Reflections
-
EP 177 3 Time-Management Mistakes ESL Teachers Make (and How to Stop Them)
Welcome, educators. Before we dive in, I want to take a moment to acknowledge you. If you’re reading this during your planning period, late in the evening, or while mentally reviewing tomorrow’s lessons—you’re not alone. This time of year can feel especially heavy. Lesson plans, grading, assessments, data tracking, compliance folders, meetings, emails, and the constant pressure to keep instruction engaging often collide all at once. And if you’ve found yourself staying late after school or bringing work home—again—just to feel caught up, I see you. I’ve been there too. Before we go any further, here’s what you need to hear: you are doing an incredible job. You’re showing up…
-
EP 176 But My Class Is Too Big / I Don’t Have Time — Can I Still Build Real Relationships?
Hey teacher friend — before we go any further, I want to acknowledge where you are right now. You’re teaching.You’re planning.You’re grading.You’re attending meetings.You’re managing behavior, supporting language development, and keeping up with the endless flow of responsibilities that come with being an ESL teacher. And through all of that, you’re trying to build genuine relationships with your students — the kind that make them feel safe, valued, and confident in your classroom. But I know this isn’t easy.When class sizes are large and your schedule is packed, it’s natural to wonder: “How am I supposed to connect with every student when I barely have a moment to breathe?” If…
- Checklists and Processes, Classroom Strategies, Curriculum, Lesson Ideas, Planning Strategies, Reflections
EP175 From Planning as Chore to Thinking as Design: A Mindset Shift for ESL Teachers
One of the biggest challenges ESL teachers face isn’t teaching the content—it’s finding the right materials to teach it well. If you’ve ever spent an entire planning period sifting through websites, scrolling past mismatched activities, or downloading resources that looked good but didn’t actually support your lesson, you know exactly how draining the search can be. You want something aligned. Something clear. Something your multilingual learners can truly thrive with. And most importantly—you want something you can use today without spending hours tweaking and adjusting. The good news? There are practical ways to cut down your search time and dramatically improve the quality of the resources you choose. Below, I’m…
-
Ep. 168 First Two Weeks of School
Hey there ESL teachers! Before we jump into today’s episode about what to expect during those first two weeks of school, I want to make sure you’re signed up for my FREE professional development: 3 Simple & Powerful Secrets to a Successful School Year. In this training, I’ll be sharing practical strategies to help you feel confident, prepared, and ready to take on the school year—without the overwhelm. You’ll learn how to simplify your planning, get clear on your goals, and start the year with intention. ✨ And yes—you’ll also receive a PD certificate for attending! 👉🏽 Grab your spot now at myadventuresinesl.com/planning Before we move on, I just want…
-
EP 166 Creating Systems for the New Year
Welcome educators! Before we get started, I want to share the amazing resources I have available. To learn more and download some engaging resources, go to myadventuresinesl.com/storeI just want to take a moment to remind you: the work you’re doing matters. The time you’re investing right now—planning, preparing, dreaming—is planting seeds for a smoother, more intentional school year. Even if it’s just a few small steps at a time, it counts. You are showing up not only for your students but also for yourself, and that is something to be proud of. So take a breath, give yourself some credit, and know that you are not alone in this. You’re…
-
Ep. 165 Flexible, Not Flustered: How ESL Teachers Can Prepare for the Unexpected
Welcome educators! Before we get started, I want to share the amazing resources I have available.To learn more and download some engaging resources, go to myadventuresinesl.com/store. Before we start, I just want to take a moment to say this: if you’re feeling nervous about the unknowns of the upcoming school year, you’re not alone. Teaching — especially in an ESL classroom — can be unpredictable. New students might arrive unexpectedly, schedules can shift, and the support you were promised may not always be there right away. But here’s what I want you to remember: your flexibility is a superpower. Your ability to adapt, adjust, and keep showing up for your…
-
EP 163 Should you be planning this summer?
Welcome educators! Before we get started, I want to share the amazing resources I have available. To learn more and download some engaging resources, go to myadventuresinesl.com/store. To all the amazing ESL teachers—thank you for the heart, dedication, and patience you bring into your classrooms every single day. You do so much more than teach English—you empower students to express themselves, connect with others, and build a future full of possibilities. Your work is life-changing, and the impact you make reaches far beyond the school year. As summer approaches, I hope you take the time to rest, recharge, and celebrate all the progress your students made because of YOU. You’ve…
-
EP162 Planning for Rest- Creating Structure
Welcome educators! Before we get started, I want to share the amazing resources I have available. To learn more and download some engaging resources, go to myadventuresinesl.com/store. To all the incredible ESL teachers—thank you for the heart, patience, and dedication you pour into your students every day. You do so much more than teach English; you give students the confidence to find their voice, the courage to express themselves, and the tools to build a brighter future. Your classroom is a place of hope, growth, and possibility. The work you do may not always be easy, but it is life-changing. Every word learned, every small victory, and every moment of…
-
EP 160 3 Common Mistakes ESL Teachers Make When Writing Language Objectives (And How to Fix Them)
Welcome, educators! Before we dive into today’s post, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the incredible work you do every single day. To all the amazing ESL teachers—thank you. Your heart, your patience, and your dedication make a lasting impact. You do more than just teach English; you empower students to find their voices, express themselves, and build brighter futures. Your classroom is a place of hope, growth, and possibility. So if you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the demands of teaching or unsure about certain strategies—know that you are not alone, and support is here for you. The Importance of Strong Language Objectives Language objectives are the backbone…
-
EP 155 My Thoughts and Experiences About Gifted ELLs
Welcome, educators! Before we dive into today’s topic, I want to share some amazing resources with you. If you’re looking for engaging materials to support your English learners, visit myadventuresinesl.com/store to download lesson plans and activities designed to make learning fun and effective. The Impact of ESL Teachers To all the hardworking ESL teachers—thank you for everything you do! Your dedication extends far beyond teaching words and grammar. You provide students with the tools to express themselves, connect with others, and chase their dreams. The patience, kindness, and encouragement you offer every day create a safe and inspiring space for your students to grow. You’re not just teaching—you’re changing lives.…
