Teachers who work with English as a Second Language learners will find ESL/ESOL/ELL/EFL reading/writing skill-building children's books, stories, activities, ideas, strategies to help PreK-3, 4-8, and 9-12 students learn to read.
Video Interviews
Colorín Colorado and the American Federation of Teachers are pleased to present these professional development video interviews, featuring leaders in the English language learner (ELL) education field from across the country.
Take a look at our selection of Meet the Experts audio podcasts as well!
New interviews!
Dr. Diane August
Dr. Diane August is a Managing Director affiliated with the American Institutes for Research and a Senior Research Scientist at the Center for Applied Linguistics. In this interview, Dr. August discusses the kinds of professional development that will be needed for implementing the Common Core State Standards will ELLs and offers some insights on ways to help ELLs become more independent learners.
Michelle Lawrence Biggar
Michelle Lawrence Biggar has been an ESL teacher for the past eleven years. Michelle currently teaches at the International Preparatory School at Grover in Buffalo, NY, and is featured in Colorín Colorado's Watch & Learn series. In this interview, Michelle discusses her use of classic works of literature with newcomer ELLs, offers advice for content-area teachers, and discusses ways that ELL teachers can advocate for their students.
Dr. Rosalinda B. Barrera
Dr. Rosalinda B. Barrera is the Assistant Deputy Secretary and Director of the Office of English Language Acquisition. In this interview with Colorín Colorado, Dr. Barrera discusses her goals for her work at OELA, the importance of STEM education for all students, and strategies for preparing more educators to serve ELLs effectively.
Gabriela Uro
Gabriela Uro is Manager for English Language Learner Policy and Research for the Council of the Great City Schools. In this interview with Colorín Colorado, Gabriela discusses the Council's initiatives focused on Common Core State Standards (CCSS) implementation, with special attention on on planning implications for English language learners. In addition, Gabriela discusses the challenges and opportunities that the CCSS offer ELL students and educators.
Dr. Joanne Urrutia
Joanne H. Urrutia is the Deputy Director of the U.S. Department of Education's Office of English Language Acquisition. In this interview, Dr. Urrutia discusses her schooling in Puerto Rico, OELA's National Conversations initiative, the implementation of college- and career-ready standards for ELLs, and some of the accomplishments she is proudest of from her 35 years as an educator in Miami-Dade County Public Schools.
Janet Davis
Janet Davis is a professional development advisor with the Los Angeles Unified School District. In this interview, Janet discusses California's long-term ELLs, the connection between the civil rights and language rights movements, and the importance of encouraging success. The full transcript of Janet's interview is also available.
Kevin J. Eberle
Kevin J. Eberle is the Principal of International Preparatory School at Grover in Buffalo, New York. In this interview, Kevin discusses his commitment to creating a welcoming environment for diverse students, as well as some of his most memorable students and moments as principal.
Bobbi Houtchens
Bobbi Houtchens is an ELL educator with more than 40 years of experience teaching secondary ESL and English. Bobbi served as a teaching ambassador fellow at the U.S. Department of Education during 2009-2010. In this interview, she discusses ideas for engaging reluctant readers and writers, as well as other strategies for setting high expectations for adolescent ELLs.
Dr. Cynthia Lundgren
Dr. Cynthia Lundgren is an assistant professor at The Center for Second Language Teaching and Learning at Hamline University's Graduate School of Education in St. Paul, MN. In this interview, Dr. Lundgren offers a blueprint for administrators who are serving a new or changing population of ELLs. Topics covered include creating a welcoming culture, assessment, language instruction, staffing, and professional development.
Dr. Thelma Meléndez
Dr. Thelma Meléndez is the Superintendent of Schools for the Santa Ana Unified School District in California. Previously, she served as the Assistant Secretary for Elementary and Secondary Education at the U.S. Department of Education. In this exclusive video interview, Dr. Meléndez remembers her experiences as an English language learner growing up in California and discusses how that perspective has shaped her career as an educator and policymaker.
Claudia Navarro
Claudia H. Navarro is currently an ELL paraprofessional at Howard D. McMillan Middle School in Miami, Florida. In this interview, Claudia discusses some of the strategies she uses to help struggling students master new content and she offers some advice for new ELL educators.
Amber Prentice
Amber Prentice is an ELL and Spanish teacher with experience teaching students of all ages and backgrounds. In this interview, Amber offers strategies for making newcomer students and their families feel welcome, tips for working with refugees and middle school ELLs, and activities for developing ELLs' reading skills and vocabulary.
Kristina Robertson
Kristina Robertson is an ELL specialist with extensive experience as a classroom teacher and professional development leader. Kristina is the current Titles Coordinator and Teacher on Special Assignment for the Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School District in Minnesota. In this interview, Kristina discusses the best practices for ELL professional development and suggestions for school and district leaders when evaluating ELL programs and staffing.
Ginny Thomas
Ginny Thomas has taught English language learners at North Dallas High School in the Dallas Independent School District for more than twenty years. In this interview, Ginny discusses some of her favorite strategies for struggling ELLs as well as the services her school offers teenage parents.
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Just a short note to say, Felicitaciones, on your Colorín Colorado. What a wonderful resource!
~ Higinio M.
