33. What Supporting ELLs in K-8 Looks Like with Guest Jina Wood

Have you been curious what ESL teachers’ roles look like in other districts? We are joined by special guest Jina Wood who is sharing what her role as the K-8 ESL teacher looks like in her district in Iowa.

Jina gives us a look at her challenges and shares her tips on how she ensures her students’ needs are being met. In this episode, Jina talks about how she groups and supports her ELL students, how she prepares for the school year during the summer, why it’s important to advocate for both your students and yourself, and how she uses her special education background to best support her ELLs.

Jina Wood has been teaching ELL for 7 years. Her current role is as the K-8 ESL Coordinator and Teacher at Cherokee Elementary and Middle Schools in rural Northwest Iowa. As an Iowa educator Jina is certified in K-12 Special Education, K-12 English as a Second Language, K-12 Reading, and holding a Masters in Professional Education. She has worked in education for 18 years, starting as a para-educator and then working in 9-12 Special Education, K-12 ESL, and also is a part time professor for the Schools of Education and Special Education at a local university but she has found her passion to be her ESL work. Jina and her husband have a busy blended family with 6 kids between them; 3 are now working full time, 2 are in college, and their youngest will be a high school senior this coming school year.

Download the ESL Teacher Toolkit (includes a year long editable scope and sequence)

Check out the ELL Strategy Academy

Join the Equipping ELLs Membership

To access all resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.inspiringyounglearners.com/supporting-ells-in-k-8

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