How To Support English Language Learners (ELLs)

By: Dr. John Lesko, Associate Professor of School of Education Professions. Originally Published 12/5/2020. Updated on 2/24/2025 by CCU.

Imagine stepping into a classroom where every student feels valued, understood, and empowered — where overcoming the language barrier becomes an opportunity for connection, and learning knows no boundaries. For educators working with English Language Learners (ELLs), creating this environment is an aspiration and an achievable goal through intentional strategies, collaboration, and a commitment to growth.

An estimated 10% of US public school students speak English as a second language (National Center for Education Statistics). English language learners come from a variety of heritage language backgrounds.

ELLs bring diverse experiences, perspectives, and potential to the classroom, enriching the learning community as a whole. However, ensuring these students succeed requires effort, patience, and an understanding of their unique needs.

Educators can foster empathy, build strong relationships, and implement effective teaching strategies to create an inclusive and supportive space where all students can thrive. Here are some proven tips to help teachers support ELLs and cultivate an environment that celebrates diversity, encourages growth, and promotes academic success.

Understanding English Language Learners

English Language Learners are students who are non-native English speakers and are navigating the complexities of learning English as a second language. These students come from a variety of cultural and linguistic backgrounds, each bringing unique experiences and perspectives to the classroom. Understanding ELLs' diverse needs and challenges is crucial for teachers aiming to provide effective instruction and support.

ELLs may range from beginners, who are just starting to grasp basic English, to advanced learners, who are refining their language skills. Recognizing this spectrum of language proficiency helps educators tailor their teaching strategies to meet each student’s specific needs. By creating an inclusive environment that respects and values the native languages and cultures of ELLs, teachers can create a supportive space where all students feel empowered to succeed.

Get to Know Your Students Personally

Building strong relationships with your students begins with getting to know them on a personal level. Start by asking yourself the following two questions:

• What language(s) do they speak?
• What do you know of their previous academic and cultural backgrounds?

Based on this knowledge, learn a few words and phrases to use with students and their families. Perhaps even ask them to teach you some expressions in their language. Hearing a friendly greeting in their native language reminds students of your interest in their well-being and your value and respect for their home language and culture.

Understanding these dynamics allows you to create a more inclusive and supportive atmosphere where every student can thrive. This approach is essential for effective language acquisition, as it helps educators support English Language Learners through various techniques and strategies.

Recognize Different English Language Proficiency Levels

It is essential to understand that students’ ability to engage in social conversations does not always align with their academic language proficiency. Social language, the everyday communication students use with peers and teachers, often develops more quickly because it is rooted in informal interactions and familiar contexts.

Academic language proficiency does not necessarily match a student’s ability to interact and converse socially. Recognizing this distinction is critical for educators as they work to provide balanced support for both social and academic language growth.

Teachers can implement strategies that nurture both types of language proficiency to support students effectively. For example, they can facilitate group work, cooperative projects, or peer tutoring sessions to encourage social interactions. These allow students to build connections and practice conversational skills in a supportive setting.

By addressing both domains, educators empower students to succeed academically and build meaningful relationships within the school community. This holistic approach fosters confidence and ensures that all students feel equipped to thrive in various linguistic contexts. Effective ESL instruction, including scaffolding and cultural awareness, is crucial for fostering student engagement and fluency.

Adjust Expectations and Assessment Methods

Offering more time to complete assignments, perhaps even using alternative assessments, can reduce some of the immense pressure and stress English language learners face as they work toward academic language proficiency. This can significantly enhance student achievement by making learning more accessible and inclusive.

Educators can better accommodate these needs by offering flexible options, such as extended deadlines and personalized support during assignments. So, be creative in devising comprehension checks and ask yourself, “Is there another way for my student to demonstrate competency in this area?”

For example, allowing students to complete an artistic representation, participate in an informal interview, or deliver a presentation can provide clearer insights into their knowledge and progress. This approach shifts the focus from potential language barriers to the student’s grasp of concepts.

Build Strong Family Connections

Work to build relationships on a foundation of trust. Intercultural events are a time to do this and share histories, culinary traditions, and other interesting aspects of the diverse cultures represented in your classrooms. Depending on the need, bilingual support can be useful in communicating with students and their families.

