Teaching English as a second language has its unique joys and challenges. But when a teacher has to teach ESL students English and other subjects, their job requires more. We’ve asked two educators who have spent a lot of time figuring out the best ways to teach English and other subjects who are learning English to share what they’ve learned — the most significant difficulties and the most successful methods.

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Debbie Zacarian provides professional development and policy analyses for educators of culturally and linguistically diverse populations. An expert consultant for school districts, universities, and organizations, she served the Massachusetts Parent Information Resource Center and Federation for Children with Special Needs. With advanced degrees in clinical psychology and educational policy and research, she’s written over 100 publications including Transforming Schools for Multilingual Learners: A comprehensive Guide for Educators.

Vivian Micolta Simmons was born in Cali, Colombia, but relocated to the United States in 2013. Vivian is an English as a Second Language and Dual Immersion Lead Teacher for Iredell-Statesville Schools in NC. She holds a Master’s degree in TESOL from Greensboro College and currently finishing her Masters in School Administration with UNC Charlotte.