Best Esl Curriculum Podcasts (2025)

1
Scarborough’s Reading Rope and Beyond: Dr. Tate’s Guide to Student Success 28:36

1d ago28:36

28:36

In today’s episode, we’re diving into the heart of what it takes to help every student learn to read, especially those who face unique challenges. Our host, Jeff Pendleton, sits down with Dr. Taneka Tate, assistant director of special education at Fort Smith Public Schools in Arkansas. With a background that spans teaching, coaching, and leadership…

1
Literacy Reform in Action: A Principal’s Story of Change and Community 32:38

2d ago32:38

32:38

In today’s episode, host Jeff Pendleton welcomes Lana Ingram, principal at Harding Charter Preparatory Elementary in Oklahoma City, for a deeply insightful conversation. With over twenty years in education across both public and charter schools, Lana brings a unique perspective to early literacy and foundational skills. She shares her journey from …

1
Episode 159 - What to Do When a Newcomer Walks Through Your Door: The First 30 Days 20:09

2d ago20:09

20:09

You’re in the middle of your school day when the front office calls: “You’re getting a new student tomorrow. They don’t speak any English.” Cue the racing heart and rising questions. In this episode, I’m sharing exactly what to do during those critical first 30 days after a newcomer walks into your classroom. Whether you're an ESL teacher or a clas…

1
The Art of Connection: Whole Child Strategies for Literacy with Dr. Precios Armstrong 32:42

7d ago32:42

32:42

In this episode, your host, Jeff Pendleton, sits down with Dr. Precios Armstrong, Director of Special Education at East Lansing Public Schools, to dig deep into what it really takes to help students become successful readers. Dr. Armstrong shares her unique journey from aspiring attorney to passionate educator and offers a wealth of insights on bui…

1
Embracing Change: Technology's Role in Literacy Education at Upper Darby School District 34:53

9d ago34:53

34:53

In this episode of Literacy Mindset, we sit down with Dr. Daniel P. McGarry, Superintendent, and Ed Marshaleck, Assistant Superintendent of Student Services, from Upper Darby School District in Pennsylvania. Together, they share an unflinching look at the challenges and breakthroughs of leading a district with over 12,000 students, where more than …

1
Episode 158 - What They Wish You Knew: Muslim Students in the Classroom 44:57

9d ago44:57

44:57

I’m joined today by Farhana N. Shah - an experienced educator, instructional specialist, and advocate for Muslim students. Farhana brings over two decades of expertise in teaching, professional development, and equity work. Together, we explore what real inclusion looks like for Muslim students in today’s classrooms. Farhana shares powerful stories…

1
Scaling Literacy Impact: Job-Embedded PD and Intervention in Marietta City Schools 32:29

14d ago32:29

32:29

In this episode of Literacy Mindset, host Jeff Pendleton is joined by Dr. Grant Rivera, Superintendent of Marietta City Schools in Georgia, for a no-fluff, all-substance conversation on what it really takes to lead a district-wide literacy transformation. Dr. Rivera shares how his district moved from a fragmented, site-based approach to becoming a …

1
Bridging the Gap: Literacy, Leadership, and Technology in DeKalb County Schools 29:33

16d ago29:33

29:33

In this episode of Literacy Mindset, host Jeff Pendleton sits down with Wayne Lyles, Superintendent of DeKalb County Schools in Alabama. With a career spanning 30 years in education and a deep-rooted commitment to his home district, Lyles shares his journey from a high school teacher to leading a rural school district. He offers invaluable insights…

1
Episode 157 - Here is Why You're Drained (or Energized) by Teaching 29:02

17d ago29:02

29:02

Have you ever walked out of your classroom at the end of the day feeling completely drained by teaching, even when everything went “according to plan”? Or maybe you’ve had days where tossing the plan aside and following your gut left you feeling more energized by teaching than ever before. What’s really going on? In this episode, we dive deep into …

1
Adapting Literacy Approaches for Unique Online Learning Communities 27:44

22d ago27:44

27:44

In today’s episode, host Jeff Pendleton sits down with Andrea G. Valadez, Director of Special Education and Support Services at Heartland Charter School in California. Andrea shares her unique journey from school psychologist to educational leader in an innovative virtual-home school hybrid environment. Together, they dive into Heartland’s distinct…

