The ESL Teaching Podcast

Stop focusing only on the lesson plan and start focusing on the most critical moments of your class: the first seven minutes.

In this episode, we dive into the powerful shift that happens when teachers prioritize grounding the room over pushing through. We explore why those initial moments set the tone for all the learning that follows, especially for multilingual learners.

Key Takeaways:

• It's about the Nervous System, Not Competence: The class often feels "off" not due to a classroom management failure, but because students (and you) are still transitioning and their nervous systems are activated. Learning can't fully land until the room settles.
• The Power of Grounding: Learn what "grounding" actually means—it's not about silence or perfect behavior. It's an invitation to settle, which can be physical (a breath, a stretch), emotional (naming the room's energy), or cognitive (a predictable routine).
• Save Time Later: Grounding the first seven minutes saves time later in the lesson because you spend less time redirecting, repeating yourself, and trying to recover attention.

If you are ready to change how you begin class, grab your free resource, The First 7 Minutes: Start the Class Grounded (Even If Your Students Aren’t). Find the link below..

I want to hear from you!

What is your biggest challenge when it comes to transitioning from one class to the next? Share with us in the comments or send a message on Instagram, Facebook, or email!

Here is What You Will Hear in This Episode:

• Three ways of grounding and what they can look like at the start of the class
• Why it is incorrect to assume that chaotic start of class is always classroom management failure
• The First 7 Minutes practice that you can use in your classroom right away

Simply Ieva Offers:

• 1:1 EL Teacher Clarity Power-Up Session

If you find value in The ESL Teaching Podcast and want to support the time, effort, and costs that go into bringing you these episodes each week, consider making a small donation—whatever feels right for you. Your support helps keep this podcast going and means the world to me! You can find the donation link below. Thank you so much! https://www.paypal.biz/simplyieva 

Save time and build confidence in your EL teaching with these resources:

• Simply Ieva website
• My TpT store
• Accommodate and Modify Your Lessons for ELs with Less than 1 Hour of Planning a Week - classroom teacher and admin checklist 

Related episodes: 

• Here is Why You’re Drained (or Energized) by Teaching
• How to Beat the Mid-Year Slump in the EL Classroom

Let’s connect!

• Follow me on Instagram
• Follow me on LinkedIn
• Join the Simply Ieva Facebook Group 
• Record a comment for us - click HERE. We can’t wait to hear from you!

Support the show

Today’s episode "When the Strategies Aren’t Enough: Teaching ELs without Losing Yourself," is a reintroduction to The ESL Teaching Podcast, marking a new season of growth and transformation.

Here are a few key ideas you'll here: 

• A Personal Break and Burnout: I am sharing why I stepped away from the podcast for several months (July through December 2025) - to recover from complete burnout from teaching, over-giving, and grieving the loss of a loved one. This break prompted a necessary pause and a shift in perspective.
• The 'Inner Classroom': We are shifting focus from solely teaching strategies and lesson plans to the internal state of the teacher, which I call the "inner classroom." The argument is that no external strategy will be enough if the teacher's inner state is chaotic, exhausted, or depleted.
• The Podcast's New Direction: The podcast will continue to cover practical EL teaching strategies, scaffolding, and effective instruction, but it will also become a "bridge between pedagogy and self-preservation." Topics will expand to include:
  • Teacher energy and boundaries.
  • Sustainability in teaching.
  • Coaching (professional and personal).
  • Acknowledging teaching as emotional, relational, and human work.
• Invitation and Free Resource: I am inviting you to stay, subscribe, and be part of a space where you don't have to pretend you are fine. Grab my free practice titled "The First Seven Minutes: How to Start Class Grounded (even if your students aren’t)," which is designed to help teachers slow down, reset, and reconnect.

