Helping ESL Students Thrive: 4 Tips for Schools and Teachers

ByDawn Flanigan

Working with children is rewarding, but it can also be challenging, especially when those children are not fluent in English. Every member of a school’s educational team shares the same goal: helping each student succeed academically. But how do you support a student who speaks a different language? And how can you build strong communication with their family?

Here are four practical and effective ways schools can bridge the language gap:

1. Use Professional Interpreters

Hiring professional interpreters is one of the most reliable ways to ensure that language is not a barrier to learning. In-person interpreters are especially helpful for parent-teacher conferences, IEP meetings, or assessments.

However, in-person interpreting does come with a few challenges:

  • Limited availability when substitutes are needed
  • Space constraints in classrooms
  • Budget concerns
  • Potential distractions for students

2. Embrace Virtual Interpreting

Many of the challenges above can be addressed with remote interpreting services via tablet or computer. Remote interpreters are readily available, flexible, and often more cost-effective. Students can use headphones to hear the interpreter privately, minimizing classroom disruption. No extra space is required, and schools can turn interpreting services on or off as needed—helping manage costs.

Virtual interpreting is also a game-changer for parent communication. With access to video or phone-based interpreting, conversations with families become easier, more timely, and more effective. Dedicated language phone lines can even allow families to contact the school directly, without delay.

3. Translate Key Documents

Translation services are vital in keeping families informed and engaged. Report cards, permission slips, lunch menus, student handbooks, and more can be professionally translated into any language your school community requires. This ensures families fully understand important information.

IEPs and other legal documents should always be professionally translated to meet compliance and ensure clarity.

Schools can work directly with a translation agency or use secure online platforms provided by reputable language service providers.

4. Don’t Take Shortcuts

While tools like Google Translate or AI-based platforms (like ChatGPT) may seem convenient, they often come with serious drawbacks:

  • Confidentiality risks: Open AI systems may retain or learn from the data entered.
  • Lack of accuracy: Automated tools can misinterpret sarcasm, idioms, or educational terminology.
  • No localization: Machine translation may not understand regional or cultural language differences.

For sensitive documents—especially legal or academic ones—accuracy and confidentiality matter. Reputable language service agencies offer secure systems, human review, and specialized knowledge to ensure that nothing is lost in translation.

Final Thoughts

There are many ways to support students and families who speak languages other than English. While it may be tempting to rely on bilingual staff, students, or family members for interpretation, doing so can compromise confidentiality, accuracy, and fairness.

Partnering with a professional interpreting and translation service ensures:

  • Clear, accurate communication
  • Impartiality
  • Cultural sensitivity
  • Compliance with education and privacy laws

When schools invest in proper language support, everyone benefits—especially the students.

Together, educators, families, and language professionals can create an inclusive environment where every child has the opportunity to succeed.

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