Rethinking How We Support Multilingual Learners in Today’s Classrooms
Multilingual learners (MLs) (also known as English language learners, or ELLs) are one of the fastest-growing student populations in the country. From 2011 to 2021, the number of MLs in public schools increased from 4.6 million to 5.3 million (NCES: source). In states like Texas, MLs now represent more than 20% of total K–12 enrollment (NCES: source).
This growing population has brought heightened expectations for districts to deliver effective, compliant English Language Learner (ELL) instruction. The challenge is that the staffing pipeline isn’t keeping up. Certified ESL teachers are increasingly difficult to find, especially in communities where ELL programs are expanding for the first time (Education Week: source).
At the same time, teacher shortages persist across the board. In 2024, more than 400,000 teaching positions were either vacant or filled by individuals without full certification (Learning Policy Institute: source). Support for English as a second language or bilingual education among the most difficult roles to staff, 20% of public schools reporting they feel understaffed, and 35% of public schools reported at least one vacancy as of October 2024 (K–12 Dive: source).
20% of public schools reported feeling understaffed in roles supporting English learners.
NCES School Pulse Panel, October 2024
This has led many districts to rely on stopgap measures like substitutes or uncertified staff. Unfortunately, these short-term solutions are not enough to support long-term student outcomes. Multilingual learners continue to score below their peers in reading and math (EdSurge: source), and language proficiency scores have declined even further since the pandemic (WIDA: source).
Elevate K–12 created ELL LIVE to help districts close this gap. Built on Elevate’s LIVE teaching model, this solution brings ESL-certified virtual teachers into classrooms in real time through livestream technology. These U.S.-based educators deliver engaging, standards-aligned instruction from a remote location while students participate from their school buildings.
With ELL LIVE, districts can finally provide consistent, high-quality instruction in core subjects from ESL-certified teachers—without the hiring delays, credentialing requirements, or geographic limitations that typically make these roles hard to staff.
High-Quality Core Instruction for Multilingual Learners
Districts across the country are looking for ways to meet the growing needs of their multilingual learner populations—without sacrificing instructional quality or falling out of compliance. ELL LIVE was built to do exactly that.
ELL LIVE is Elevate K-12’s newest academic program, designed for classrooms with a high concentration of multilingual learners. It brings certified ESL teachers into schools through livestream technology, delivering real-time, accessible, credit-bearing instruction in core subjects like Math, English Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies.
ELL LIVE is designed around the research-backed sheltered instruction model (referred to in some states as content-based instruction or structured immersion). In this model, expert teachers make core content accessible to multilingual students while also helping them build their English language proficiency. Lessons are designed to make rigorous content comprehensible, with embedded supports like guided notes, visuals, bilingual vocabulary tools, and interactive digital tools. This is not a pull-out, transitional bilingual, or English language development course—it’s a full core content class that helps multilingual learners succeed in Math, ELA, Science, or Social Studies while strengthening their language skills.
All ELL LIVE teachers are U.S.-based, ESL-certified, and trained to embed language support strategies into every lesson. Classes can follow your district’s curriculum or use Elevate’s adapted content, which includes scaffolded supports, bilingual vocabulary tools, and guided notes.
Whether your district is expanding ELL programming or seeking better alignment with compliance mandates, ELL LIVE offers a proven path forward. It eliminates the need to recruit, hire, or onboard new staff—giving your students access to certified, consistent instruction from educators who specialize in supporting language learners.
Why It Works: A Reliable Way to Support MLs
ELL LIVE was designed to address the realities district leaders are facing today—tight hiring pipelines, rising compliance pressure, and the urgent need to support multilingual learners with high-quality instruction. Here’s what makes this model work:
ESL-Certified Teachers, Guaranteed
No need to post jobs, vet applicants, or worry about licensure. With ELL LIVE, districts gain direct access to certified ESL teachers who are ready to lead instruction on day one.
Compliance Confidence
Instruction is delivered by ESL-certified teachers trained in sheltered instruction strategies—helping districts stay aligned with both state standards and federal compliance expectations.
Real-Time, Standards-Aligned Instruction
Teachers lead synchronous, engaging lessons that follow your district’s pacing guides and content platforms. Students build language proficiency and master academic content at the same time.
