Here’s Why Every Teacher is Responsible for English Learners

In classrooms across the country, English learners (ELs) are a growing and dynamic group of students. They bring diverse linguistic and cultural assets to schools, but they also face unique challenges as they develop proficiency in English while mastering grade-level academic content. A common misconception is that English learners only need support during designated English as a Second Language (ESL) classes. However, the truth is that all teachers are teachers of English learners, and ELs need access to language instruction throughout the entire school day. Here’s why.

Language Is Essential in Every Subject

Language is the vehicle through which all learning happens. Whether it’s solving math problems, conducting science experiments, or analyzing historical events, students must use language to engage with content. For ELs, this means they are not only learning new concepts but also navigating the language used to understand and express those concepts.

If language development is confined to a single part of the day, ELs miss opportunities to practice and develop their skills in authentic, subject-specific contexts. Research highlights that integrating language and content instruction is more effective than teaching them separately. According to Zwiers and Crawford (2011), language-rich classrooms where content and language are integrated help ELs acquire academic language faster and more effectively than isolated language instruction.

The Need for All-Day English Instruction

English learners do not stop being language learners when they leave an ESL class. They require consistent opportunities to practice listening, speaking, reading, and writing in English across all subjects. When teachers in all content areas incorporate strategies to support language development, they ensure that ELs are continuously building their language skills alongside their academic knowledge.

For example, a math teacher might incorporate sentence frames to help ELs explain their problem-solving processes (e.g., “I solved this problem by…”). A social studies teacher might use visuals and simplified texts to scaffold a complex discussion about government systems. These strategies not only make content accessible but also provide essential opportunities for ELs to practice using academic language in meaningful ways.

Why Language and Content Should Be Taught Together

Separating language instruction from content instruction creates a gap that can leave ELs struggling to connect the dots. When language and content are taught together, ELs learn both the “what” (academic content) and the “how” (language needed to understand and communicate it) simultaneously. This integrated approach has several key benefits:

1. Contextualized Learning: ELs acquire language in meaningful, real-world contexts that align with what they’re learning in school.
2. Increased Engagement: Integrating language and content keeps ELs engaged by showing them the relevance of English in all subjects.
3. Accelerated Progress: Research by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (2017) indicates that integrated approaches lead to faster gains in both language proficiency and academic achievement.

What This Means for Teachers

If all teachers are teachers of English learners, then every classroom becomes a space for language development. Here are a few ways all teachers can support ELs:

• Use Visual Aids and Real-Life Examples: Visual supports like diagrams, charts, and videos help ELs grasp complex concepts while reinforcing English vocabulary.
• Incorporate Collaborative Activities: Group work and discussions provide ELs with opportunities to practice language skills in a low-stress environment.
• Scaffold Instruction: Break tasks into manageable steps, use sentence starters, and provide models of expected responses.
• Focus on Academic Language: Teach subject-specific vocabulary and help ELs use it in speaking and writing.

A Call to Action

For English learners to thrive, they need consistent, high-quality language instruction throughout the day, integrated seamlessly into every subject. By embracing the role of language teacher, educators across all disciplines can empower ELs to succeed academically and develop the language skills they need for lifelong success. Plenty of books guide teachers to become effective teachers of language learners.

For this reason, the success of English learners is not just the responsibility of ESL teachers. It is a shared responsibility—one that requires collaboration, intentionality, and a commitment to equity. When we recognize that all teachers are teachers of English learners, we take a critical step toward ensuring that every student has the opportunity to reach their full potential.