Episode 253

full
Published on:

30th Dec 2025

Supporting Refugee English Learners: Practical Strategies for Educators

Tune in for your daily dose of professional development! This episode features host Melissa Grinstead, a lead ESOL contributor for AWB Education, as she shares crucial insights and practical strategies for educators working with refugee English Learners (ELs). Refugee students often arrive with unique needs, including experiencing trauma and having limited formal education, which can present challenges in the classroom.Melissa addresses how educators can effectively support these resilient students by:
  • Addressing the impacts of trauma and limited formal education.
  • Developing strategies for overcoming significant language barriers.
  • Creating safe, welcoming, and culturally responsive classroom environments.
  • Partnering effectively with families through the use of interpreters and cultural liaisons.
  • Collaborating with district outreach programs to connect students and families with essential community resources.
Melissa dispels common misconceptions about refugee students, highlights their inherent resilience and academic potential, and offers actionable strategies to build strong relationships, celebrate incremental gains, and foster a deep sense of belonging for every student.Sponsored by: Grundmeyer Leader Services and AWB Education.Find out more about our work and designing edge instructional practices and personalized coaching at:Listen to the full episode: https://push.fm/fl/yourmorningboost

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Thank You for Listening!  This has been an episode from The FowardED NetworkWhere we are Advancing Voices and Shaping Education. We are dedicated to supporting everyone invested in K-12 success: teachers, leaders, parents, and community advocates.

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This episode includes AI-generated content.

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About the Podcast

Your Morning Boost: The Weekly Reset for Educators
Midweek momentum for educators who want to lead with clarity, energy, and purpose.
Your Morning Boost is a weekly spark for educators and school leaders who want to lead, teach, and live with greater intention. Released every Wednesday morning, the show helps you push through the midweek grind with clarity, momentum, and purpose.

Produced by AWB Education and powered by the ForwardEd Network, the podcast blends practical classroom strategies with leadership insight and personal growth. Each episode delivers actionable ideas, reflective moments, and energizing encouragement to help you serve students well and finish your week strong.

If you care about growing as an educator while staying grounded and inspired, Your Morning Boost belongs in your Wednesday routine.
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About your host

Profile picture for Adam Busch

Adam Busch

With 25+ years of K–12 experience, Adam Busch is a seasoned educational leader and Director of Student Services specializing in legally sound systems and organizational compliance. As the host of Your Morning Boost, Adam leverages his background as a teacher, coach, and consultant to provide educators with the practical inspiration and mindful resets they need to lead with confidence.