my secondary ELD PD is content specific. I provide support for math, science, social studies teachers as focused workshops directed to their needs. They seem to be able to transfer strategies more readily that way. #ellchat
A3- I believe the ESL program design in elem doesn’t match the PD available: We need more content and ELD because that is the reality for ESL Ts. T new to leave PD & move it straight to their day to day learning blocks. #ELLCHAT
A3 - yes! and this leads to a deficit in PD: this whole idea that anyone who attends a training is skilled and prepared enough to “turnkey” that!! #ELLCHAT
A3 Fixed Mindset - Ts want a magic pill strategy to work on any/all their ELLs, but are reluctant to change their instructional mindset which fixates on content.
A3 I also think we are missing opportunities to address the other groups our ELs often belong to, such as low SES and racial/ethnic minorities. These issues bring their own sets of challenges, in addition to lang proficiency. PD on this would be helpful.
#ELLCHAT
A3) I agree! I find a big problem in most of the school districts that I have visited is that admins don't attend PD and don't follow up that it is being implemented by teachers. #ELLCHAT
I attend the district level curriculum meetings. However at the campus level, I do believe it’s critical for ESL teachers to plan alongside gen ed teachers whenever possible. Co planning for co teaching #ellchat
A2) I find that many ESL teachers do not attend general curriculum development meetings. Is is the best place for us to make sure the curriculum takes ELLs into account. #ELLCHAT
A2 Sometimes, your important roll in PD could be just to attend the curriculum PD provided for gen ed teachers so THEY know you know what they’re doing! #ELLCHAT
A3 also - in early ed, so many programs add bilingual paraprofessional because they can’t find cert. bilingual tchrs. But, paras get far less PD than tchers => creates quality gap for ELLs/DLLs #ELLCHAT
A3: The issue of follow up and implementation of new learning is key. Another area instructional coaches can assist with since they attend PD with teachers. #ELLChat
A3 this is good idea for middle school. Similarly, in preK, family workers and social workers need that kind of PD. They are often put in decision making positions about ELLs/DLLs - and have no preparation for that! #ELLCHAT
A3) With a growing 6-12 ESL population, I’m also working on incorporating PD for the guidance dept to support them in decisions regarding ELLs so we are not only doing what’s best for the kids but are also compliant with code. Code can be intimidating to take on alone! #ellchat
Q4) What are the elements of a good PD? What successful PD program for teachers of ELLs have you attended in your district? Why did you like it? This question includes programs for all tchrs of ELLs. #ELLCHAT
A3: My school ELL population is very small so I feel students often get overlooked. Many content teachers reached out to me sharing lessons and materials, but that has not continued throughout the year. Lack of consistent ELL PD beyond compliance and testing. #ELLCHAT
#ELLCHAT A3 Many Ts of #ELLs do not see themselves as such, and do not differentiate between learning a new language and having a learning disability or coming from an underserved background. These are different issues, but they get conflated as remediation.
A3) With a growing 6-12 ESL population, I’m also working on incorporating PD for the guidance dept to support them in decisions regarding ELLs so we are not only doing what’s best for the kids but are also compliant with code. Code can be intimidating to take on alone! #ellchat
#ELLCHAT I have been coaching my teachers on how to use the bilingual T.A. they are afforded. For my ELLs who are not Spanish speaking, it’s been a bit trickier to support Berber in the classroom.
