Multilingual learners are the fastest-growing student group in the U.S., and their success depends on how well schools support language development alongside grade-level instruction. In this episode, Dr. Wendy Amato is joined by Katherine Hamilton, Vice President of Programs at Ensemble Learning, to share how educators can better support these students—whether they’re new to the country or born in the U.S. but still developing academic English. Katherine draws from classroom experience and district-level partnerships to break down key instructional strategies, the power of student talk, and what meaningful walkthroughs look like. She also shares the importance of aligning classroom practices with school and district priorities to keep support focused and manageable.

Resources for Continued Learning

Learn More About Ensemble Learning

Ensemble Learning is a nonprofit that partners with schools, districts, and state agencies to support equity for multilingual learners. Their work includes professional learning, coaching, and systems-level alignment to ensure that students learning English receive the instruction and support they need to thrive.

Professional Learning with Teaching Channel

Looking to strengthen your support for multilingual learners? Teaching Channel’s graduate-level courses offer practical strategies to help educators create welcoming, language-rich classrooms for newcomer students.

5308: Empowering Multilingual Newcomers with Language and SEL Support

Learn how to create a Newcomer Kit, build a family resource guide, and plan meaningful opportunities for language development using multi-cue and comprehensible input approaches. The course also addresses ways to support newcomer students with learning disabilities.