Preparing Teacher Leaders for English Language Learners in Rural SettingsTeachers Engage Emergent Bilinguals

Despite the increasing numbers of English learners (ELs) across the nation, there continues to be a lack of educators equipped to meet the needs of ELs; this lack is especially pronounced in rural settings. This article discusses the findings of a teacher leader professional development program in a rural school district that was designed to prepare educators to support ELs. Educators in the program completed an online survey. The results of the survey suggest that these rural educators seek to acquire skills and strategies that go beyond the classroom setting and that enable them to connect with EL families. The educators also seek to build social-emotional support networks for themselves and with EL families.