Routledge Teaching English Learners: Fostering Language and the Democratic Experience (Teacher's Toolkit)

This book examines the teaching of English language learners (ELL) by exploring topics not typically covered in theory or methods textbooks. Although methods texts commonly draw readers through well-known strategies such as the audio-lingual method, this book, by contrast, focuses attention on how music can advance and improve language skills. Looking broadly at the sociocultural implications of ELD, Tellez examines the role of the teacher in introducing and inspiring students to learn both a new language and a new society. Furthermore, he offers alterative views of language, and shows how a deeper understanding of it can shape and enrich the lives of both students and teachers. Drawing upon progressive pragmatic philosophy of Dewey, Addams, and Rorty, this book helps teachers to understand the important lineage and profession they have joined (or will join), and the urgent role they play as agents of democratic ideals and actions." Review “Teaching English Learners is a valuable resource with ideas about how to think about ELLs and what they need to learn English. Recommended.” ―CHOICE “The heart of this excellent book is an affirming view consistent with caring theory. It shows how commitment to sound educational practice for English language development educators is more of a personal, rather than professional, desire or orientation. This book centers educational change on effective pedagogy and challenges the reader to undergo a transformation process that is more inside-out rather than outside-in.” ―Angela Valenzuela, University of Texas-Austin, and author of Subtractive Schooling and Leaving Children Behind *Praise for The Teacher’s Toolkit* “Books about teaching seldom combine theory, research, practice, and inspiration, but that is precisely what The Teacher’s Toolkit series does. Seasoned educators and researchers explore the profession of teaching through social justice and efficacy. University faculty, their students, and new teachers will cherish these books, while veteran teachers will develop new insights from them.” ―Sonia Nieto, University of Massachusetts, Amherst “This series renders complex ideas not only intelligible, but also meaningful. The authors brilliantly weave together theory and research, vision, and vivid examples. Teacher-readers will find themselves respected as intellectuals, and empowered as leaders.” ―Christine Sleeter, California State University-Monterey Bay “When we reflect on our careers, we undoubtedly ask whether the choices we made were the best for bringing about a new society. Here is a collection of theoretically cohesive books, all of them integrating research and heart felt understanding. The books carry the polyphonic voices of the individual volumes, and most importantly, they are in sync in purpose, in passion, and in thoughtfulness about how to make our world a better place for all children.” ―María E. Torres-Guzmán, Teachers College, Columbia University “The concerns of twenty-first-century teachers are significant, varied, and urgent. Addressing them as part of professional socialization and further professional development has never been more important. The Teacher’s Toolkit does just that. Using powerful tools of inquiry, narrative, critical reflection, and analysis, these books help new and experienced teachers to achieve balance and perspective in their professional and personal lives.” ―Susan Florio-Ruane, Michigan State University