Episode 18: Supporting Trainee Teachers to Teach EAL Learners with Aroosa Azam | Talking Their Language with Helen Bodell

Episode 18: Supporting Trainee Teachers to Teach EAL Learners with Aroosa Azam | Talking Their Language with Helen BodellWelcome to Talking Their Language with Helen Bodell, the podcast for teachers, trainee teachers, school leaders, EAL specialists, and educators who are passionate about supporting multilingual learners and creating inclusive classrooms.In Episode 18, Helen Bodell is joined by Aroosa Azam, an Early Career Teacher (ECT) working in a diverse and multicultural secondary school in Harrow, to discuss the importance of preparing trainee teachers and new teachers to support pupils learning English as an Additional Language (EAL).Aroosa teaches Sociology, Citizenship, and Law and completed her PGCE in Citizenship, gaining Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) from UCL Institute of Education after moving into teaching from a career in Law.Having grown up surrounded by multilingual family experiences, Aroosa shares her perspective on the importance of understanding the learning journey of EAL pupils and why developing confidence in supporting multilingual learners should be a greater focus during the early years of teacher education.In this episode, Helen and Aroosa discuss the experiences of an Early Career Teacher working in a diverse school community, the importance of EAL training within initial teacher education, and how new teachers can develop inclusive classroom practices that support language development alongside subject learning.In this episode, you'll discover:Why EAL training is important for trainee teachers and Early Career Teachers.How teachers can better understand and support multilingual learners.Practical approaches for creating inclusive classrooms.The importance of recognising pupils' linguistic and cultural backgrounds.How teacher education can better prepare educators for diverse classrooms.Advice for new teachers working with pupils learning English as an Additional Language.Whether you are a trainee teacher, Early Career Teacher, classroom teacher, mentor, or school leader, this episode offers valuable insight into developing confidence and knowledge when supporting multilingual learners.Meet Aroosa AzamAroosa Azam is an Early Career Teacher in her first year of teaching at a diverse and multicultural school in Harrow. She teaches Sociology, Citizenship, and Law and completed her PGCE in Citizenship at UCL Institute of Education.Before entering education, Aroosa worked in Law and brings a unique perspective to teaching, combining her professional background with a passion for inclusion, multilingualism, and supporting learners from diverse communities.Connect with AroosaFollow Aroosa on Twitter/X:@Miss_AzamExplore more Twinkl EAL resourcesJoin Twinkl EAL:https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/72uh3Download your FREE EAL Membership Guide:https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1gldloBrowse the full Twinkl EAL resource collection:https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1gx63tIf you enjoyed this episode of Talking Their Language with Helen Bodell, subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it with colleagues. Each episode explores the experiences, research, and practical strategies that help educators support multilingual learners and create inclusive classrooms where every pupil can succeed.