Host Ana Torres is joined by Elsa Cárdenas-Hagan, Ed.D., a linguist and speech pathologist known for her work with multilingual learners. In this episode, Elsa focuses on small changes that educators can make to create classrooms that are more inclusive and supportive of multilingual learners. She shares strategies for morphology instruction, learning useful information about students’ home languages, shifting away from a deficit mindset when it comes to multilingual learners, and more. She’ll also touch on why techniques like asking students to respond in full sentences and slowing down your rate of teaching can better serve students. Ana and Classroom Insider Eric Cross then reflect on Elsa's insights, and Eric shares a vulnerable moment that demonstrates his recognition of humility and openness to learning as a core teaching principle.

Show notes:

• Resources:
  • Book: Literacy Foundations for English Learners
  • Listen: Season 1, Episode 8: Teaching takes trust, starring Luz Selenia Muñoz
  • Listen: Temporada 1. Capítulo Especial: Para enseñar se necesita confianza, con Luz Selenia Muñoz
• Subscribe to Beyond My Years https://at.amplify.com/beyond-my-years
• Follow us on Instagram @amplify.education
• Connect with Eric Cross: https://www.ericcross.org/
• Connect with Ana Torres: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anayansi-ana-torres-m-ed-26a10654/
• Access free accompanying resources: https://amplify.com/beyond-my-years

Quotes:

“First come in with the attitude of ‘I'm a learner too: I want to learn about you, and you'll learn about me.’” —Elsa Cárdenas-Hagan, Ed.D.

“I look at the faces of the students that are there and that motivates me. All the other noise doesn't matter because I'm there to help them reach their dreams.” —Elsa Cárdenas-Hagan, Ed.D.

“You don't have to be an expert in every single language. You just need to know enough about that language to serve your students.” —Ana Torres

“I am an educator of all students; it doesn't matter who they are.” —Eric Cross