What Is ELL? English Language Learners

Across classrooms in the U.S., Canada, the UK, and beyond, you’ll often hear the term ELL used when talking about students from multilingual backgrounds. It stands for English Language Learners—students who are learning English in addition to their native language.

ELL is more than just a label. It reflects the unique educational journey of millions of learners adjusting to life, school, and sometimes an entirely new culture—all while acquiring the language they need to thrive. Whether they’ve recently arrived in an English-speaking country or were born into a bilingual household, ELL students face a range of academic, social, and linguistic challenges that require thoughtful support.

What Does ELL Mean?

ELL (English Language Learner) refers to any student whose first language is not English and who is in the process of developing their English proficiency. ELL students are typically found in:

• Public schools in English-speaking countries
• International schools or bilingual programs
• Language immersion classrooms
• Refugee and migrant education programs

The term is most widely used in North America, especially the United States, where supporting ELLs is a major part of the public school system. These students may receive targeted support through pull-out programs, ESL classes, or integrated co-teaching models within mainstream classrooms.

Who Are ELL Students?

ELLs come from a wide range of backgrounds. Some were born abroad and are recent arrivals adjusting to a new language and education system. Others are second-generation immigrants, born in an English-speaking country but raised in households where English isn’t the primary language.

Common characteristics of ELL students include:

• Varying levels of English proficiency—some are near fluent, others are just beginning
• Diverse cultural backgrounds, often speaking Spanish, Chinese, Arabic, Vietnamese, or Somali at home
• Different educational experiences, ranging from advanced academics to interrupted schooling

Supporting ELLs means meeting them where they are linguistically and helping them build both social and academic English.

What Challenges Do ELLs Face?

Learning a new language is tough. Learning that language while navigating a new school system, making friends, and keeping up academically is even harder. ELL students often deal with:

• Language barriers in reading, writing, speaking, and listening
• Academic gaps if their prior schooling was disrupted or very different
• Cultural adjustment to new norms, expectations, and teaching styles
• Social isolation or lack of confidence when participating in class

These challenges can affect grades, classroom participation, and overall well-being. That’s why many schools offer dedicated support systems to help ELLs catch up and feel confident.

How Are ELLs Supported in Schools?

Support for ELLs varies by country and school, but common approaches include:

• Pull-out ESL programs where students leave the mainstream class for English instruction
• Push-in ESL support with co-teaching or classroom aides
• Sheltered instruction where teachers adapt lessons for ELLs while teaching content
• Bilingual education where instruction is delivered in both English and the student’s native language
• After-school tutoring, language labs, and cultural support groups

In the U.S., ELLs are protected under federal law and schools must provide equal access to education. That includes language assistance and accommodations on tests or assignments.

ELL vs ESL vs EAL: What’s the Difference?

These terms often overlap but have different meanings depending on the context:

You might teach ELLs in an ESL program using EAL strategies. The terms vary, but the goal is the same: helping students gain confidence and fluency in English while thriving academically.

Should You Consider ELL Teaching?

If you're passionate about inclusive education and working with diverse learners, supporting ELL students can be incredibly rewarding. It’s a great fit for teachers who:

• Enjoy working in multicultural environments
• Have strong empathy, patience, and communication skills
• Want to make a real difference in students’ lives
• Are TEFL/TESOL certified or trained in bilingual education

Many teachers working abroad also end up supporting ELLs indirectly—especially in international schools where English is the medium of instruction.

Final Thoughts

ELLs bring rich cultural perspectives and resilience into the classroom. Teaching them isn’t just about language—it’s about empowerment, inclusion, and helping them build a future in a new language and sometimes a new country. Whether you're teaching in the U.S., abroad, or online, understanding ELLs helps you become a more adaptable, compassionate, and effective educator.