5 Informative Blogs for ELL Teachers

ELLs in the UK
Teaching Adult Education
Colorin Colorado
A Day in the Life
English Abroad

Teachers of ELLs (English language learners) specialize in language development and quite often do not teach a content in a regular classroom. Due to the nature of the work, many ELL teachers collaborate with colleagues in unconventional ways. One way for ELL teachers to feel connected to other teachers is by reading blogs.

1. ELLs in the UK

Samuel Shepherd has a decade of teaching experience in various countries, but writes most about ELLs in England. He discusses new research, how to use technology in the classroom, and includes interesting photos of his teaching methods. He writes long, detailed, and engaging posts every few days. His writing is smart and relevant, covering many issues that are refreshingly distanced from American politics.

2. Teaching Adult Education

Dr. Robin Lovrien Schwartz has a master’s degree in Special Education in addition to her PhD. She has over forty years experience teaching English language learners. She writes blog posts several times each year, but the content that she covers is unique and valuable even though she’s not a frequent poster. The overlap of language learning and special education is a developing field and her unusually qualified perspective is very valuable to language teachers. Readers who find they have a connection to the information Dr. Schwartz writes about can find her academic publications online or even attend talks that she gives at professional conferences.

3. Colorin Colorado

Most teachers of ELLs have used Colorin Colorado as a resource at some point. Their blog is curated, rather than content being generated by a single author. The topics are current, relevant, and universally helpful for all types of English language teachers. The website is comprehensive and practical, and the blog focuses on helping ELLs meet Common Core standards. The Common Core is rigorous and can be difficult even for native English speakers. The strategies presented here help support teachers to help support their students.

4. A Day in the Life

Full of lively photos, the Lincoln High School ESOL Blog is an inspiration to all teachers. LHS is located in Canterbury, New Zealand, and hosts students from many countries. A basic level of English is an entrance requirement, but all students must take an ESOL class as a foreign language requirement. Regularly updated for the past five years, their blog reads like a reality television show following students as they complete projects, organize events, welcome exchange students, work hard and celebrate successes. The focus is on student engagement and creating a positive culture where students are motivated to support each other to achieve academically.

5. English Abroad

Whether a reader wants to teach English abroad, online, or even in the United States, JimmyEsl is a resource that includes anything a teacher of ELLs needs to know. Searchable or browsable, the site has eye-catching photos that enrich the informative text in a positive way. The site is regularly updated, sometimes and fans can even apply to write their own guest blog post. In addition to huge amounts of information, there is even a section where people can search for jobs.

Using the Internet to stay informed and connected to colleagues all over the world is a wonderful strategy for teachers of ELLs. Things change so quickly in the world of education and regularly updated blogs are an easy way to get ideas from other educators.