The Language Lens is a podcast dedicated to exploring the dynamic world of teaching English learners. From classroom practices and program designs to policy shifts and community partnerships, The Language Lens delves into the topics that matter most for supporting multilingual learners. Whether you’re a classroom teacher, school leader, or education enthusiast, this podcast will inspire you to reflect, adapt, and grow in ways that empower every learner to succeed.
Listen to the Podcast!
Explore the individual episodes of this ongoing series. You can also find this podcast on your favorite platform of choice as well as Pennon Education’s YouTube Channel.
Episode 1: Policies & Regulations that Govern EL Education in PA
This episode outlines the Basic Education Circular as the regulatory foundation, explains Language Instruction Educational Programs (LIEPs) and details procedures for identification, placement, and reclassification of English learners (ELs) as well as parent communication.
Episode 2: Collaborative Practices for Teaching English Learners
This episode highlights collaborative practices as essential for teaching English learners (ELs). It reviews research on co-teaching models, professional learning communities, and cross-disciplinary teams that integrate language and content supports.
Episode 3: Podcast Creation to Facilitate English Language Development
This episode explores how podcast creation supports English learners (ELs) by combining inquiry, multimodal composing, and authentic oral practice. Research shows that producing podcasts enhances vocabulary, fluency, and confidence while fostering collaboration, identity expression, and translanguaging.
Episode 4: Supporting Newcomer English Learners in Elementary School
This episode examines how elementary schools can effectively support newcomer English learners (ELs). It highlights research on structured literacy instruction, oral language development, and scaffolds that make grade-level content accessible.
Episode 5: Reading Instruction for Multilingual Learners
On this episode, educators examine effective reading instruction for multilingual learners through the lens of structured literacy, oral language development, and culturally responsive practice.
Episode 6: Engaging and Supporting Newcomer Families
In this episode, educators discuss the importance of building strong partnerships with newcomer families to support multilingual learners’ success.
Episode 7: Differentiation Strategies for Multilingual Learners
In this episode, educators explore practical differentiation strategies that support multilingual learners’ access to rigorous, grade-level instruction.
Episode 8: Advancing Academic Vocabulary Instruction for Multilingual Learners
In this episode, we explore the importance of intentionally teaching academic vocabulary to multilingual learners.