Promoting Educator Agency: Navigating Restrictive Policy Environments Through Professional Development for Teachers of English Language Learners

Session Submission Type: Symposium

Abstract

This symposium will convene scholars and researchers to present an innovative professional development model for teachers of ELLs based on coaching and self reflection. The Institute for Teachers of English Language Learners, (ITELL) supports a unique partnership of researchers, coaches and teachers collaborating to improve practice for ELLs. The goal of this project was to improve implementation of instructional approaches with ELLs within the context of Arizona’s state mandated 4-hour English Language Development model. In this session, participants will acquire knowledge regarding the most innovative approaches for ELL teacher professional development; discuss issues related to the implementation of a professional development model based on coaching and reflection, and the impact of professional development on teacher practices and student achievement.

Sub Unit

• Division K - Teaching and Teacher Education / Section 8: Teacher Professional Development: Impact on Teacher Practices and Student Learning

Chair

• Eugene E. Garcia, Arizona State University

Papers

• Overview: The ITELL (Institute for Teachers of English Language Learners) Project Model for Teachers of English Language Learners - Eugene E. Garcia, Arizona State University

• Professional Development Reflected in English Language Learner Classrooms - Margarita Jimenez-Silva, Arizona State University; Tracy R. Nguyen, Arizona State University

• English Language Learners’ Professional Development Reflects Educator Agency - M. Beatriz Arias, Center for Applied Linguistics; Amy M. Markos, Arizona State University - Tempe

• ITELL (Institute for Teachers of English Language Learners) Quantitative Outcomes: Assessing the English Language Learner Professional Development Model - Kerry Chase Lawton, Arizona State University; Eduardo Henrique Diniz De Figueiredo, Arizona State University

Discussant

• Luis C. Moll, The University of Arizona