Research-Backed Sheltered Instruction Model
Teachers utilize tried and tested features of the sheltered instruction model, such as building background through direct vocabulary instruction, ensuring input is comprehensible by modifying speech patterns and using visuals, and grounding instruction in both what students will learn and the language they will use through content and language objectives. These strategies, and more, support ALL learners in ELL Core classes in their content and language learning.
No Additional Strain on Existing Staff
With Elevate handling instruction, your internal teams can focus on coordination and support—without needing to take on another classroom or manage new hires.
Consistency and Continuity
Whether you’re navigating vacancies or shifting policies, ELL LIVE ensures that every classroom has a stable instructional experience led by a certified educator.
In short, ELL LIVE removes the barriers to delivering high-quality ELL instruction—making it easier for schools to meet student needs, ensure compliance, and deliver better outcomes.
What Multilingual Learners Gain with Consistent, Effective Support
When multilingual learners have access to certified ESL instruction that supports both language development and academic content, the difference is measurable—and deeply meaningful.
Improved Academic Outcomes
Research indicates that former multilingual learners who received consistent, high-quality ELL instruction often outperform their peers. A study by the University of Chicago Consortium on School Research found that these students had higher GPAs, were more likely to graduate high school, and had increased college enrollment rates compared to ML students who never received English language services (Education Week: source).
Increased Engagement
Students thrive when they feel seen, supported, and capable. With consistent, high-quality instruction from Elevate’s ELL Core teachers, who use research-backed strategies like intentional grouping, multiple ways for students to participate, and a strong focus on comprehensible input, multilingual learners are more likely to engage, ask questions, and take ownership of their learning.
Stronger Language Proficiency and Confidence
Because ELL LIVE embeds language skills into every lesson, students are consistently exposed to academic vocabulary and real-time language practice. This builds not just proficiency, but confidence—helping students engage more fully in all their classes and take ownership of their learning.
Long-Term Educational and Career Opportunities
The foundation built through effective ELL instruction extends beyond immediate academic success. Multilingual students equipped with robust language and academic skills are better prepared for higher education and future career opportunities, building on their strengths and expanding what’s possible for their futures.
When students have the right support, everything changes—from academic outcomes to long-term confidence in the classroom and beyond.
Let’s Talk Logistics: How to Bring ELL LIVE to Your Schools
Getting started with ELL LIVE is simple and fully tailored to your district’s needs.
First, our team will partner with you to understand your goals, multilingual learner population, and instructional model. From there, we’ll work together to understand how we can best set up your program for success. We offer a range of integrations and add-on services to make LIVE instruction feel like a seamless part of your schools’ day-to-day operations. Whether you’d like your Elevate teacher to use your district’s curriculum and LMS, or participate in your professional development sessions, we’ll build a plan that aligns with your systems and priorities.
Once your schedule and courses are finalized, we’ll identify the best-fit ESL-certified teachers from our nationwide network. If needed, we can also match you with a teacher who is conversationally bilingual in Spanish. Every Elevate teacher undergoes a rigorous selection and onboarding process, including targeted training on sheltered instruction strategies that support content and language learning. Every teacher receives ongoing coaching and professional development throughout the year to ensure instruction stays responsive, aligned, and impactful.
All you need to provide is a Classroom Coach, an in-person paraprofessional who helps manage classroom routines, supports student engagement, and builds meaningful relationships with students. The Classroom Coach acts as the in-room partner to the virtual teacher, helping ensure a strong, connected classroom experience. We provide all the training and resources they need to succeed in this role.
Reimagine What’s Possible for Your Multilingual Learners
With ELL LIVE, districts no longer have to choose between staffing quickly and staffing well. You can give your multilingual learners access to ESL-certified teachers who deliver engaging, standards-aligned instruction, right in your classrooms, in real time.
Whether your district is working to meet rising demand, ensure alignment with compliance mandates, or simply provide better, more consistent support for multilingual learners, ELL LIVE offers a sustainable solution that puts student success at the forefront.
Let’s talk about how to bring certified ESL teachers to your schools and give every multilingual learner a learning experience where they feel seen, supported, and empowered.