Grab your free practice The First 7 Minutes: How to Start the Class Grounded (Even if Your Students Aren’t)

Simply Ieva Offers:

• 1:1 EL Teacher Clarity Power-Up Session

If you find value in The ESL Teaching Podcast and want to support the time, effort, and costs that go into bringing you these episodes each week, consider making a small donation—whatever feels right for you. Your support helps keep this podcast going and means the world to me! You can find the donation link below. Thank you so much! https://www.paypal.biz/simplyieva 

Save time and build confidence in your EL teaching with these resources:

• Simply Ieva website
• My TpT store

Related episodes: 

• Rewriting the Script of Negative Self-Talk for Teachers
• How to Beat the Mid-Year Slump in the EL Classroom

Let’s connect!

• Follow me on Instagram
• Follow me on LinkedIn
• Record a comment for us - click HERE. We can’t wait to hear from you!

Support the show

Today’s episode is short, sweet, and exciting! I’m sharing a behind-the-scenes update and big news about the ESL Teacher Roadmap.

Whether you're new to the ESL Teaching Podcast or you’ve been listening since day one, this quick episode is for you. I’ll walk you through a few upcoming changes, a big shift I’ve been planning, and how it will impact the content, resources, and support available to ESL teachers just like you.

If you’ve ever wished there was a clear, practical path to follow as an EL teacher - one that balances pedagogy, language acquisition, and real-world support - then this update will speak to you. Be sure to listen to the end so you don’t miss what’s coming next.

Show Notes:

• Episode 161 - Announcement + Big News About the Roadmap

Here is What You Will Hear in This Episode:

• A special announcement about the future of the ESL Teaching Podcast
• Exciting updates to the ESL Teacher Roadmap and what’s coming next
• Why this change matters for new and experienced EL teachers alike
• How to stay connected and make the most of upcoming resources

Simply Ieva Offers:

• New and improved:  The ESL Teaching Roadmap membership for teachers of English learners
• 1:1 EL Teacher Clarity Power-Up Session

If you find value in The ESL Teaching Podcast and want to support the time, effort, and costs that go into bringing you these episodes each week, consider making a small donation—whatever feels right for you. Your support helps keep this podcast going and means the world to me! You can find the donation link below. Thank you so much! https://www.paypal.biz/simplyieva 

Save time and build confidence in your EL teaching with these resources:

• Simply Ieva website
• EMBARK™ Newcomer Curriculum
• My TpT store
• Accommodate and Modify Your Lessons for ELs with Less than 1 Hour of Planning a Week - classroom teacher and admin checklist 

Related episodes: 

• What to Do With a Newcomer in the First 30 Days
• Your First Year as an EL Teacher- What Matters Most

Let’s connect!

• Follow me on Instagram
• Follow me on LinkedIn
• Join the Simply Ieva Facebook Group 
• Record a comment for us - click HERE. We can’t wait to hear from you!

Support the show

Starting your first year as an EL teacher can feel both exciting and overwhelming. Especially if you're stepping into a new building, new subject, or working with newcomers for the first time. In this episode, I’m answering a listener question from a music teacher-turned-EL teacher who’s just beginning this journey. I’m walking you through five things that matter most in your first year as an EL teacher with concrete examples, approachable strategies, and encouragement. If you're a newer EL teacher (or just want a back-to-basics refresher), this episode will help you feel more grounded and prepared for the year ahead.

Show Notes:

• Episode 160 - Your First Year as an EL Teacher- What Matters Most

Simply Ieva Offers:
*** Your First 30 Days with EL Newcomers - online LIVE workshop on June 26, 2025***

• 1:1 EL Teacher Clarity Power-Up Session
• EL Newcomer Teaching Compass for grades 6-12 - curriculum guide created using backward design PLUS a year-long scope and sequence!
• EL Newcomer Compass: Little Learners’ Edition - a curriculum guide for grades k-2
• Essential Lesson Plan Bundle to help you feel organized and to keep your students engaged

