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S3 EP 44 | Season 3 Episode 44: The Executive Function Guide to Teaching Multilingual Students: Trauma, Communication, and Brain-Based Learning

What does it really take to reach, teach, and connect with English Language Learners and their families?

On this next episode of Making the Grade, Georgia sits down with Andrea Bitner - EL Teacher, Author, Professor, and PD Partner - who has dedicated 25 years to helping educators and multilingual learners build bridges through communication, confidence, and compassion.

From her early days as a high school ELA teacher to her current role teaching English Learners in Philadelphia, Andrea has taught every grade level and worn many hats: Title I Reading Specialist, Teacher Mentor, College Professor, and National Presenter. She now travels the country partnering with schools and universities to help educators strengthen their skills in teaching, reaching, collaborating, and confidently communicating with English Learners and their families.

Andrea shares:
✨ The challenges and solutions to effectively connecting with multilingual students and families
💬 The hidden traumas that many EL students face, and how educators can recognize and support them
🧠 How English learners acquire language and the neuroscience behind the process of becoming bilingual

She also opens up about her book, Take Me Home, the true story of 11 of her former EL students who share what it’s really like to learn English and adapt to life in America. Drawing from her own experiences - including traveling to El Salvador and learning what it feels like to be a language learner herself - Andrea offers powerful insights for any educator striving to create classrooms where every student belongs.

🔗 Learn more about Andrea’s work: www.andreabitnerbooks.com
Connect with Andrea: LinkedIn: @AndreaBitner | Instagram: @andreabitnerbooks

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The Executive Function Guide to Teaching Multilingual Students: Trauma, Communication, and Brain-Based Learning

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