BLOGS  >  AUGUST 15, 2022

Supporting English Language Learners

BY DEMARCUS JOHNSON


Whether you are a teacher working with early childhood students or teaching advanced placement classes, the education landscape has changed drastically in the past five years. We have found that to be especially true for teachers working with English Language Learners (ELL).

The post-pandemic shift has teachers wanting to assist their ELL and English as a Second Language (ESL) students more than ever before. According to Continental Press Publishing, ELL students are often age five or older and require robust content that goes with each subject in their curriculum. ESL is an approach in which students who are not native English speakers are mainly taught in English. ESL focuses on language skills rather than content. It is very important that teachers have partners like Follett that will help their students thrive in today’s world.

The National Center for Education Statistics reports that the number of students in the United States who identify as ESL and ELL has been rising since 2010 with no signs of slowing down. From rural areas, towns, suburbs, and the city, school districts are seeing more and more students requiring ESL and ELL support to be proficient in all areas of classroom instruction. As the war continues between Russia and Ukraine, the United States is seeing even more immigrant students entering classrooms across the country. Today’s classrooms need differentiated instruction to help each and every student be successful and have what they need throughout their educational experience.  

How can Follett help? Follett can support teachers with preparation and procedures, yielding a more effective classroom. Follett has partnered with schools since 1873, providing resources and solutions in the Grades K-12 space. We know that teachers will need textbooks and resources to support their curriculum. They may need to ensure students are proficient in English Language Arts (ELA), so they can teach language skills successfully. Whether you need social studies, math, science, or ELA materials that incorporate students’ native languages, Follett can help you find the resources you need. Students who are ELL will often need resources that support vocabulary and language development, and we have several products and services to help teachers where they need it most. From textbooks and professional development by major publishers to authentic text and digital resources, Follett has you covered. Go to follettcontent.com to find out more.
 


DeMarcus Johnson
Senior Sales Consultant, Textbooks and Classroom

DeMarcus Johnson is an Inside Sales Consultant for textbook and classroom. DeMarcus has been with Follett for almost 20 years. He enjoys music, traveling, live comedy shows, scary movies, kung fu and pretending to be a radio broadcaster. DeMarcus is also a husband and father.

Recent Blog Entries

tonies + Book Bundles for Libraries: Play, Print, and Early Literacy

October 22, 2026

How do you get a three-year-old excited about books when a screen is always within reach? Pair the stories kids already love with the print books that tell them.
Read more

Book Picks for Fall: The Two Bs' Top 15 (Plus a Few Bonus Books)

October 22, 2026

Laurie Bolt and Claire Bremner, Follett Content sales consultants and former school librarians in Virginia, read stacks of new releases every season and text each other about the ones they can't put down. In this blog post, they shared their...
Read more

An Author Interview with Doreen Cronin

October 22, 2026

Follett Content caught up with author Doreen Cronin to talk about her new book, her beloved characters, and how she finally found the nerve to drive through a car wash.
Read more

Shannon McClintock Miller Blog Series Part 1: Why I Became a School Librarian and Why I'll Always Love This Work

October 22, 2026

Introducing a new blog series from teacher librarian, international speaker, consultant and author Shannon McClintock Miller.
Read more

Library Spaces That Work for Every Student: Ideas from Shannon McClintock Miller

October 22, 2026

This fall, district teacher librarian Shannon McClintock Miller opened a brand-new library and walked us through how she designed it, and shared low-cost ideas that work in any space, new or not.
Read more

How Public Libraries Can Inspire a New Generation of Readers

October 21, 2026

Public libraries have always played an important role in helping people discover books, ideas, and new perspectives. Today, that role is more important than ever.As children and teens face increasing competition for their attention from social media, streaming content, gaming,...
Read more

More Blog Entries