If you find value in The ESL Teaching Podcast and want to support the time, effort, and costs that go into bringing you these episodes each week, consider making a small donation—whatever feels right for you. Your support helps keep this podcast going and means the world to me! You can find the donation link below. Thank you so much! https://www.paypal.biz/simplyieva 

Save time and build confidence in your EL teaching with these resources:

• Simply Ieva website
• EMBARK™ Newcomer Curriculum
• The ESL Teaching Roadmap – EL curriculum and coaching membership for middle and high school ESL/ELL teachers.
• My TpT store
• Accommodate and Modify Your Lessons for ELs with Less than 1 Hour of Planning a Week - classroom teacher and admin checklist 

Related episodes: 

• What to Do With a Newcomer in the First 30 Days
• Beyond Buddies: How Peer Pairing Empowers ELs

Let’s connect!

• Follow me on Instagram
• Follow me on LinkedIn
• Join the Simply Ieva Facebook Group 
• Record a comment for us - click HERE. We can’t wait to hear from you!

Support the show

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 classroom teacher supporting English learners, you’ll leave this episode with clarity and calm.

Show Notes:

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

 Simply Ieva Offers:
*** Your First 30 Days with EL Newcomers - online LIVE workshop on June 26, 2025***

• 1:1 EL Teacher Clarity Power-Up Session
• EL Newcomer Teaching Compass for grades 6-12 - curriculum guide created using backward design PLUS a year-long scope and sequence!
• EL Newcomer Compass: Little Learners’ Edition - a curriculum guide for grades k-2
• Essential Lesson Plan Bundle to help you feel organized and to keep your students engaged

If you find value in The ESL Teaching Podcast and want to support the time, effort, and costs that go into bringing you these episodes each week, consider making a small donation—whatever feels right for you. Your support helps keep this podcast going and means the world to me! You can find the donation link below. Thank you so much! https://www.paypal.biz/simplyieva 

Save time and build confidence in your EL teaching with these resources:

• Simply Ieva website
• EMBARK™ Newcomer Curriculum
• The ESL Teaching Roadmap – EL curriculum and coaching membership for middle and high school ESL/ELL teachers.
• My TpT store
• Accommodate and Modify Your Lessons for ELs with Less than 1 Hour of Planning a Week - classroom teacher and admin checklist 

Related episodes: 

• How Teachers Can Harness the Power of Second Language Acquisition Stages when working with ELs
• Beyond Buddies: How Peer Pairing Empowers ELs

Let’s connect!

• Follow me on Instagram
• Follow me on LinkedIn
• Join the Simply Ieva Facebook Group 
• Record a comment for us - click HERE. We can’t wait to hear from you!

Support the show

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 and actionable tips for educators: how to build trust with students from diverse backgrounds, how to honor religious and cultural practices like Ramadan and Eid, and why visibility and empathy matter more than ever. Whether you're new to supporting Muslim learners or want to deepen your understanding, this conversation will leave you with clarity, compassion, and real-world strategies.

Show Notes:

• Episode 158 - What They Wish You Knew: Muslim Students in the Classroom

Simply Ieva Offers:

• 1:1 EL Teacher Clarity Power-Up Session
• EL Newcomer Teaching Compass for grades 6-12 - curriculum guide created using backward design PLUS a year-long scope and sequence!
• EL Newcomer Compass: Little Learners’ Edition - a curriculum guide for grades k-2
• Essential Lesson Plan Bundle to help you feel organized and to keep your students engaged

If you find value in The ESL Teaching Podcast and want to support the time, effort, and costs that go into bringing you these episodes each week, consider making a small donation—whatever feels right for you. Your support helps keep this podcast going and means the world to me! You can find the donation link below. Thank you so much! https://www.paypal.biz/simplyieva

Save time and build confidence in your EL teaching with these resources:

• Simply Ieva website
• EMBARK™ Newcomer Curriculum
• The ESL Teaching Roadmap – EL curriculum and coaching membership for middle and high school ESL/ELL teachers.
• My TpT store
• Accommodate and Modify Your Lessons for ELs with Less than 1 Hour of Planning a Week - classroom teacher and admin checklist 

Related/Previous Episodes:

• Cultural Perspectives on Time and Social Interactions
• Here is Why You’re Drained (or Energized) by Teaching

Connect with Farhana:

• Email - [email protected]
• LinkedIn - @farhanashah

Let’s Connect!

