Resources for Educators
U.S. Department of Education Newcomer Toolkit
This resource provides information on topics relevant to understanding, supporting, and engaging newcomer students and their families. The toolkit provides tools, strategies, examples of classroom and school wide practices, and professional learning tools that will help educators create a welcoming and supportive environment for newcomer students.
IRIS Center
The IRIS Center develops and disseminates free, engaging online resources about evidence-based instructional and behavioral practices to support the education of all students, particularly struggling learners and those with disabilities.
Multitiered System of Supports for English Learners (MTSS for Els)
This is a Model Demonstration Research Project sponsored by the Office of Special Education Programs at the U.S. Department of Education. This is a culturally and linguistically responsive model for a multitiered system of supports for ELs, including those with or at risk of having a disability.
Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center (ECTA)
The ECTA was designated the HUB for early childhood (birth to 5) for all resources for COVID-19. They have resources on disaster planning and trauma response, remote service delivery and distance learning, family resources and COVID-19 resources. Included on this site is a resource on Trauma and Stress provided by ZERO to THREE.
Conversational Resources
American English: Everyday Conversations (Department of State):
Everyday Conversations is intended for sixth- and seventh-grade students of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) or English as a Second Language (ESL). Students can listen to and/or read dialogues in English. Topics of the conversations include introductions and small talk, shopping, asking for directions, hobbies, and giving advice. This resource can be used by teachers and learners. Students can listen to and/or read dialogues in English.
American English: American Teens Talk (Department of State)
Americans Teens Talk! is a collection of interviews of American high school students in both written and audio format. Each interview is accompanied by vocabulary notes and discussion questions. The interviews in American Teens Talk! give learners a view into the lives of adolescents in the U.S. Through the written and audio format of the interviews, learners are able to increase their vocabulary, practice their reading and listening skills, engage in discussions, and learn more about U.S. culture.
American English: Dialogs for Everyday Use (Department of State)
Dialogs for Everyday Use is a collection of thirty situational dialogs that focus on a wide variety of communicative situations and natural encounters in English. Each dialog is accompanied by a contextual illustration and can be used as a springboard for extended listening and speaking practice. The text also includes language notes that provide useful information on grammar and intonation patterns. This text is suggested for intermediate learners of English.