1
Science of Reading: Grandview C-4’s Path to Literacy Excellence with Dr. Prissy LeMay 26:19

23d ago26:19

26:19

In this episode of Literacy Mindset, we sit down with Dr. Prissy LeMay, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction at Grandview C-4 School District in Missouri. With a deep commitment to literacy and student success, Dr. LeMay shares how her district is implementing the Science of Reading, leveraging data-driven strategies, and fosterin…

1
Episode 156 - The Hidden Key to Engagement: Learning Rhythms You've Probably Never Considered 21:21

24d ago21:21

21:21

In today's episode, we're talking and taking a closer look at what I call five learner energy profiles. These aren't learning styles per se in the traditional sense. They are patterns that I've seen over and over again. Patterns that help explain why some students engage instantly, why some stay quiet for months, and how we can meet all of them whe…

1
Embracing Science of Reading: How Guymon Schools Foster Literacy Growth 36:12

28d ago36:12

36:12

In this episode of Literacy Mindset, host Jeff Pendleton sits down with two passionate education leaders from Guymon Public Schools in Oklahoma: Melissa Watson, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction (and incoming Superintendent), and Julie Edenborough, Assistant Superintendent of Student Services. Together, they unpack the district…

1
Exploring ESL Challenges and Solutions in a Growing School District 37:31

29d ago37:31

37:31

In this episode of The Literacy Mindset, host Jeff Pendleton is joined by two extraordinary education leaders from Springdale Public Schools in Arkansas—Kimberly Glass, Director of Federal Programs, and Dr. Carrie Bredow, Director of ESL Programming and Services. With over three decades of combined experience, Glass and Bredow take us behind the sc…

1
Investing in Literacy: Superintendent Mark Marshall on Building a Sustainable Literacy Mindset 23:31

1M ago23:31

23:31

In this episode of Literacy Mindset, we sit down with Dr. Mark Marshall, Superintendent of Los Banos Unified School District in California, to explore the district’s approach to strengthening literacy outcomes. Dr. Marshall shares insights into the unique demographic and economic challenges of Los Banos, including a high percentage of commuting par…

1
Episode 155 - How to use AI to Personalize Learning, Boost Engagement and Assess Multilingual Learners (Part 2) 26:37

1M ago26:37

26:37

In part one, we covered the why behind using AI in the classroom, how to craft effective prompts, and two smart ways to use it to differentiate instruction and generate speaking and writing prompts based on proficiency levels. And today, we're picking right up where we left off with tips three through five, where I will walk you through how to use …

1
Literacy for All: Strategies for Diverse Classrooms in Prince William County 35:30

1M ago35:30

35:30

In this episode of Literacy Mindset, Jeff Pendleton is joined by Dr. Lynmara Colón, Director of Student Opportunity and Multilingual Services for Prince William County Schools in Virginia. With more than 90,000 students, over 50 languages spoken, and one of the most diverse student populations in the nation, Dr. Colón brings a bold and deeply perso…

1
The Power of Partnership: Kansas City’s Blueprint for Literacy Success 25:57

1M ago25:57

25:57

In this episode of Literacy Mindset, host Jeff Pendleton welcomes Dr. Robin E. Henderson, Chief Program Officer at SchoolSmart KC and a veteran educator with a PhD in reading, to unpack one of the most ambitious and community-driven literacy efforts underway in the country. As Kansas City faces the sobering reality of over 250,000 adults without fu…

1
The Role of Relationships in Education: A Conversation with Superintendent John Asplund 33:43

1M ago33:43

33:43

In this episode of Literacy Mindset, host Jeff Pendleton sits down with Dr. John Asplund, Superintendent of Galesburg District 205, to explore the essential role of literacy in student success. Dr. Asplund shares his personal journey—from discovering a student in his high school English class who couldn’t read to dedicating his career to closing li…

1
Episode 154 - Smarter Planning for ELs: AI Prompting & Differentiation Made Easy (Part 1) 24:48

1M ago24:48

24:48

In this episode, we’re exploring a topic that’s generating a lot of buzz in the world of education - AI. Whether you’re excited, skeptical, or simply overwhelmed by all things AI, I want to break down exactly how tools like ChatGPT can be a game-changer for EL teachers and classroom educators working with multilingual students. Planning, differenti…

