Language Bridge Podcast

"Ever wondered what it’s like to teach English in Kazakhstan? Doug Mooney shares the real story — adventures, challenges, and all!"

🎙️ In this episode, Dr. Giuseppe Chiaramonte talks with Doug Mooney, a U.S. English Language Fellow living and working in Semey, Kazakhstan. Doug shares the highs, the surprises, and the life-changing lessons of teaching abroad — plus real advice for anyone ready to take their skills international. Fo...

Just because a student has been Reclassified as Fluent English Proficient (RFEP) doesn’t mean their language learning journey is over. In this episode, Dr. Giuseppe Chiaramonte explores why the two years following reclassification are critical for academic success and how teachers can provide scaffolding, differentiation, and ongoing monitoring to ensure RFEP students thrive.

Tune in for practical strategies on supporting academic ...

In this episode, Dr. Giuseppe Chiaramonte explores how classroom design can support English Language Learners (ELLs) in their language acquisition journey. Learn the research behind effective classroom decoration, discover key elements that promote engagement, and gain practical strategies for fostering student ownership. Plus, find out how general education teachers and English Language Development teachers can incorporate externa...

Long-Term English Learners (LTELs) are often misunderstood—stuck in a cycle of language learning without achieving full academic proficiency. In this episode, Dr. Giuseppe Chiaramonte explores the challenges LTELs face, the misconceptions that hold them back, and the socio-emotional support they need to succeed. Learn practical strategies for helping these students overcome the final hurdles to fluency, reframe their learning journ...

In this episode of Language Bridge Podcast, host Dr. Giuseppe Chiaramonte sits down with Meagan Abrahamsson, a U.S. State Department English Language Fellow in Amman, Jordan, to explore the adventure of teaching abroad. Meagan shares her experiences navigating Jordanian classrooms, adapting to cultural surprises, and discovering the power of language learning beyond the textbook. From heartwarming student moments to her unique inte...

Have you ever received your class roster and noticed the acronym SDAIE next to a student’s name? That’s your first clue that you have an English Language Learner (ELL) in your classroom—and the start of an exciting instructional journey! In this episode of Language Bridge Podcast, Dr. Giuseppe Chiaramonte breaks down Specially Designed Academic Instruction in English (SDAIE) and why it’s a game-changer for helping ELL students mast...

In this episode of Language Bridge Podcast, host Dr. Giuseppe Chiaramonte sits down with Wiley Roberts, a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant currently living and teaching in Urgench, Uzbekistan. Wiley shares his journey—from what inspired him to apply for Fulbright to the challenges and rewards of teaching English abroad.

They discuss the impact of cultural exchange, the role of programs like Fulbright in diplomacy, and what it’s...

Ever felt lost in a sea of ESL acronyms? In this special episode of the Language Bridge Podcast, Dr. Giuseppe Chiaramonte breaks down the key terms every general education teacher should know when working with English learners. From ESL, EFL, and TESOL to LTEL, SDAIE, and ELPAC, we make sense of the jargon so you don’t have to. Whether you're new to multilingual education or just need a refresher, this quick and lighthearted guide ...

In this episode of Language Bridge Podcast, we dive into the world of differentiation and how it helps English Language Learners (ELLs) thrive in the classroom. Unlike scaffolding, which provides temporary support, differentiation focuses on adapting instruction to meet diverse student needs. We explore practical strategies for modifying content, process, and assessments to ensure all learners stay engaged and challenged. Whether y...

In this episode of the Language Bridge Podcast, host Dr. Giuseppe Chiaramonte sits down with Hannah Landers-Organ, a second-year U.S. State Department English Language Fellow in Tashkent, Uzbekistan and veteran ESL educator. With a deep passion for language teaching and cultural exchange, Hannah shares her experiences working with students and teachers, the challenges and rewards of being a Fellow living abroad, and how she’s makin...

In this episode of Language Bridge Podcast, Dr. Giuseppe Chiaramonte explores the power of scaffolding in supporting English Language Learners (ELLs). What exactly is scaffolding, and how can teachers use it to help students build language skills while engaging with academic content? We’ll discuss practical strategies like modeling, visual aids, and language prompts, along with real classroom examples from experienced ESL educators...

In this episode, Dr. Chiaramonte sits down with Islam Nurmukhamedov (Noor-moo-khah-MEH-dov), a respected business owner, family man, and second language learner who is making a difference in his Nukus community. Together, they discuss how living and working in Karakalpakstan is a unique and rewarding experience, what it’s like living in Nukus, and Islam's experiences learning English. 

Tune in for an engaging discussion on the impa...

In this episode of the Language Bridge Podcast, Dr. Giuseppe Chiaramonte explores the essential steps to launching a teaching career abroad. From required credentials and contract types to cultural adaptation and financial considerations, this episode provides a roadmap for educators looking to work internationally. Whether you're a new teacher or an experienced educator considering a global move, you'll gain valuable insights on f...

How can teachers proactively support their ELL students before and during diagnostic testing and transform the experience of English Language Learners (ELLs) in their classrooms? In this episode of Language Bridge Podcast, host Dr. Giuseppe Chiaramonte dives into the world of ELL high stakes diagnostic testing and considerations we should be making to ensure ELL success. From identifying diagnostic testing windows to everyday learn...

How do we grade English Language Learners fairly? In this episode of Language Bridge Podcast, we explore the messy world of grading—where scores for the same essay can range from 50 to 96, even after teacher training. We dig into assessment versus evaluation and the 3 P’s: process, product, and progress and how standards-based grading—a 1-to-4 scale tied to mastery—could be the key for ESL students. We will discuss how it mirrors o...

Traditional grading systems often fail to reflect student learning accurately—especially for English Language Learners (ELLs). In this episode of Language Bridge Podcast, we explore how some California school districts are adopting adaptive assessment strategies to create more equitable learning environments. Join us as we break down innovative grading policies, their impact on student success, and what educators can do to move clo...

Welcome to the Language Bridge Podcast with Dr. Giuseppe Chiaramonte. Assessing English Language Learners (ELLs) is a complex challenge, often influenced by teachers’ beliefs, organizational barriers, and systemic gaps in skills, knowledge, and motivation. In this episode, we explore Clark and Estes’ Gap Analysis Framework (2008) and its role in improving ELL assessment practices. We’ll break down how unconscious biases, instructio...

Welcome to the Language Bridge podcast, where we explore the best practices, research, and real-world strategies for teaching English learners. I'm your host, Dr. Giuseppe Chiaramonte, and today we're diving into a crucial topic: how to effectively assess and evaluate English language learners (ELLs) beyond just test scores.

In this episode, we discuss how to differentiate ELL levels using various tools in our teaching arsenal, suc...