English language learners are an uniquely diverse group of students, coming from a wide range of backgrounds, with a wide range of past life experiences that they bring with them to the classroom. These experiences give them perspectives that open up new ways of thinking that can only be accessed through these unique life stories. In my classroom I hope to provide a safe space for students to see the value of their personal and cultural stories and experiences, while feeling part of a supportive and engaging learning community. Being able to effectively communicate in multiple languages for different purposes, audiences, and contexts is an incredible skill in our interconnected world.

            I hope to do this by providing a learning environment that is rich in authentic texts that affirm and support all students' identities. I also want to give students at all STEP and developmentals levels a chance to practice their speaking, listening, reading, writing, and overall literacy skills through projects and problems that allow for authentic language practice with their peers. This will include opportunities for purposeful first language use as well as varied alternative assessments.  I want to instill in my ELL students a sense of ownership and pride in their language learning journey as well as a lifelong love of language and literacy.