Sustaining EL success through teacher leaders with Dr. Michelle Benegas

Sustaining EL success through teacher leaders with Dr. Michelle Benegas

Author: Ellevation Education October 21, 2025 Duration: 32:39

In this episode of Highest Aspirations, Sandra Medrano-Arroyo speaks with Dr. Michelle Benegas about building sustainable, schoolwide support for ELs. Michelle shares insights on empowering teacher leaders, creating effective infrastructure for multilingual learner programs, and strategies for strengthening both direct and indirect support. Listeners will learn how to foster collaborative, capacity-driven approaches that help educators expand their impact and ensure lasting success for all ELs.

Key questions we address:

  • 1. How can schools build sustainable, schoolwide systems to support ELs beyond individual classrooms?

  • 2. What role do teacher leaders play in strengthening EL programs and educator capacity?

  • 3. How can schools ensure effective support for ELs across direct, integrated, and indirect learning environments?

  • For additional episode and community resources:


  • Michelle Benegas, Ph.D., is an associate professor at Hamline University and a co-founder of TESOL International Association’s School Wide English Learning (SWEL) Professional Development Series. A former secondary English Language development (ELD) teacher, her career began in a newcomer high school. She now supports educators to meet the needs of linguistically diverse students. In her work with teachers and schools, she promotes a model in which ELD teachers serve as site-based experts and coaches to their colleagues. Her books include Teacher Leadership for School-Wide English Learning (TESOL Press, 2025, 2nd edition) and Language of Identity Language of Identity, Language of Access (LILA): Liberatory Learning in Multilingual Classrooms (Corwin, 2024). Learn more at www.benegasconsulting.com.


  • 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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