The ELL Teacher’s Toolbox 2.0: Hundreds of Practical Ideas to Support Your Students (The Teacher’s Toolbox Series) 2nd Edition
By Larry Ferlazzo and Katie Hull Sypnieski
(Jossey-Bass, 2025 – Learn more)
Reviewed by Melinda Stewart
Sequels are so often imitative rather than innovative that we often hear they “don’t measure up to the original.” That’s not the case with the work of Larry Ferlazzo and Katie Hull Sypnieski.
The original edition of The ELL Teacher’s Toolbox quickly became a staple in many educators’ professional libraries (including mine) because of its approachable tone, well-organized structure, and classroom-ready strategies.
The ELL Teacher’s Toolbox 2.0: Hundreds of Practical Ideas to Support Your Students (The Teacher’s Toolbox Series) 2nd Edition arrives at a time when the educational landscape is evolving rapidly, and Ferlazzo and Sypnieski rise to the challenge. The ELL Teacher’s Toolbox 2.0 is a worthy and thoughtful update to the widely used first edition.
As an educator working with multilingual learners, Larry Ferlazzo has been a go-to resource for years. I was happy for him when he announced his retirement a few months ago, but selfishly sad and a little worried about losing the resource. But Larry is a prolific writer and advocate for students and educators, and I should have known better. His website, Education Week column, and other online activities continue to thrive.
Throughout The ELL Teacher’s Toolbox 2.0, Larry and Katie invite readers into the discussion and community of learning. They discuss strategies, they talk about what they like about the strategies, they explain how they have applied them, they give a heads-up on potential mishaps, and they suggest how to differentiate for a variety of learners, levels and settings.
More than that, Katie and Larry invite readers to reach out and share their own experiences and assure us that the resources they create, curate and share will be constantly updated. I have no doubt. (Normally I would be referring to the authors by their last names, but in this case, the first names are more in line with the culture they have created through their writing – one of belonging, inclusivity and working together.)
Balancing language acquisition and content knowledge
Finding the right balance between language acquisition and content knowledge is a huge challenge. The ELL Teacher’s Toolbox 2.0 is a resource that effectively addresses this dilemma by providing a practical, easy-to-navigate collection of strategies aimed at supporting ELLs in any and every classroom.
In this second edition, the authors have expanded and refined their toolbox, offering a robust (and counting the 592 pages of text and all of the curated QR codes and links, I do mean robust) set of tools that empower teachers to meet the diverse needs of their students.
Larry and Katie understand that ELLs come with a broad range of skills, backgrounds, and experiences, and they ensure that their strategies are flexible enough to address varying levels of proficiency and learning needs. In fact, the authors advocate for the idea that all students, not just ELLs, benefit from many of the strategies in the book such as visual aids, collaborative learning, and student-centered activities.
The book’s emphasis on inclusivity and differentiation is one of its most admirable qualities. This intersectional approach to ELL teaching is one that resonates deeply for me, as it acknowledges the complex and multifaceted nature of many students’ experiences. Teachers are encouraged to take a holistic view of their students’ needs, considering both linguistic and emotional support as part of their role.
An indispensable guide for ELL educators
The ELL Teacher’s Toolbox 2.0 has a clear, user-friendly structure. Each chapter contains practical, easy-to-implement ideas, accompanied by real-world examples and classroom scenarios. The authors’ language is straightforward, making it accessible to both novice and experienced teachers. While many educational resources tend to be overly academic or theoretical, The ELL Teacher’s Toolbox 2.0 is refreshingly hands-on, offering actionable tips that can be immediately incorporated into lessons.
What makes this book truly powerful, however, is the philosophy that underpins the strategies. Larry Ferlazzo and Katie Hull Sypnieski prioritize creating a learning environment where ELLs can thrive, where mistakes are part of the learning process, where collaboration is encouraged, and where cultural identities are celebrated. Their approach is not just about teaching language but about fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment for students who may face additional challenges in the classroom.
The expanded The ELL Teacher’s Toolbox 2.0 is an indispensable guide for any educator working with English Language Learners and very much worth a fresh investment. Whether you’re just beginning your journey as an ELL teacher or are an experienced veteran looking for fresh ideas, this book offers something for everyone. The strategies are practical, the ideas are actionable, and the overall tone is one of optimism and support for both teachers and students.
Melinda Stewart has been an educator for 30 years. She has an MA in Teaching, Education and Learning and has done graduate work in the areas of English as a Second Language, Reading, Spanish, and most recently English Language Arts. She is currently working as a Spanish teacher and ELM (English Learners in the Mainstream) coach at Fairmont Junior Senior High School in Minnesota. Melinda is an MEA and AFT professional development facilitator and trainer who has a deep passion for learning and equity.