1
Ensuring Equitable Literacy: Tabatha Miller on Overcoming Barriers for Diverse Learners 45:49

1M ago45:49

45:49

In this episode of Literacy Mindset, host Brian Williams sits down with Tabatha Miller, Executive Director of Student Services at Weld RE-5J School District in Colorado, for an insightful conversation about how to deliver equitable, data-driven literacy outcomes for students with diverse needs. From special education and multilingual learners to gi…

1
Exploring Dyslexia: A Journey with Nancy Mather and Judith Bliss 33:44

2M ago33:44

33:44

In this episode of Literacy Mindset, host Jeff Pendleton sits down with two pioneers in the field of literacy and education: Dr. Nancy Mather, a professor emeritus at the University of Arizona and an expert in reading disabilities, and Judith Bliss, the visionary founder of MindPlay. Together, they discuss the origins of MindPlay, a revolutionary l…

1
Episode 153 - 5 Must-Know Tips for New EL Teachers 21:18

1M ago21:18

21:18

One of my favorite things about connecting with teachers is hearing your questions. Whether it's navigating a tricky teaching moment or figuring out where to start with English learners. And while each situation is unique, so many of your questions echo the same themes, especially from those of you who are new EL teachers. If you are stepping into …

1
Monique Boone's Approach to Literacy Education in Cleveland ISD 29:28

2M ago29:28

29:28

In this episode of Literacy Mindset, host Jeff sits down with Monique D. Boone, Senior Director of Curriculum and Instruction at Cleveland ISD in Texas. With a powerful personal story—once a selective mute who struggled with reading—Monique takes us on a journey from her early challenges with literacy to becoming a passionate advocate for foundatio…

1
Building Literacy & Equity in a Diverse Rural-Urban District with Jamie Bente 36:47

2M ago36:47

36:47

In this episode of Literacy Mindset, host Jeff Pendleton sits down with Jamie Bente, Superintendent of Faribault Public Schools in Minnesota. With a background spanning nearly every role in education—from teacher to principal to superintendent—Bente brings a wealth of insight into leadership, literacy, and equity in a uniquely diverse school distri…

1
Episode 152 - 5 Simple Wins for the Days You’re Just Done 19:05

2M ago19:05

19:05

Let’s get real about those exhausting days when lesson planning feels impossible and burnout lurks around every corner…especially as the end of the school year approaches. In this episode, I open up about my own struggles with low energy and share my solution: an “emergency lesson folder” packed with simple, engaging activities that spark student e…

1
Literacy Leadership: Dr. Cosmas Curry's Insights on Educational Progress 41:52

2M ago41:52

41:52

In this episode of Literacy Mindset, host Jeff Pendleton sits down with Dr. Cosmas Curry, Superintendent of Stroudsburg Area School District, for a deep dive into literacy instruction, district leadership, and the future of K-12 education. Dr. Curry shares insights into his district’s structured approach to literacy, including the adoption of the s…

1
Episode 151 - The Big 5: Key Pillars of EL Inclusion in Mainstream Classrooms 18:59

2M ago18:59

18:59

When it comes to teaching English learners, there's no question that EL specialists are trained to meet their unique language and learning needs. But what about regular classroom teachers, the ones juggling 25 different needs in one room and suddenly faced with students who speak little or no English? It can feel overwhelming, confusing, and even a…

1
Strategies for Diverse and Inclusive Literacy Education in North Shore Schools 36:43

2M ago36:43

36:43

In this episode of Literacy Mindset, host Jeff Pendleton sits down with Dr. Michael Lubelfeld, Superintendent of North Shore School District 112, to explore the district’s transformative journey in literacy instruction. Dr. Lubelfeld shares insights on creating a cohesive, equitable curriculum, the importance of foundational literacy skills, and th…

1
Episode 150 - Rooted in Success: 5 Reasons to Teach Greek & Latin Roots in Any Classroom 33:35

2M ago33:35

33:35

Today's episode is all about building vocabulary in a powerful and lasting way. We're diving into something that often gets overlooked, Greek and Latin root words. I am so excited because we have a special guest joining us who's incredibly passionate about this topic. My dear friend, Laura Kebart from Language Arts Teachers is on the podcast today …

