So often we hear advice from educators who have been in the classroom, honing their craft for years. While their experience is valuable, I thought it would be refreshing to hear from an ESL teacher who is in the beginning stages of her career. Today, I chat with Kennedy Merriam, my student teacher this semester, who has been so open and creative during her time with me. She shares her own journey to finding ESL teaching and the reasons she is so passionate about this career. 

Kennedy is from Massachusetts and is currently a senior at Saint Anselm College in Manchester, NH. She will be graduating with a major in Spanish and a minor in ESOL education, with certification to teach ELL students in grades 9-12 in Massachusetts. She is passionate about the Spanish language, traveling, and writing music (she’s also a singer!). Extroverted, compassionate and a keen listener, Kennedy will always try to understand and support another person, and I have seen that in action so many times! She is eager to get even more experience working with newcomers so she can better serve them and can’t wait to continue her career working with English Learners and newcomers.

Here is what you will hear about ESL Teaching:

• What teachers of English Learners teach, besides the language
• Why ESL teaching is such a rewarding career
• A few things that may surprise you about teaching English Learners and new comers 
• Advice for new ESL teachers and student teachers
• Tips and strategies for all teachers with English Learners in their class
• Essential ideas for vocabulary instruction to support your ESL students and newcomers

Resources

Mentioned in the Episode:

• Follow Kennedy on Instagram
• Follow Kennedy on Facebook
• The ESL Teaching Roadmap – membership community for middle and high school ESL/ELL teachers. As a thank you for listening, use code ESLPODCAST for 10% off when you join. 
• Follow me on Instagram 
• Join the Simply Ieva Facebook Group 

You may also be interested in:

• Episode 2: What to Teach ESL Newcomers First
• Episode 13: Teaching Newcomers - A Peek into Karen Emerson’s Classroom
• Episode 14: Vocabulary for ESL Students

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