• Follow me on Instagram
• Follow me on LinkedIn
• Join the Simply Ieva Facebook Group 
• Record a comment for us - click HERE. We can’t wait to hear from you!

Support the show

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 why you’re sometimes drained (or energized) by teaching, and how understanding your unique teaching energy can help you work with your natural rhythm, set better boundaries, and recover from those exhausting weeks.

Show Notes:

• Episode 157 - Here is Why You're Drained (or Energized) by Teaching

Here is What You Will Hear in This Episode:

• The impact of energy in teaching 
• Differences in teacher energy
• Five teacher energy profiles
• Alignment between energy and teaching

Simply Ieva Offers:

• 1:1 EL Teacher Clarity Power-Up Session
• EL Newcomer Teaching Compass for grades 6-12 - curriculum guide created using backward design PLUS a year-long scope and sequence!
• EL Newcomer Compass: Little Learners’ Edition - a curriculum guide for grades k-2
• Essential Lesson Plan Bundle to help you feel organized and to keep your students engaged

If you find value in The ESL Teaching Podcast and want to support the time, effort, and costs that go into bringing you these episodes each week, consider making a small donation—whatever feels right for you. Your support helps keep this podcast going and means the world to me! You can find the donation link below. Thank you so much! https://www.paypal.biz/simplyieva 

Save time and build confidence in your EL teaching with these resources:

• Simply Ieva website
• EMBARK™ Newcomer Curriculum
• The ESL Teaching Roadmap – EL curriculum and coaching membership for middle and high school ESL/ELL teachers.
• My TpT store
• Accommodate and Modify Your Lessons for ELs with Less than 1 Hour of Planning a Week - classroom teacher and admin checklist 

Related episodes: 

• Student Learning Rhythms you’ve probably never considered
• Common SEL Challenges ELs Face in the Classroom

Let’s connect!

• Follow me on Instagram
• Follow me on LinkedIn
• Join the Simply Ieva Facebook Group 
• Record a comment for us - click HERE. We can’t wait to hear from you!

Support the show

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 where they are. We're going to explore how each learner shows up, what they need to thrive, and how small shifts in your teaching approach can make a big difference, not just in academics, abundant connection and confidence. Learning rhythms you've probably never considered before.

Show Notes:

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

Simply Ieva Offers:

• 5 learner profiles printable
• EL Newcomer Teaching Compass for grades 6-12 - curriculum guide created using backward design PLUS a year-long scope and sequence!
• EL Newcomer Compass: Little Learners’ Edition - a curriculum guide for grades k-2
• Essential Lesson Plan Bundle to help you feel organized and to keep your students engaged
• 1:1 EL Teacher Clarity Power-Up Session

If you find value in The ESL Teaching Podcast and want to support the time, effort, and costs that go into bringing you these episodes each week, consider making a small donation—whatever feels right for you. Your support helps keep this podcast going and means the world to me! You can find the donation link below. Thank you so much! https://www.paypal.biz/simplyieva 

Save time and build confidence in your EL teaching with these resources:

• Simply Ieva website
• EMBARK™ Newcomer Curriculum
• The ESL Teaching Roadmap – EL curriculum and coaching membership for middle and high school ESL/ELL teachers.
• My TpT store
• Accommodate and Modify Your Lessons for ELs with Less than 1 Hour of Planning a Week - classroom teacher and admin checklist 

Related/Previous Episodes:

• Self-Management Techniques for the EL classroom
• Common SEL Challenges ELs Face in the Classroom

Let’s Connect!