Organizing intercultural events where families can share their histories, traditions, or cuisines provides an opportunity to celebrate diversity and create a sense of community in your classroom. These events enable educators, parents, and students to connect personally, breaking down barriers and forming a foundation of mutual understanding.

By meaningfully involving families and accommodating their unique needs, educators create a collaborative network where students are supported both inside and outside the classroom. This enables enhanced learning outcomes and overall success. Creating such supportive environments helps students learn through differentiated instruction and cultural awareness.

Collaborate with Other Educators

Collaboration among educators is a powerful tool for supporting English Language Learners and enhancing teaching practices. Fellow teachers, support staff, and colleagues serving in other schools are excellent sources of support. Don’t hesitate to reach out to discuss issues and concerns and share your own recommendations for success. ESL teachers play a crucial role in this collaboration by advocating for student needs and employing tailored strategies to address ELLs' social, emotional, and academic challenges.

Regular discussions with colleagues provide opportunities to exchange ideas on effective methods for scaffolding instruction, adapting lesson plans, and managing diverse classroom dynamics. This teamwork benefits students and fosters a sense of collective responsibility and shared purpose among educators.

Beyond informal discussions, professional development opportunities are essential for deepening collaboration and broadening instructional perspectives. Educators can stay informed about the latest research-based practices and innovative strategies by attending workshops, seminars, and conferences.

Focus on Academic Language and Literacy

Academic language and literacy are critical components for English language learners to access grade-level content and achieve academic success. Unlike social language, which is used in everyday interactions, academic language involves the vocabulary, grammar, and discourse patterns necessary for understanding and engaging with academic texts and tasks.

Teachers can support ELLs by providing explicit instruction in academic language and literacy. This includes teaching subject-specific vocabulary, modeling complex sentence structures, and offering scaffolding to help students navigate challenging texts. Additionally, it is essential to create opportunities for students to practice reading, writing, speaking, and listening in academic contexts.

Focusing on these areas can help educators help ELLs develop the language skills needed to comprehend and produce academic content, thereby enhancing their overall academic achievement and confidence.

Incorporate Technology to Enhance Language Learning

Incorporating technology into the classroom can significantly enhance English language learning. Digital tools, such as language learning apps, online resources, and multimedia materials, offer interactive and engaging ways to practice and develop language skills.

Teachers can use these tools to create dynamic lessons that cater to the diverse needs of ELLs. Language learning apps can provide personalized practice in vocabulary and grammar, while online resources offer a wealth of reading and listening materials tailored to different proficiency levels. Multimedia materials, such as videos and interactive games, can make learning more engaging and accessible.

Moreover, technology allows for immediate feedback, enabling students to refine their language skills in real time. By integrating these digital resources into their teaching, educators can create a more inclusive and effective learning environment that supports the language development of all students.

Supporting ELLs Through Collaboration and Growth

Supporting English Language Learners is a multifaceted process that requires dedication, empathy, and collaboration. By building strong connections with students, families, and colleagues, educators lay the foundation for a truly inclusive learning environment.

Understanding the unique strengths and challenges of ELLs allows teachers to implement targeted strategies that promote both academic achievement and social-emotional growth. An ESL teacher plays a crucial role in this process by being patient, culturally responsive, and collaborative in their approach to teaching.

When educators recognize the importance of addressing diverse language proficiency levels, adjusting teaching practices, and advocating for equitable assessment methods, they empower students to overcome barriers and reach their full potential.

The success of English Language Learners depends on the collective efforts of a supportive school community. Every commitment to professional development, intercultural connection, or individualized instruction creates ripple effects that enhance learning outcomes and foster a thriving, diverse classroom culture.

By focusing on collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement, educators not only enrich the lives of their students but also contribute to a more equitable and inclusive educational system. Supporting ELLs is not just a task — it is an ongoing opportunity to inspire, uplift, and create lasting change.

CCU Master’s in Education in TESOL

Supporting English language learners and other segments of the diverse student populations in United States schools can be challenging for educators, yet eminently rewarding. CCU’s Master’s In Education in TESOL offers teachers an opportunity to hone their techniques in working with diverse learners. This includes specialized strategies and techniques for teaching English Language Learners to address their unique educational needs.