Unlocking Potential:
- Jackie Frangis
- May 15
- 3 min read
Updated: May 19
Practical MTSS Strategies for Multilingual Learners in Core Instruction
In today’s classrooms, students bring with them a wide range of experiences, languages, and learning styles. Supporting Multilingual Learners (MLLs) through a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) isn’t a bonus—it’s the foundation of solid teaching. At Elevate Educators, we believe that Tier 1 instruction should be clear, meaningful, and built with every student in mind, especially those learning in more than one language.
Why Focus on Tier 1 for Multilingual Learners?
Research from the Center for Applied Linguistics shows that when we plan our instruction with language learners at the center, we create stronger classrooms for everyone. As Dr. Jana Echevarria puts it, “When we plan for our language learners, we enhance instruction for everyone.”
Let’s take a look at how this can be done across grade levels:
Elementary (K–5)
Academic Supports:
Vocabulary walls with images that reflect students’ lives
Hands-on tools for math
Partner reading with questions that focus on language
Literacy ideas from Colorín Colorado
Social-Emotional Supports:
Morning meetings that include student stories and traditions
Charts with feelings in more than one language
Cooperative games that help students connect
Books with characters from many cultures (Reading Rockets Diverse Books)
Middle School (6–8)
Academic Supports:
Techniques from WIDA Can Do Descriptors that mix language and content learning
Organizers that match the structure of the text
Vocabulary steps that prepare students before and after lessons
Digital tools for ELLs that build language and content
Social-Emotional Supports:
Identity-based projects that link to class topics
Norms that help students work across differences
Advisory sessions that explore language and culture
Lessons from Learning for Justice
High School (9–12)
Academic Supports:
Sentence starters for writing in math, science, and other subjects
Tools for breaking down hard texts
Steps for better group discussions
Resources from Understanding Language at Stanford
Social-Emotional Supports:
Peer leadership roles for cultural ambassadors
College and career readiness resources that value language skills
Tutoring programs that highlight bilingual strengths
Newcomer Toolkit resources for welcoming students new to the country
Our Approach: Practical Coaching That Works
At Elevate Educators, we help schools move from ideas to action. We offer:
Live model lessons
Planning time with classroom teams
Feedback sessions using classroom data
Team-based learning for long-term growth
Workshops That Fit Your School
Sheltered Instruction: Supporting Multilingual Learners SIOP-based ideas that can be used right away
Working with Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students Approaches that reflect and honor students' lives
Bilingual Education Compliance and Best Practices USDOE guidance for staying on track while helping students succeed
SIOP for Paraprofessionals and Support Staff Training for the important work of support roles
Creating a Multicultural SEL Environment in Elementary Classrooms Brain-based practices that connect SEL and language learning
Each session includes useful tools and follow-up support.
Come See Us at TESOL NJBE!
We’ll be at the TESOL NJBE Spring Conference on May 20–21 at the Hyatt Regency in New Brunswick. Stop by our booth to:
Learn about our 2025–2026 workshop options
Talk with us about your team’s needs
Enter to win a free AI workshop for your district
Let’s Build Tier 1 Together
When Tier 1 instruction is strong and inclusive, students don’t just get by—they grow. Reach out to Elevate Educators to see how we can support your staff and strengthen your programs.
Resources for Further Reading:
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