• Follow me on Instagram
• Follow me on LinkedIn
• Join the Simply Ieva Facebook Group 
• Record a comment for us - click HERE. We can’t wait to hear from you!

Support the show

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 AI to personalize learning experiences based on your students' needs, interests, and cultures, create engaging content and classroom activities that reinforce language in fun and low prep ways, and how to design quick and effective assessments and feedback that actually support growth. Plus, I will share important best practices and words of caution for using AI responsibly and how you can help your students become thoughtful, confident digital learners in this new AI powered world. 

Show Notes:

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

Simply Ieva Offers:

• EL Newcomer Teaching Compass for grades 6-12 - curriculum guide created using backward design PLUS a year-long scope and sequence!
• EL Newcomer Compass: Little Learners’ Edition - a curriculum guide for grades k-2
• Essential Lesson Plan Bundle to help you feel organized and to keep your students engaged
• 1:1 EL Teacher Clarity Power-Up Session

If you find value in The ESL Teaching Podcast and want to support the time, effort, and costs that go into bringing you these episodes each week, consider making a small donation—whatever feels right for you. Your support helps keep this podcast going and means the world to me! You can find the donation link below. Thank you so much! https://www.paypal.biz/simplyieva 

Save time and build confidence in your EL teaching with these resources:

• Simply Ieva website
• EMBARK™ Newcomer Curriculum
• The ESL Teaching Roadmap – EL curriculum and coaching membership for middle and high school ESL/ELL teachers.
• My TpT store
• Accommodate and Modify Your Lessons for ELs with Less than 1 Hour of Planning a Week - classroom teacher and admin checklist 

Related episodes: 

• AI Prompting & Differentiation Made Easy for ELs (Part 1)
• 5 Ways AI Can Help Save Teachers Time and Help Multilingual Learners

Let’s connect!

• Follow me on Instagram
• Follow me on LinkedIn
• Join the Simply Ieva Facebook Group 
• Record a comment for us - click HERE. We can’t wait to hear from you!

Support the show

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, differentiating, and scaffolding for English learners takes a ton of work, but what if AI could save you time and help you create more meaningful, engaging content without losing your unique teaching touch? In this first part of this special two-part series, I share practical, realistic strategies for using AI to make lesson prep more manageable. You’ll learn AI prompting and differentiation and tips you can implement right away to support your multilingual learners and free up your own creativity in the classroom.

Show Notes:

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

Simply Ieva offers:

• EL Newcomer Teaching Compass for grades 6-12 - curriculum guide created using backward design PLUS a year-long scope and sequence!
• EL Newcomer Compass: Little Learners’ Edition - a curriculum guide for grades k-2
• Essential Lesson Plan Bundle to help you feel organized and to keep your students engaged
• 1:1 EL Teacher Clarity Power-Up Session

If you find value in The ESL Teaching Podcast and want to support the time, effort, and costs that go into bringing you these episodes each week, consider making a small donation—whatever feels right for you. Your support helps keep this podcast going and means the world to me! You can find the donation link below. Thank you so much! https://www.paypal.biz/simplyieva 

Save time and build confidence in your EL teaching with these resources:

• Simply Ieva website
• EMBARK™ Newcomer Curriculum
• The ESL Teaching Roadmap – EL curriculum and coaching membership for middle and high school ESL/ELL teachers.
• My TpT store
• Accommodate and Modify Your Lessons for ELs with Less than 1 Hour of Planning a Week - classroom teacher and admin checklist 

Related episodes: 

• 5 Ways AI Can Help Save Teachers Time and Help Multilingual Learners
• 5 Key Pillars of EL Inclusion in Mainstream Classrooms

Let’s connect!

• Follow me on Instagram
• Follow me on LinkedIn
• Join the Simply Ieva Facebook Group 
• Record a comment for us - click HERE. We can’t wait to hear from you!

Support the show