165. Dismantling Misconceptions About ELLs: What Really Stands in the Way of our Students' Success with Pamela Broussard

Have you been told that your students' grades are all that matters as indicators of their success? They can figure out the rest on their own?

In this eye-opening episode of Equipping ELLs, host Beth Vaucher sits down with the incredible Pamela Broussard, a veteran educator with over 30 years of experience working with multilingual learners, refugees, and students in high-need communities. Together, they dismantle the myth that multilingual learners will simply "figure things out" on their own. Instead, Pamela highlights the critical importance of social and cultural capital in ensuring these students don’t just graduate but thrive beyond high school, whether in college, careers, or their communities.

Pamela shares actionable strategies that educators, schools, and families can implement at every stage of a student’s journey, from elementary school to high school graduation. You’ll learn:

✅ Why “school + something else” is the key to scholarship opportunities and career success

✅ How to bridge the gap between ELLs and native English-speaking peers

✅ Ways to introduce leadership opportunities, even for students with limited English proficiency

✅ The role of extracurricular activities in breaking cycles of poverty and opening doors

✅ How schools can intentionally create cross-cultural relationships

Pamela also offers practical solutions for making sure ELLs gain access to scholarships, service hours, and leadership roles that set them apart in college and career applications. Plus, she reveals why starting in elementary and middle school is crucial for long-term success.

This episode is packed with real-life success stories, expert advice, and a fresh perspective on how we can better serve multilingual students.

RESOURCES AND LINKS:

• Leading ELLs Facebook Group
• Visit Pamela's Website for More Info and Resources
• ⁠⁠⁠Join the Equipping ELLs Membership
• Shop our TpT Store