Feature Article Instructional Coaching for Teachers of ELs in Inclusive Environments: Practical Insights for a Low-Incidence EL Setting

Abstract

As instructional coaching is being implemented to help English learners access content in school districts across the U.S., the low-incidence EL setting requires its own consideration. This article discusses an urban school district's EL coaching initiative from the practitioner's perspective. It addresses enrollment of classroom teachers into the EL coaching program, specialized areas of an EL coach's expertise, and how this drives professional development for EL instructional coaches in the larger systemic context. ELL Awareness presentations are suggested as a practical way of building equity for ELs and positively impacting the culture of inclusion in school districts. Challenges of institutional integration of an EL instructional coaching platform are discussed. The article shines light on the realities of EL coaching in low-incidence EL inclusive environments and offers practical ways of its implementation, and represents a reflection on the experience of one ELL specialist-turned-EL-coach.