A3 I recently heard a teacher rave about a “fun” song-based workshop on teaching DLLs. It is important to ask questions about quality and content, not be bowled over by a good sales pitch #ELLCHAT
If you can't physically get into a classroom, you can watch videos online. The TESOL grad programs in NY have us watching ELLs on video a lot. #ELLCHAT
Q4) What are the elements of a good PD? What successful PD program for teachers of ELLs have you attended in your district? Why did you like it? This question includes programs for all tchrs of ELLs. #ELLCHAT
A4: I try to structurePD with a knowledge and strategy building session followed by lesson study or coaching. I also follow up with admins via email with look for. Admins need support too! #ELLCHAT
A4 Many supervisors ask me how they can support/coach bilingual tchrs if they use different lang in class. Some let tchr use video for self evaluation, then discuss with them #ELLCHAT
A4: Good PD includes meaningful interaction, gets you up and moving, allows you to apply what you're learning to your own context, is sustained (not just one day!), includes job-embedded components, makes you laugh, and acknowledges many voices/perspectives
#ELLCHAT
Q4) What are the elements of a good PD? What successful PD program for teachers of ELLs have you attended in your district? Why did you like it? This question includes programs for all tchrs of ELLs. #ELLCHAT
Q4) What are the elements of a good PD? What successful PD program for teachers of ELLs have you attended in your district? Why did you like it? This question includes programs for all tchrs of ELLs. #ELLCHAT
I work with the At Risk programs: Head Start and Jump Start. Some of the teachers do not hold a B.S., let alone an ELL endorsement. I’m an ECSE, currently working on my ELL endorsement, but the coursework is really geared more toward elementary. I’d love more on EC specific strat
A4: One of the more successful PDs about teaching ELLs used existing PLC structure for Ts to apply what they were learning about ELLs. It was spread out over semester. #ELLChat
A4:Most successful PD I gave our staff was spending 5 minutes talking to them in Croatian while going over a handout that was written in German & Arabic. Suddenly they had more #empathy 4 the #ELs in their class. Segued into teaching w/visual cues & good body language. #Ellchat
A4: I think great PD has something every teacher can learn and apply in the classroom. Some of the best PD I’ve had where ELLs were included have been in a webinar like the one I was just in with Alison@theprimarypond. #ELLCHAT
So, I’m not really on an island, is that what you’re saying? :) I’d love to be a part of education, PD and strategy development/trials at the EC level. #ELLCHAT
A4: I got to preview an upcoming PD over SIOP and teaching it as a best practice for all SS. Also showed how to write a language & content Obj together #ELLChat
A4: Certainly it's NOT "sit and get." Adult learning theory says we need time to make connections & integrate new learning w/ what already know. #ELLChat
A4) Collaboration and applicability are key to quality PD. Ending PD by giving Ts an opportunity to plan how they will realistically use new strategies in upcoming lessons gives them time to troubleshoot, ask questions, and walk away confident and excited! #ellchat
A4) I think good PD has to give Ts some practical practices and give them time to reflect what they learn. (It doesnt have to be right after session. It could be a long-term, gradual reflection) #ellchat
A4 A year-long model from NY: trainer meets w/ leaders, identifies goals w/staff, 3 all day trainings for tchrs planned months apart, give them things to try and report back at next all-day, and arrange workshops for paras on same goals in between, then all share. #ELLCHAT
This is a fabulous strategy! @DStaehrFenner describes using a German lesson in math & a parent form in Arabic in Chapter 2 of her book "Advocating for ELs" https://t.co/H03Z8iIGUJ#ELLchat
In reply to
@MadameMoodle, @judiehaynes, @DStaehrFenner
A4: The best PD has been with other ENL teachers who provide resources that I can easily share with content teachers and can be implemented quickly #ELLCHAT
#ELLCHAT A4 one of the best traits of a good PD is specificity. If you are teaching me to solve issue X, while my mind is on problem Y, I will not benefit. Having teacher driven PD, with S need as focus is the best!
