Advocating for English Learners
A Guide for Educators
- Diane Staehr Fenner - SupportEd
Foreword by John Segota, A Joint Publication with TESOL
Embrace the future by ensuring English Learners have a voice in school.
English Learners (ELs) are the fastest-growing segment of the K–12 population. But ELs and their families—who are in the process of learning English and navigating an often-unfamiliar education system—may not have a powerful enough voice to articulate their needs. Consequently, all teachers and administrators must advocate for this all-important diverse group of students who will become tomorrow’s workforce. This book demystifies the techniques of advocacy for ELs, including:
- A shared sense of responsibility for EL success—Providing tools that every educator can use to ensure that ELs are effectively served.
- An overview for administrators—Influencing policy and fostering a culture that meets EL needs
- Advocacy for ELs’ success beyond Grade 12—Equipping ELs for life after graduation, from higher education to career decisions
ELs will continue to grow in number, and leaving them and their families voiceless is simply not an option. No educator can miss this essential book.
“In many ways, the history of American Education is the history of a quest for equality. Dr. Staehr Fenner lends a human face to the experience of English Learners and encourages us to think in terms of what attributes ELs bring to their learning experience and how others can benefit from their presence in the classroom. This book is a promising, uplifting, and much-needed call for action!”
— Rosa Aronson, Executive Director
TESOL International Association, Alexandria, VA
Watch the Webinar!
On-line book study–available now!
Author Staehr Fenner’s company, SupportEd, has created an on-demand LMS book study for readers of Advocating for English Learners A Guide for Educators. The self-paced book study works around your schedule and when you're done, you’ll earn a certificate for 20 hours of PD. SupportEd can also customize the book study for specific district timelines, cohorts and/or needs upon request. Learn more.
"Diane Staehr Fenner brilliantly outlines English language learner advocacy issues we all need to incorporate into our daily practice as educators to deliver a just and equitable educational experience for all ELL students and their families –one of the most important books for educators and advocates in education to be written."
"It is common knowledge that English language learners (ELLs) are the fastest growing population in our schools. Most teachers are likely to have one or more ELLs in their classrooms, and yet there is still so much misunderstanding and confusion about what a quality equitable education represents for ELL students. Staehr Fenner’s work sheds light on what is different about ELL students. She highlights the importance of Advocacy and Collaboration in order to develop and implement a well-rounded education program for ELLs. And she does so with a refreshing perspective, using clear, real-life examples and providing guidance about how to implement those promising practices and tackle challenges along the way. Staehr Fenner’s work will no doubt dispel the myths and encourage positive changes for ELLs in our schools."
"It’s evident from the first pages that Diane Staehr Fenner knows what it’s like to be in a classroom, hallway, or meeting where English language learners and their needs are being overlooked or marginalized. In this essential new book, she gives teachers the framework and the tools we need to advocate effectively and ensure our students the seat at the table they so deserve. I would recommend this book to anyone who educates ELLs, and since today that is nearly everyone in education, it could not be more timely. These beautiful, multi-talented children are the future. Thank you, Diane, for helping to make our voices stronger on their behalf."
"Wow! This is the first book I have encountered which is devoted solely to the area of advocacy for English language learners (ELLs). In education, where the effects of political and judicial decisions are apparent, this is a very much needed book in guiding future educators and inservice teachers to be strong catalysts in advocating effectively for the academic success of ELLs."
"In this timely and utterly necessary book, Staehr Fenner explains why all educators need to advocate for English language learners, based in solid yet accessible research, and how to do so with the supporting resources and activities provided. She guides readers in understanding and implementing "scaffolded advocacy," including effective instruction for ELLs. Margins notes included throughout will allow teacher educators to easily use this as a training manual for pre-service and in-service teachers working with ELLs. Finally, the personal anecdotes, stories, and vignettes from the field leave the reader with the crucial message of the book: everyone can and should be an advocate."
"With Advocating for English Learners: A Guide for Educators, Diane Staehr Fenner closes a gap in teacher education publications. This much-needed book addresses immigrant realities, teacher experiences, administrator preparation, and Title III policies by using advocacy as the organizing principle. Based on solid professional foundations and with great insight and skill, Dr. Staehr Fenner provides all stakeholders with tools for a collaboration that works so that linguistically and culturally diverse student population needs can be sufficiently addressed in K-12 contexts and beyond."
“This book provides a much-needed resource for teachers of English language learners (ELLs). Dr. Staehr Fenner shows the importance of advocating for ELLs and preparing teachers to do this work. There is no other book that provides such an emphasis. The personal anecdotes and examples will help teachers connect with issues of advocacy in teacher education programs. This book shows that teachers and administrators can be change agents through their advocacy work for ELLs.”
