Summer looks different for everyone in the field of English learner (EL) education. Some teachers are using the break to catch their breath. Others are deep in curriculum planning, professional learning, or family outreach that doesn't stop just because the school year has. Wherever you land, NCELA has free, practical resources to help you use the summer months well and get a head start to the school year. 

Here's a closer look at what's available, and how to put it to use. 

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Learn on Your Own Schedule 

Summer is often the only stretch of the year with room to really reflect on new instructional and programmatic ideas. NCELA's Information ELevated video series is built for exactly that. Each short video pairs quick facts and data snapshots with practical takeaways. Recent episodes cover topics like language instruction educational program (LIEP) enrollment trends and early literacy strategies for ELs, so you can obtain knowledge in bite-sized pieces between other summer commitments. 

Pair these videos with NCELA's library of podcasts, which dig into instructional approaches and promising practices across STEM, early childhood, teacher preparation, and the NCELA Family Toolkit. They're a good fit for a commute, a walk, or any pocket of time you want to turn into professional growth.

Go Deeper with the LIEP Learning Series 

If you're looking for something more structured than a single video or episode, check out NCELA's LIEP Learning Series, a free professional learning resource available at ncela.ed.gov designed specifically for educators, administrators, and other interest holders working with or in LIEPs. It's built to help you strengthen your understanding of LIEP models and implementation at a pace that fits into summer planning time. Consider making it part of your team's summer professional development plan or work through it individually, then come together before the year begins to discuss key takeaways and what they mean for your program. 

Get a Head Start on Fall Planning 

If you're already thinking about the new school year, NCELA's toolkits are a great place to start. The English Learner, Newcomer, and Family Toolkits each break down practical strategies by topic, and the toolkit crosswalk can help you quickly identify which one fits your role and needs before you dive in. 

Districts and states preparing professional learning calendars for the fall may also want to explore NCELA's growing library of fact sheets and infographics, which translate research and data into classroom- and policy-ready formats that are ideal for staff meetings, back-to-school professional development, or sharing with new team members. Here are a few worth adding to your reading list this summer: 

• Ratio of English Learners to English Language Instructors 
• High School Graduation Rates for English Learners  
• Teacher Projections for English Learners  
• Top Ten Languages of English Learners  
• Dual Language Programs Supported by Title III and English Learner Enrollment Trends  

Explore the Resource Library 

For anyone doing more in-depth research, NCELA's Resource Library offers a searchable database of over 2,000 items, research articles, reports, curricula, and multimedia resources, covering topics from family engagement to assessment to early literacy. It's a strong starting point for literature reviews or simply staying current in the field. 

However you spend these summer weeks, NCELA's resources are designed to meet you where you are. Explore everything at ncela.ed.gov and keep the momentum going all summer long!