logo
episode-header-image
Jun 2025
21m 14s

Episode 160 - Your First Year as an EL T...

Ieva Grauslys, ESL/ELL teaching
About this episode

Starting your first year as an EL teacher can feel both exciting and overwhelming. Especially if you're stepping into a new building, new subject, or working with newcomers for the first time. In this episode, I’m answering a listener question from a music teacher-turned-EL teacher who’s just beginning this journey. I’m walking you through five things that matter most in your first year as an EL teacher with concrete examples, approachable strategies, and encouragement. If you're a newer EL teacher (or just want a back-to-basics refresher), this episode will help you feel more grounded and prepared for the year ahead.


Show Notes:

 

Simply Ieva Offers:
*** Your First 30 Days with EL Newcomers - online LIVE workshop on June 26, 2025***

If you find value in The ESL Teaching Podcast and want to support the time, effort, and costs that go into bringing you these episodes each week, consider making a small donation—whatever feels right for you. Your support helps keep this podcast going and means the world to me! You can find the donation link below. Thank you so much! https://www.paypal.biz/simplyieva 


Save time and build confidence in your EL teaching with these resources:


Related episodes: 


Let’s connect!

On June 26  I’m hosting a LIVE online workshop  called Your First 30 Days with EL Newcomers. We will break that first month with your newcomers down in depth and you’ll walk away with templates, daily plans, and time-saving tools you can use right away. Save your spot by heading over to simplyieva.com/workshop or click the link in the shownotes.


Support the show

Up next
Jul 1
Episode 161 - Announcement + Big News About the Roadmap
Today’s episode is short, sweet, and exciting! I’m sharing a behind-the-scenes update and big news about the ESL Teacher Roadmap.Whether you're new to the ESL Teaching Podcast or you’ve been listening since day one, this quick episode is for you. I’ll walk you through a few upcom ... Show More
7m 48s
Jun 2025
Episode 159 - What to Do When a Newcomer Walks Through Your Door: The First 30 Days
You’re in the middle of your school day when the front office calls: “You’re getting a new student tomorrow. They don’t speak any English.” Cue the racing heart and rising questions. In this episode, I’m sharing exactly what to do during those critical first 30 days after a newco ... Show More
19m 41s
Jun 2025
Episode 158 - What They Wish You Knew: Muslim Students in the Classroom
I’m joined today by Farhana N. Shah - an experienced educator, instructional specialist, and advocate for Muslim students. Farhana brings over two decades of expertise in teaching, professional development, and equity work. Together, we explore what real inclusion looks like for ... Show More
44m 29s
Recommended Episodes
Dec 2024
62. Practical Tips for Thriving in the Classroom
We are so excited to share this special replay episode of Ashleigh’s interview on The Teacher Approved Podcast with Emily and Heidi! We had a great conversation about supporting new teachers and how veteran educators can play a key role in helping them thrive. In this conversatio ... Show More
31m 11s
Sep 17
Getting Started with Online Teaching
🎙️ Welcome to ESL Talk! 🎙️A podcast for English Teachers, by English Teachers.In today’s episode, Getting Started with Online Teaching, we’re joined by a very special guest: Crystal Weber, founder of Crystal Clear ESL and the Crystal Clear Expert Educators Club. Crystal brings ... Show More
33m 32s
Aug 6
Teaching with Empathy and Respect: Part 1
🎙️ Welcome to ESL Talk! 🎙️A podcast for English Teachers, by English Teachers.In this powerful two-part episode, we sit down with Swiss-Brazilian educator and bestselling author Maya Eigenmann to explore how empathy, calm, and respect can transform the way we teach. Maya shares ... Show More
41m 27s
Jan 2024
12. Worries to Wins: Overcome the 5 Top Worries of New Teachers
Teaching is an exciting ride, but it comes with its fair share of worries, especially for newcomers. From connecting with students to balancing work and life, these concerns can be daunting.New teachers often grapple with common worries that can impact their confidence in and out ... Show More
29m 24s
Jun 2022
Effective Learning for Teachers and Students
🎙️ Welcome to ESL Talk! 🎙️ A podcast for English Teachers, by English Teachers. This week, we are covering the subject of effective learning for teachers and students. We not only talk about what to consider but also how to teach it effectively. Goal setting and being efficient ... Show More
38m 34s
May 2022
Tech Secrets for Teachers
🎙️ Welcome to ESL Talk! 🎙️ A podcast for English Teachers, by English Teachers. This week, we will be talking all about the topic of Tech for Teachers!Daniel and Fey will be discussing the tech they use for teaching and tools that can help you improve your teaching!Our special ... Show More
46m 22s
May 2021
Top Tips for Mentoring a Trainee Teacher
This episode topic was requested by Ashely in The Teaching Space Community. She said: "I would love to hear about the most beneficial things you can have a student-teacher do before exiting the program and teaching on their own. This is my first time having a student-teacher." In ... Show More
16m 9s
Aug 13
Teaching with Empathy and Respect: Part 2
🎙️ Welcome to ESL Talk! 🎙️A podcast for English Teachers, by English Teachers.In the second part of our two-part episode, we continue our amazing discussion with Swiss-Brazilian educator and bestselling author Maya Eigenmann, diving deeper into the real-world application of Res ... Show More
3h 56m
Aug 2023
Welcome Back…to School!
Whether you’re teaching for the first time or a seasoned classroom educator, the words ‘back to school’ always signal excitement, energy, and new enthusiasm for the year ahead. As we launch season 4 of Literacy Talks, our trio explores ideas and strategies to create classroom, at ... Show More
30m 8s
Apr 2025
7 Tips for Substitute Teacher Success
Send us a textTeacher Self-Care: Setting Your Substitute Teacher Up for Success 🍎✨Are you dragging yourself to school when sick because writing sub plans feels overwhelming? Discover how to set yourself (and your substitute teacher) up for success with these practical strategies ... Show More
38m 24s