1
Science of Reading: Addressing Multilingual Learners' Literacy Needs 35:46

2M ago35:46

35:46

In this episode of Literacy Mindset, we sit down with Benjamin Zulauf, Director of Literacy at Cicero School District 99 in Illinois, to discuss how strategic leadership, professional development, and a commitment to research-backed literacy practices are transforming education. Ben shares his unconventional journey into education, the challenges o…

1
Promoting Literacy with Technology: How Highlands Leverages Digital Tools for Learning 32:58

2M ago32:58

32:58

In this episode of Literacy Mindset, we sit down with Kristopher Macias, Director of Instruction and Professional Learning at Highlands Community Charter and Technical Schools. Kristopher shares a transformative perspective on literacy instruction—one rooted in the needs of adult learners, many of whom are immigrants seeking not just a high school …

1
Episode 149 - Why Social-Emotional Learning Matters Just as Much as Academics 18:36

2M ago18:36

18:36

The world needs emotional intelligence. We need emotional intelligence. Our students need emotional intelligence. Intellectual knowledge is great, but by itself, it wreaks havoc, as without emotional depth and experiences, we're not able to engage in meaningful conversations, discussions, learning, and problem solving. In today's episode, I'm going…

1
Franklin Regional's Literacy and Innovation Initiatives Explored with Dr. Gennaro R Piraino 38:19

3M ago38:19

38:19

In this episode of Literacy Mindset, we sit down with Dr. Gennaro R. Piraino, Superintendent of Franklin Regional School District in Pennsylvania. With over a decade of leadership at Franklin Regional and a deep-rooted passion for education, Dr. Piraino shares how his district has transformed literacy instruction by centralizing curriculum decision…

1
Episode 148 - How to Teach ELs When You Don't Speak Their Language 20:24

3M ago20:24

20:24

You just found out you have English learners in your classroom, but you don't speak their language. Now what? Should you Google translate your entire lesson? Mime your way through the day? Don't worry. You don't have to speak their language to be an effective and impactful teacher. In today's episode, we're going to talk about the mindset shift tha…

1
The Role of Technology in Modern Education with Dr. Jeremy S. Owoh, Ed.D. 36:03

3M ago36:03

36:03

In this episode of Literacy Mindset, we sit down with Dr. Jeremy Owoh, Superintendent of Jacksonville North Pulaski School District in Arkansas. With a background as a high school English teacher, principal, and district leader, Dr. Owoh brings a unique perspective to literacy education. He shares how his district is tackling literacy challenges, f…

1
Episode 147 - Hooked on Books! How Novels Can Supercharge EL Vocabulary and Thinking 19:33

3M ago19:33

19:33

Reading is always a hot topic for good reason, and it's something every teacher thinks about no matter the grade level. But when it comes to teaching reading to English learners, there are extra layers to consider, especially around language proficiency and age. I'm excited to share something I've been trying out with my middle schoolers, something…

1
From Special Education to Superintendency: Dr. Todd Fraley’s Literacy Leadership Journey 36:19

3M ago36:19

36:19

In this episode of Literacy Mindset, we’re joined by Dr. Todd Fraley, Superintendent of Sedalia School District 200 in Missouri. From substitute teaching to leading a district of over 5,000 students, Dr. Fraley shares his journey in education, his philosophy on literacy instruction, and the challenges of balancing district-wide standards with class…

1
Episode 146 - Digging Deeper: How the 5 Whys Can Transform Your Teaching and Life 19:18

3M ago19:18

19:18

Have you ever felt like you're constantly putting out fires in your classroom? Redirecting behavior, reteaching concepts, or dealing with burnout without really solving the root problem? Sometimes it feels like we are running around in circles and nothing changes our lives, in our classrooms, in our professional development even though we seem to d…

1
Inclusive Literacy Strategies for K-8: Insights from Dr. Gabriel Gutierrez 31:27

3M ago31:27

31:27

Dr. Gabriel Gutierrez, Director of Special Education at Hollister School District in California, is dedicated to creating inclusive learning environments where every student—regardless of ability—has access to high-quality literacy instruction. With a background as a school psychologist and years of leadership experience, Dr. Gutierrez understands …

