Creating authentic learning experiences for ELs with Dr. Carol Salva

Season 15 of Highest Aspirations begins with Dr. Carol Salva, author of Boosting Achievement. In this episode, Dr. Salva shares updated strategies from the new edition of her book designed to support English learners, newcomer students, and students with limited or interrupted formal education (SLIFE). She discusses practical tools educators can use to accelerate language development, build student confidence, and create welcoming classroom environments that foster belonging and success.

Key questions we address:

1. Why was a second edition of the book Boosting Achievement necessary?
2. How can educators best support multilingual learners and maintain hope during challenging societal times?
3. What does an "authentic learning experience" look like in practice, and how can teachers create one?

For additional episode and community resources:

• Download the transcript here.

• Dr. Salva’s website: https://salvac.edublogs.org/ 

• DIY PD a Guide to Self-Directed Learning for Educators of Multilingual Learners by Katie Toppel, Tan Huynh, Carol Salva

• ML Summit

• Subscribe to our weekly newsletter, The Community Brief

• For additional free resources geared toward supporting English learners, ⁠visit our blog.

Carol Salva is an award-winning educator with proven success working with unschooled/under-schooled, multilingual learners classified as SLIFE (Students with Limited or Interrupted Formal Education) or ELD (English Language Development) students. She is a key Seidlitz Education consultant for training, coaching, modeling, and supporting program leaders. Dr. Carol Salva is a co-author of Boosting Achievement: Reaching Students with Interrupted Our Minimal Education and a co-author of DIY PD: A Guide to Self-Directed Learning for Educators of Multilingual Learners. She has taught elementary, middle, and high school.

Carol holds a doctorate in education in the area of ethical leadership from the University of St. Thomas in Houston, Texas. She also has her Masters degree in Education Administration. Along with her ESL certification, she is a Certified Gomez & Gomez Dual Language Trainer and a Certified Abydos Writing Trainer. Dr. Salva is a Kahoot Ambassador and the co-chair of the NAELPA professional learning committee.