Teaching Social Studies to Multilingual Learners of English

Teach social studies with equity and confidence.

This practical guide helps K–12 educators engage multilingual learners through research-based strategies, lesson plans, and culturally responsive approaches that build disciplinary knowledge, academic language, and student voice while maintaining rigor across social studies classrooms.

Dr. Fatima Aldajani is an experienced education professional with over 15+ years of expertise in supporting Multilingual Learners (MLLs) and fostering inclusive, culturally responsive classrooms. Holding a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction, she has worked globally, integrating her international insights into curriculum development, teacher training, and social-emotional learning (SEL). Her research focuses on equity, anti-racism, and the impacts of professional development on student success. A passionate advocate for educational justice, she addresses anti-Arab racism, Islamophobia, and antisemitism while promoting intersectional pedagogy. Additionally, she explores the ethical applications of AI in education, leveraging technology to enhance personalized learning and promote digital equity. She is currently based in Perrysburg, Ohio.

Mary Brennan is an experienced educator with 20+ years and hopes to inspire educators to continue to be life-long learners. With a passion for coaching teachers, Mary strives to make learning engaging and meaningful. Mary is currently a district coordinator that supports teachers and helps them excel in their field. Beyond teaching, she enjoys being with her three grandbabies, going on adventures and crafting. She believes that students and teachers are assets to the learning environment. As a life-long learner herself, Mary hopes to instill a love of learning in all teachers and students. She is currently based in Fountain, Colorado.

Peggie Cypher is a veteran instructor of MLEs, from Kindergarteners in Toledo, Ohio, to college-level students in Tokyo, Japan. Her specialty is working with content area teachers to make instruction comprehensible. Peggie is also a widely published author whose work has appeared in diverse publications, from Ladies Home Journal to the narrative series Legacy for the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation’s project on small schools. She is a co-winner of two Wilmer Shields Rich Awards for Excellence in Communications, a Parenting Publications of America award for drinking water safety, and a Guinness Toast award at Mickey Finn’s pub. She is currently based in Sylvania, Ohio.

Kaedmon Fulton speaks four languages and holds certifications in three content areas: Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, Social Studies, and English Language Arts. Their 10+ years of teaching experience include rural, suburban, and urban public schools in New York state, where they specialize in making challenging content in Social Studies and English literature accessible to students with beginning English proficiency and interrupted formal education. Their research interests include disciplinary literacy, curriculum development, and bridging cultural gaps between families and school. In 2023, they were named the Middle School ESOL Teacher of the Year by New York State TESOL. Kaedmon is currently based in Rochester, New York.

Andy Jiahao Liu was an award-winning Global Professor of English at the University of Arizona at the time of writing. He is joining the University of Iowa as a Ph.D. student in Language, Literacy, and Social Studies Education in Fall 2025. His research centers on second language writing, English for research publication purposes, and language testing and assessment. He is co-editor of the Journal of Second Language Writing special issue on Emotions in Teaching Second Language Writing. An active member of professional communities, he has served as Chair of the Second Language Writing Interest Section at TESOL International Association and Chair of the Council of Writing Program Administrators’ Graduate Research Award Committee. He is currently based in Iowa City, Iowa.