ELL Teaching Team: Empowering English Languange Learners

English Language Learners (ELL) are students whose first language is not English. For non-native speakers, learning English can be a daunting challenge, and difficulties in various academic subjects often arise from inadequate language skills. We have dedicated ELL teams throughout the BASIS International & Bilingual Schools network specifically focused on providing comprehensive English language support to our students, helping them master the essential language skills needed to succeed both academically and socially. In this blog, we take a closer look at the ELL program at BASIS International School Nanjing, exploring the strategies, support systems, and dedicated educators who help our students build confidence and develop their English proficiency.

ELL Teaching Program

The ELL teaching program places a strong emphasis on improving students’ reading and writing abilities, ensuring they can not only understand and engage with grade-level content but also express themselves clearly and effectively. Through targeted language instruction, vocabulary development, and personalized support, the program helps students build confidence in their language skills. Additionally, it focuses on enhancing listening and speaking abilities, enabling students to actively participate in class discussions, collaborate with peers, and engage in meaningful social interactions. Ultimately, the goal is to equip students with the tools they need to succeed in all aspects of their education while fostering a deeper appreciation for the English language and culture.

ELL Teacher Team

Mark Crelley
ELL Chair
BASIS International School Nanjing

Graduating from Liverpool John Moores University, Mr. Crelley has over 15 years of teaching experience across different contexts, working with English Language Learners of all age groups, seeing students develop over time and become confident and competent in their studies and lives.

Melissa Patton
ELL Teacher
BASIS International School Nanjing

Graduating from University of St. Thomas, Ms. Patton has been teaching for over 19 years in a variety of subject areas. She has been teaching ELL specifically abroad for 10 years. Her main focus is on language development and meeting students where they are in order for them to continue to grow and progress as students and people

Sean Crelley
ELL Teacher
BASIS International School Nanjing

Graduating from Liverpool John Moores University, Mr. Sean’s career in education began in 2012. He has taught kindergarteners to retirees in many different contexts, helping students become more confident in their communication with others from around the world.

Cora Pan
ELL Teacher
BASIS International School Nanjing

Graduating from the University of Pennsylvania, Ms. Cora has had varied teaching experiences in the US, Korea, and China. She is committed to fostering students’ motivation using interactive teaching methods and communicating with students to celebrate progress and address concerns.

Jose Tena
ELL Teacher
BASIS International School Nanjing

Mr. Tena graduated from Complutense University. Since 2012, Mr. Tena has adapted his approach to meet the needs of English Language Learners. He focuses on creating inclusive classrooms where language barriers become growth opportunities.

ELL Teaching Support

“Push-In” Support

ELL Teacher with student for push in support ELL Teacher with students for push in support

ELL teachers enter classrooms to assist students in understanding the lesson content and mastering their academic vocabulary, ensuring that students can actively participate in class discussions and activities, preventing language barriers from isolating them from their peers and helping them better integrate into the classroom environment.

“Pull-Out” Support

Students who require additional support are taken out of the main classroom by ELL teachers for small-group instruction. This model focuses on developing students’ reading and writing skills, allowing them to receive more personalized guidance in a smaller group setting. By addressing language barriers in a targeted manner, students can better engage with the content taught in their main classes.

Dedicated ELL Courses

BASIS International School Nanjing offers dedicated ELL courses for students with limited English proficiency. These students are invited to participate in structured language training programs designed to systematically improve their English skills. The goal is to help them progressively reach a proficiency level that aligns with their grade-level academic requirements.

Differentiated instruction in ELL classrooms ensures that all students receive support tailored to their proficiency levels and learning styles. There are many ways ELL teachers incorporate this into our classrooms:

Tiered assignments provide different levels of complexity based on students’ abilities.
Flexible grouping allow students to collaborate at various skill levels, fostering peer learning.
Scaffolded instruction sentence frames and visual aids, help students build confidence and comprehension.
Interactive learning apps enhance students’ interest and confidence in learning.
Multiple ways of assessments offer alternatives like oral responses or graphic organizers, to better assess student progress.

Data-oriented support

The ELL team regularly analyzes data from assessments like the MAP test to evaluate students’ progress in English language learning. Based on the data, they identify the specific level and nature of support each student requires, ensuring that they progress at their own pace and receive the tailored support they need.

Cross-curricular ELL Instruction

Every BASIS International School Nanjing teacher fosters students’ English proficiency, seamlessly integrating ELL support into every classroom.

The ELL team works closely with subject teachers to plan and implement interdisciplinary instruction, ensuring that language learning becomes a natural part of students’ educational experience. They lead the analysis of MAP data with subject teachers to identify students who need additional support, enabling every teacher to effectively assist students in the classroom. Additionally, the ELL team conducts professional development workshops for subject teachers on ELL instructional strategies, covering topics such as language acquisition, instructional needs, learning objectives, and differentiated teaching, ensuring that ELL strategies are embedded in every lesson.

Understanding that language learning is a long-term process, BASIS International School Nanjing is committed to creating a warm and supportive learning environment where students feel encouraged and confident. Through tailored teaching methods, the ELL team not only helps students overcome language barriers but also nurtures their cross-cultural communication skills, fostering their holistic development in an increasingly globalized world.

Conclusion

The ELL programs at BASIS International & Bilingual Schools go beyond language instruction—they provide the support and resources students need to succeed academically and socially. With a dedicated team of experienced educators, personalized learning strategies, and cross-curricular collaboration, ELL students at BASIS International & Bilingual Schools develop the skills and confidence to fully engage in their education.

Contributors: BASIS International School Nanjing faculty and staff

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ELL Teaching Team: Empowering English Languange Learners

ELL Teaching Program

ELL Teacher Team