ESL
Recent Newsletter Articles
MELEd 2019: Sharing What We Learned at the State ESL Conference – Part I
In late November 2019, ATLAS provided scholarships for 18 ABE teachers to attend the state ESL gathering (MELEd) in St. Paul. MELEd draws over 1100 ESL educators from around the state, working in K-12, college, and adult learning contexts! Read on to hear from several of our ABE attendees and what they found particularly useful from this professional ESL conference. Read More
Resources to Support Literacy Level Instruction
Adult ESL learners who are learning to read and write for the first time in their lives present a unique challenge in the ESL classroom. However, while literacy level learners may be in the classroom for the first time, they come with a wealth of knowledge and real-world experience, as well as a keen understanding of how precious learning is. Literacy level learners “may be beginning learners, but they are not beginning thinkers” (Brod, 1999). Read More
Pronunciation Webinars for ESL Teachers
For many language learners, being understood by native English speakers is a daily battle. By integrating simple pronunciation instruction into regular lessons, teachers can make a difference with their learners’ speech production and confidence levels. Read More
A New Book to Support our Work with Adult English Learners
Betsy Parrish's new professional development text provides supports for teachers working with Adult English language learners and showcases the work of Minnesota teachers. Read More
Support and Strengthen Volunteers with Training
“Great class! I originally wondered what we could possibly do for 12 hours. It turns out I could have enjoyed 12 more! The content was great, and the trainer was outstanding. I learned so much, not only about what and how to teach, but also found the cultural conversations so helpful. I'm looking forward to beginning my volunteering after starting out with such a great foundation. Thank you!” Read More
Journeys Anthology: Call for Submissions!
This fall, we invite your learners to share their voices and submit their original stories and art for publication in the 2020 edition of Journeys. Friday, December 6 is the deadline for this year’s submissions. The submission webform is now open! Read More
Attention ESL Teachers! Scholarships Available for MELEd Conference!
Do you teach adults whose first language is not English? Interested in connecting with others who work with immigrants and refugees, across all ages of learners and contexts for ESL? ATLAS is providing scholarships for MN ABE practitioners to attend the state ESL conference (MELEd) in St. Paul this November! Read More
Pre-Service Trainings for Classroom Assistants, One-on-One Tutors, and Conversation Circle Volunteers are Now Available!
No matter what role a volunteer has in an adult ESL program, training will help them to be better prepared to support learners and feel more confident. These new 3-hour ESL trainings are designed to prepare classroom assistants, one-on-one tutors, and conversation circle volunteers for successful interactions with ESL learners and teachers. Read More
Attention!! Important Changes Coming to Newsela.com
Parts of Newsela are becoming subscription-only, so read on for important information about changes to this popular website! Read More
New Free Resource! Teacher Training Toolkit
Looking for easy and fast ways to build the teaching skills of ESL teachers and volunteer tutors? The Teacher Training Toolkit being developed by the Minnesota Literacy Council is a great new resource! Read More