Description: The texts are bilingual and multicultural in this digital library. Furthermore, this is cost-free for teachers and students during school hours (8am–3pm local time).

Description: All articles have leveled informational texts with language scaffolds for ELLs. There is a free version that gives access to selected texts and allows some differentiation by reading level.

Strategy: Best used for guided reading and academic vocabulary building across content areas.

Link: https://newsela.com

Description: An interactive flashcard-based app to support multilingual vocabulary development.

Strategy: For beginning ELLs to practice common words with audio/visual support.

Link: https://lingolite.com

Description: Video conferencing tool with various features for instruction, student check-ins, and family engagement.

Strategy: Host virtual multilingual meetings, collaborative projects, or one-on-one meetings.

Link: https://meet.google.com

Description: A "learning experience platform" for student-driven portfolio and communication tool.

Strategy: Use for journaling, goal tracking, and sharing work samples with families.

Link: https://web.seesaw.me

Description: A free platform offering leveled texts, translation tools, and guided reading support.

Strategy: Use for close readings with ELL scaffolds and track comprehension through built-in quizzes.

Link: https://www.commonlit.org

Description: A social justice educational platform offering free lesson plans and professional learning.

Strategy: Incorporate identity and equity-focused materials into instruction.

Link: https://www.learningforjustice.org

Description: Supports "global competence" through project-based learning.

Strategy: Easily integrate project-based learning with language learning, civic engagement, and real-world problem-solving skills.

Link: https://www.worldsavvy.org

Description: A Creative writing platform with image-based prompts.

Strategy: Engage students in writing personal stories; allow them to combine visuals and creative writing.

Link: https://storybird.com

Description: A platform to collaborate on a digital bulletin board for group projects; great for posting text, images, videos, and audio.

Strategy: Create exit ticket boards, word walls, or cultural identity maps.

Link: https://padlet.com

Description: Learning a language is most effective when receiving comprehensible input slightly above the learner's current level.

How this helps Teachers: Emphasize the following: scaffolding, low-anxiety environments, and authentic communication.

Description: Language learners benefit from producing language. Especially when there are gaps and there is opportunity to practice using forms.

How this helps Teachers: Emphasize the following: student talk time, collaborative tasks, and reflective writing.

Description: BICS is the foundation of language acquisition, in which you can talk and understand native speakers. CALP is about understanding complex concepts and expressing oneself in a certain way. BICS is generally acquired sooner than CALP.

How this helps Teachers: Recognize that fluency is not the same as proficiency; always plan targeted instruction for academic vocabulary and any discourse.

Spend some time each week to write about what went well, any specific challenges, and student response/reaction to instruction.

Ask yourself these following questions:

• What engaged my students today?

• Did my strategies meet the needs of my ELLs?

• Is there anything different I can try next time?

Description: Edutopia offers the following: articles, videos, and classroom examples. Whatever you use in your classroom from this site, these best practices support ELLs.

Opportunities: Options to subscribe to newsletters, case studies, and participate in educator discussion forums.

Link: https://www.edutopia.org/english-language-learners

Description: WIDA offers free and paid online PD for educators in WIDA Consortium member states (like California) focused on academic language and multilingual learners.

Opportunities: Courses on formative assessment, differentiation, and family engagement—available for individual completion at your own pace.

Link: https://www.wida.us/professional-development

Description: Statewide organization that provides the following: conferences, webinars, workshops, and advocacy for educators of English learners.

Opportunities: Participate in annual CATESOL conference, regional chapters, or participate in special interest groups (e.g., K–12, bilingual education, etc.).

Link: https://www.catesol.org