Ms. Santos was preparing to start a unit on American literature, focusing on themes of identity, resilience, and the pursuit of the American Dream. She knew that the traditional approach of assigning readings, followed by class discussions and essays, would not be enough to engage her diverse group of learners. To ensure that every student could access and connect with the material, Ms. Santos decided to incorporate several intentional instructional adaptations.

Supporting multilingual students requires intentional, inclusive instructional strategies that honor their linguistic and cultural identities. By leveraging native languages, using visuals, differentiating instruction, and building supportive classroom cultures, teachers can create a more equitable and engaging learning environment. Recognizing and addressing biases is crucial—not just to teach English, but to empower students to thrive in their full linguistic and cultural richness. When educators embrace these strategies, they can help multilingual students like Amina and Tariq feel seen, heard, and valued in every aspect of their educational journey.