Resources for General Education Teachers of ELLs/MLs

Help teachers deepen their understanding of language development, bilingualism, and asset‑based thinking:

Why Home Language Matters: The Benefits of Bilingualism and Translanguaging

Explains translanguaging and why using all languages supports learning.

FlashAcademy® Blog

A Strengths‑Based Approach to Multilingualism for Families

Highlights multilingual skills as assets.

Strengths-Based Approach to Multilingualism for Adult Education and Family Literacy

Asset‑Based Approach Supporting English Learners’ Reading Skills

Practical ways to support reading using students’ strengths.

Asset-Based Approach Supporting English Learners' Reading Skills

ELL Students’ Home Language Is an Asset, Not a Barrier

Why affirming home languages aids learning.

ELL Students' Home Language Is an Asset, Not a 'Barrier'

Standards‑aligned guidance and official supports:

NYSED Educator Tools & Best Practices

Topic briefs on standards, scaffolding, co‑teaching, and more.

English Language Learner & Multilingual Learner
Educator Tools and Best Practices

NYSED Parent & Family Resources

Helps teachers better understand family perspectives and supports.

English Language Learner & Multilingual Learner Parent Resources

NYSED Parent Guide (PDF, Multiple Languages)

FAQs about bilingual learners and family rights.

Bilingual Ed - Guide for Parents of ELLs in NYS (English)

Useful classroom supports and instructional ideas:

Mid‑State RBERN Toolkit

Research‑based strategies and scaffolds for ELLs/MLs.

Mid-State RBERN Toolkit

Canva Presentation – Teacher FAQs & Resources

Visual guide to common questions and tools.

Answers to Common ENL Questions

Colorín Colorado – Teaching ELLs (Intro)

Strategies for teachers new to working with ELLs.

New to Teaching ELLs?

Colorín Colorado – Literacy Instruction for ELLs

Evidence‑based reading/writing strategies.

Literacy Instruction for ELLs

Colorín Colorado – Special Ed + ELL Instruction

Support for students with dual identification.

Special Education and ELLs: Instruction and Assessment

Colorín Colorado – Realia & Manipulatives

Hands‑on strategies for vocabulary and comprehension.

Realia and Manipulatives

Colorín Colorado – Content Instruction for ELLs

Content Instruction for ELLs

Colorín Colorado – Speaking & Listening Skills for ELLs

Speaking & Listening Skills for ELLs

Colorín Colorado – ELL Strategies & Best Practices

ELL Strategies & Best Practices

Help teachers understand stages of language learning and related strategies:

Language Acquisition Overview (Colorín Colorado)

Stages of second language acquisition and instructional implications.

Language Acquisition Overview

Language Acquisition Chart (Syracuse City Schools)

A teacher‑friendly chart outlining ELL proficiency levels (Entering→Commanding) with descriptions of behaviors, challenges, and suggested teaching strategies — ideal for lesson planning and progress monitoring.

Syracuse City Schools Language Acquisition Chart for ELLs

Common Difficulties Learning English for Spanish Speakers

Practical tips for scaffolding instruction for Spanish‑speaking learners.

Learning English for Spanish Speakers: 
Common Difficulties and How to Manage Them

How Literacy Instruction Differs for ELL Students

Insights into instructional adjustments and supports.

How Does Literacy Instruction Differ for ELL Students?

For ongoing teaching growth and collaboration:

NYSABE – New York State Association for Bilingual Education

Advocacy, PD opportunities, and professional resources.

NYSABE Webpage

Edutopia: ELL Classroom Strategies

Curated articles and videos on supporting language learners in mainstream classrooms.

English Language Learners

Colorín Colorado

Step-by-step guides, ideas for differentiation, tips for connecting to home languages, resource videos, and practical examples.

ELL Classroom Strategy Library