Effective coaching for teachers of English learners with Paula Polk

Effective coaching for teachers of English learners with Paula Polk

Author: Ellevation Education October 7, 2025 Duration: 28:41

In this episode of Highest Aspirations, Sandra Medrano-Arroyo speaks with Paula Polk about her journey from classroom teacher to language coach and district leader. Paula shares insights on coaching with integrity, empathy, and justice, strategies for supporting multilingual learners, and practical approaches to building teacher expertise. Listeners will learn how to expand their impact in education while fostering collaborative, student-centered learning environments.


Key questions we address:

    1. How can educators transition from classroom teaching to coaching and leadership roles while maintaining a focus on student outcomes?
    2. What are practical strategies that language coaches and teachers can use to support multilingual learners effectively?
    3. How can educators foster a collaborative culture and reflective space that empowers teachers to grow professionally while improving student language proficiency?

  • For additional episode and community resources:


    Paula Polk’s journey into educational leadership began as a language coach before embarking into district leadership as an ESL Facilitator. In this role she coaches Language Coaches, Specialists and ESL Teachers PK-12 as they work with stakeholders on campuses including principals, teachers and multilingual students and families. This role affords her the opportunity to curate professional learning for teachers, coaches, coordinators and administrators as they create spaces for multilingual students to thrive. Her upcoming book with ASCD: Enhancing Instruction for Multilingual Learners: Coaching Practices to Empower Students will detail her coaching journey and practices for multilingual students and their teachers.


  • At the heart of Highest Aspirations are the voices and stories of English Language Learners, a dynamic and fast-growing part of the student population. Created by Ellevation Education, this podcast moves beyond theory to explore the real-world experiences shaping classrooms today. Each episode connects you directly with educators who are in the trenches, students navigating dual languages, and researchers translating data into practical strategies. You’ll also hear from families and community advocates, whose perspectives are crucial yet often overlooked. These conversations collectively tackle a central question: how do we build systems that genuinely allow every student to thrive? Rather than offering simple answers, the series delves into the complexities of policy, instructional practice, and cultural belonging. It’s a space where the vibrant ELL community gathers to discuss both challenges and breakthroughs. Tuning in provides a nuanced look at the evolving landscape of education, emphasizing actionable insights and shared humanity. The Highest Aspirations podcast ultimately serves as a thoughtful forum for anyone invested in creating more equitable and effective learning environments for all.
    Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

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