The Johnston Community School District Podcast Network is your one-stop audio source for all the latest news, updates, and insights from across the district. From school board meetings and budget discussions to in-depth conversations with teachers, administrators, and students, the network offers a diverse range of podcasts covering academics, athletics, arts, and community engagement. Stay informed about upcoming events, learn about innovative programs, and hear inspiring stories from the heart of the Johnston community. Subscribe to your favorite shows and never miss an update!
Building Bridges: Inclusive Strategies for Supporting English Learners
Welcome back to the Johnston ESOL Dragon Chat! In this episode, we're focusing on the core principles of creating a truly inclusive and supportive learning environment for our English language learners. Join our dedicated team of ESOL educators as they delve into actionable strategies that make a real difference in the classroom.
This episode explores the crucial role of leveraging prior knowledge, helping students connect new concepts to their existing understanding. We'll discuss how to build robust academic language skills, empowering students to confidently engage with complex content. Discover the power of presenting content in diverse formats, catering to various learning styles and ensuring accessibility for all.
Our ESOL experts will share practical tips for scaffolding tasks, providing the necessary support for students to succeed. Learn effective techniques for engaging hesitant students and creating a welcoming and secure atmosphere for newcomers.
This episode emphasizes that the strategies shared benefit all students, fostering a positive and conducive learning environment where everyone can thrive. Tune in to gain valuable insights and join us in our commitment to empowering our English language learners! Go Dragons!
Host: Eric Hammans
Contributors: Debora Strong, Emily Kenny, Jacqueline Orcutt, Maria Bartemes, Merima Pasalic, Rachel Burgess
7 Mar 2025
Dragon Chat - Unlocking Potential: Intentional Strategies for ESOL Success
Welcome back to the Johnston ESOL Dragon Chat! In this episode, we're diving deep into the heart of effective ESOL instruction, focusing on practical strategies to empower our English learners. Join our dedicated ESOL team as they engage in a lively roundtable discussion, sharing their expertise on creating inclusive and supportive classroom environments.
We'll explore the critical role of intentional teaching and the unwavering belief in high expectations for all students. Discover how to seamlessly integrate language support into your daily lessons, transforming your classroom into a language-rich learning hub.
Our experienced ESOL teachers will reveal their go-to techniques, including the power of sentence stems, the impact of a moderated speech rate, and the invaluable benefits of peer interactions. Learn how to leverage visuals and interactive vocabulary building activities to bridge the gap between language and understanding.
This episode also highlights the importance of differentiation, ensuring every student's unique needs are met. We'll explore innovative tools like Diffit and Flashlight 360, demonstrating how technology can be used to personalize learning and foster growth.
Whether you're a seasoned educator or new to supporting English learners, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiring stories. Tune in to learn how to tailor your teaching and truly unlock the potential of every Dragon! Go Dragons!
Host: Morgan Vana
Contributors: Claire Petersen, Connie Halfpop, Evan Hammans, Elma Karic, Jessica Drafahl
12 Feb 2025
Student Experiences #2 - More JCSD ESOL Students Share Their Stories
Looking for some inspiration? Tune in to Johnston ESOL Dragon Chat as we celebrate the accomplishments of two amazing graduating seniors from Johnston High School. They share their powerful stories as EL students, the challenges they faced, and how they achieved their goals. Plus, they'll give us a glimpse into their bright futures and how Johnston Community Schools has supported them along the way.
Thanks for listening!! If you are a Johnston Teacher and want more information on our programming, please go to the student services webpage and click on the ESOL tab. This webpage is linked in Infinite Campus. If you are from outside of the district and want to know more about our programming, please check out our district webpage at www.johnston.k12.ia.us.
11 Feb 2025
Student Experiences #1 - JCSD ESOL Students Share Their Stories
Ever wondered about the experiences of English Language Learners in our community? On this episode of Johnston ESOL Dragon Chat, we sit down with two incredible juniors from Johnston High School who share their stories. From their initial arrival in the United States to the challenges and triumphs of high school, they open up about their lives as EL students. Hear about their dreams for the future and how the dedicated teachers at Johnston Community Schools have played a vit...
10 Feb 2025
Johnston ESOL Programming
How does Johnston Community Schools support the success of its English Language Learners? Find out on this episode of Johnston ESOL Dragon Chat! Moderator Adam Busch, Director of Student Services, talks with guest Melissa Grinstead about the district’s commitment to providing comprehensive ESOL services. They’ll discuss the programs and resources that empower EL students to achieve their full potential. Thanks for listening!!
10 Feb 2025
ELPA21 Nuts and Bolts
This episode of Johnston ESOL Dragon Chat is a valuable resource for teachers! Moderator Adam Busch, Director of Student Services, and guest Melissa Grinstead discuss the ELPA21 assessment and, more importantly, how teachers can use the information from the different domains to better support their English Language Learners in the classroom. Thanks for listening!! If you are a Johnston Teacher and want more information on our programming, please go to the student services webpage and click on...
28 Dec 2024
From Newcomer to Navigator: Success Stories in Johnston's ELL Programs
In this episode, we delve into the world of English Language Learners (ELs) in the Johnston School District. We're joined by Luke Dillon, Principal of Johnston Middle School, and Adam Busch, Director of Student Services, to discuss the unique challenges and triumphs of supporting newcomer students.What successful strategies are in place to help ELLs thrive?How does the district collaborate with families and community partners to ensure student success?What are the long-term goals for ELL supp...
6 Dec 2024
Building Bridges: Supporting Refugee Families in Johnston
Refugee Alliance of Central Iowa Executive Director, along with local community members, shares insights on supporting refugee families in Johnston, highlighting the challenges and available resources to bridge cultural gaps.
8 Nov 2024
Bridging the Communication Gap: Tips for Successful Parent-Teacher Conferences with ESOL Families
Join us for a conversation with Kyla Burns and Thomas Griffin from JHS and Aaron Meyer from Summit as they share valuable insights on how to effectively communicate with ESOL families during parent-teacher conferences. Learn practical tips for building rapport, overcoming language barriers, and fostering meaningful partnerships to support student success.Find more at https://www.buzzsprout.com/2415377/free_share_pageThanks for listening!! If you are a Johnston Teacher and want more informatio...
29 Oct 2024
Learning Opportunities
Looking for a way to improve your teaching skills in the classroom when it comes to supporting our English Learners? Morgan Vana and Evan Hammons from Timber Ridge Elementary discuss some of the ways they have enhanced their practice. Thanks for listening!! If you are a Johnston Teacher and want more information on our programming, please go to the student services webpage and click on the ESOL tab. This webpage is linked in Infinite Campus. If you are from outside of the district ...
19 Oct 2024
ELPA21 Stuff
We have a chat about what ELPA21 is, what it means to our students, and how we can use the data from this assessment to support our ELs.
18 Oct 2024
JCSD ESOL Programming
Our first episode takes a glance at some of the recent history of ESOL programming at Johnston Community Schools along with some of the future goals.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 26 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
40
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
32
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