1
Episode 145 - It’s Not Just About Language! The 2 Soft Skills Every EL Teacher Should Have 14:01

3M ago14:01

14:01

In education, we often focus on the hard skills, the academic knowledge of our subject, the instructional strategies, the assessment methods, and the pedagogy that shape effective teaching. These are the measurable, tangible aspects of our profession, and they are absolutely essential. But today, I want to shift the focus to something just as impor…

1
Transforming Talbot County: Literacy Leadership with Dr. Sharon Pepukayi 29:19

4M ago29:19

29:19

Literacy is more than just reading and writing—it’s the foundation for lifelong learning and success. In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Sharon Pepukayi, Superintendent of Talbot County Public Schools, Maryland, whose leadership is transforming the way students engage with literacy. With a warm and dedicated approach, Dr. Pepukayi is committed t…

1
Episode 144 - 3 Myths About Teaching Newcomers - And What Actually Works 13:50

4M ago13:50

13:50

Let’s talk about three common myths about teaching newcomers. Teaching English learners is really not as complicated as many think, yet I hear from so many overwhelmed teachers who have lost sight of the forest for the trees. Schools are notorious for grasping onto the newest programs and ideas for teaching English learners, which sometimes work ou…

1
Personalizing Education: Dr. Brian Clayton on Literacy and Technology 36:04

4M ago36:04

36:04

In this episode of Literacy Mindset, we’re joined by Dr. Brian Clayton, Superintendent of Hartselle City Schools in Alabama. From snowy mornings in Alabama to the cutting-edge integration of technology and literacy, Dr. Clayton shares his journey as an educator, leader, and innovator in education. Starting as a math teacher, Dr. Clayton has evolved…

1
Episode 143 - How to Beat the Mid-Year Slump in the EL Classroom for Both Students and Teachers 21:32

4M ago21:32

21:32

Welcome to the mid-year slump. Whether you live in a colder climate like I do or anywhere else, the middle of the school year can get hard for so many reasons. February and March in particular can be especially tough months in the school year. Students and teachers are tired, motivation is dipping, and standardized testing is looming. If you are fe…

1
Technology-Focused Learning Strategies in Logan City School with Jeffrey Alley 37:13

4M ago37:13

37:13

Welcome to another exciting episode of Literacy Mindset! Today, we're diving into the dynamic intersection of technology and education with our special guest, Jeffrey Alley, the instructional technology coach for Logan City School District in Utah. Jeff’s role was born out of the necessity to pivot to remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, b…

1
Episode 142 - The Secret to Effective EL Lessons? Start at the End! 18:00

4M ago18:00

18:00

I am very excited about today's episode because I know it will bring so much value to you. I've talked about lesson planning before, but today, I wanted to share a process that has been very helpful and, honestly, is truly a great way to plan for our EL students. So in today's episode, I will be sharing all about backward design and lesson planning…

1
Personalized Learning in K-12: Insights from Riverside High School Leaders 31:47

4M ago31:47

31:47

In this episode of Literacy Mindset, host Jeff Pendleton sits down with two incredible educators from Riverside Local School District in Ohio—Principal Mike Hall and Intervention Specialist Allie Vitantonio. Together, they share how Riverside High School is transforming literacy education through personalized learning and innovative practices. Mike…

1
Episode 141 - A Look Behind the Scenes of The ESL Teaching Podcast 22:38

4M ago22:38

22:38

I don't know about you, but I love a good behind the scenes moment. In the world where we always see the final product, whether it's a great lesson plan, an engaging activity, or heck, someone simply looking amazing and put together, it is good to remind ourselves that the road to that result is not always very linear. Have you ever wondered what i…

1
Transforming K-12 Reading with Science of Reading: Insights from Dr. Brian Latwis and Sue Mayo 39:16

5M ago39:16

39:16

Welcome to another enlightening episode of Literacy Mindset. Today, Jeff Pendleton is joined by two distinguished guests from Riverside Local School District in Ohio—Principal Mike Hall and Intervention Specialist Allie Vitantonio. Together, they dive into the innovative literacy initiatives at Riverside High School, discussing the unique integrati…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Esl Curriculum Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen