Once the school year is in full swing, meeting every learner’s needs can feel impossible, especially when it comes to supporting English learners. In this episode, I sit down with Risa Woods from Every Teacher for a conversation that’s equal parts practical and encouraging. Together, we dig into common misconceptions about who English learners are, why translation isn’t always the answer, and how focusing on academic language can be a total game-changer. Risa shares simple, actionable strategies that make a real difference. This episode is your reminder that serving every student doesn’t require a million new lesson plans - just small, intentional steps that truly work!

Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode204

Resources:

• Risa's Instagram
• Risa's website
• AI tool: ChatGPT
• Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
• Take the Free Labs When Limited virtual PD course
• Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
• Send me an email: [email protected]
• Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.

Related Episodes:

• Episode 157, Serving ELLs with AI and More with Guest Alyse of Keystone Science
• Episode 168, Differentiation in Your Science Classroom - Simple Tips to Decrease Overwhelm
• Episode 171, Differentiating Within One Class Period (And How to Not Make it Obvious)
• Episode 172, Content-Specific Differentiation Tips
• Episode 191, Engaging Students, Serving ELLs, and Teaching Earth Science with Becca of Science Lessons That Rock

4 FREE Halloween-themed resources specifically for high school science - 1 for biology, 1 for chemistry, 1 for anatomy, and 1 for physics. Be sure to grab them at https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/halloween/