A4 I worry when the whole staff has been trained such as linguistic/cultural awareness but bus drive says “stop speaking that gibberish on my bus!” or receptionist acts annoyed at accent, or cook doesn’t understand food traditions #ELLCHAT
A4) One of the best PD programs for tchrs of ELLs that I arranged for was a panel of parents answering prewritten questions about culture. It cleared up a lot of misconceptions and the tchrs loved it. #ELLCHAT
A4 I attended a Institute from @TCRWP for units of studies and supporting your ELs. This was a great training that allowed me to see literacy instruction with the lens of ELs needs. https://t.co/BtIB5PPQq8. #ellchat
A4) Last week we had a PD regarding reclassification and how content Ts will be involved in that process. What I found engaging was the use of #EdLab. Our ESL specialists hosted a podcast style PD that we could listen to at our own pace and then have Qs answered live. #ELLCHAT
A4 Maybe nothing is more important than full participation of principals, supervisors. No real gains achieved if leaders show no interest and have no idea how to lead towards improvement #ELLChat
A4) Last week we had a PD regarding reclassification and how content Ts will be involved in that process. What I found engaging was the use of #EdLab. Our ESL specialists hosted a podcast style PD that we could listen to at our own pace and then have Qs answered live. #ELLCHAT
I always answer culture questions for other teachers. Im half Puerto Rican. While most ELLs are Hispanic at the school, only a small percent of the teachers are. #ELLCHAT
A4) One of the best PD programs for tchrs of ELLs that I arranged for was a panel of parents answering prewritten questions about culture. It cleared up a lot of misconceptions and the tchrs loved it. #ELLCHAT
A4 Twitter chats and book studies. Follow #Ellchat_BkClub, I am not able to keep up sometimes but questions and book suggestions are always available. ❤️ #ELLCHAT
A4 Head Start provides excellent guidance on strategic use of consultants to affect change in serving DLLs/ELLshttps://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/impacting-change-ncclr.pdf #ELLCHAT
The last few years I was able to be released from my pull out teaching schedule for a whole day 1x each semester to facilitate P.D. for each grade level during their grade level planning meetings. #ellchat
#ELLCHAT, it's been so long. I'm sorry to have missed so many chats! Trying to get back into things! Lately it's been pedal to the metal! Enjoying reading the chats afterwards though!
A4 High quality professional development always begins with a commitment from leaders to make time available, to plan effectively, and to invest in best people and resources #ELLCHAT
A5: Teaching for Biliteracy training was crucial for working with bilingual and dual teachers. I went to ASCD this year and went to all the EL-focused PD I could find. Most PD was designed for new to EL teachers. #Ellchat_BkClub and Twitter save me! #ELLCHAT
A5: Conferences for ELL teachers like #TESOL18 can help you build valuable connections with like-minded educators. State events like #IowaCLC18 also invaluable. #ELLChat
A5) I attended TESOL for many years but I have switched over to some mainstream teacher groups such as ASCD. I am active in #njtesolbe which is a priority for me. #ELLCHAT
A5) I think regional/state affiliate #TESOL conferences are great because they include local teachers, leaders, univ. faculty, and families and offer a chance to go deep on local/state/regional issues #ELLchat
A3 Many teachers say their #Earlyed curriculum doesn’t support DLLs/ELLs. I don’t get that - if you spend many thousands $$, why school doesn’t feel comfortable demanding support from vendor??? #ELLCHAT
A5) Whenever possible I attend PD on ELLs offered by the NJDOE. Also looking forward to the @NJPSA ELL Summit and the @NJTESOL_NJBE spring conference! #ellchat
Love FREE #PD in your PJs? Love choice? #madpd offers @ 100 presentations on May 6th. I will be presenting on #interactivewordwalls at 11 am CST 12 pm EST. Join us and invite your friends! https://t.co/04oYNIhY1g
#ELLCHAT A5 It can. I think good PD can come from any source that provides competent assistance where it is needed. Sometimes we can do it in-house. Sometimes travel to conferences. Sometimes find a specialist to bring us something new. We need to actively choose what fits...
A5: I did a livestream session with @ELL_confianza in Februrary where I could video chat with specialists and educators. The site is helpful with blog posts and resources. I have frequently used this site since. #ELLCHAT
#ELLCHAT A6 We use a great combination of things, some of which are online. The most important thing is to find something we can actually use, not just theoretical discussions.
We started with a blank lesson template from WIDA and a lesson they had previously taught and collaborated to write MPIs for the lesson from levels 1-5. Training focused on 3 types of supports and content/Lang. Obj. #ELLCHAT
A5: As an outside consultant, I try to empower my teachers to grow their talents and develop internal capacity. It’s a challenge to do homegrown PD only when you’re the only ESL teacher k-12 or you’ve only got tutors in the district. #ELLCHAT
