Term
Spring 2026
Capstone
Capstone Project
Degree Name
MA-TESOL
Facilitator(s)
Karen Moroz and Shelley Orr
Content Expert
Chris Getchell and Nicolle Venneman-Bauer
Abstract
As classrooms become more linguistically diverse, many teachers are working with newcomer multilingual learners and questioning how best to support their learning and engagement. This capstone project explored the question: How can a web-based resource platform enhance teachers’ knowledge and practices for interacting with and engaging newcomer multilingual learners in upper-elementary classrooms? The purpose of this project was to create a practical and accessible resource that helps bridge the gap between research and classroom practice. This project was influenced by research on language development, structured student interaction, and culturally and linguistically responsive teaching (Alvarez et al., 2023; Umansky et al., 2022; Hollie, 2017; Boutte et al., 2010). It is also informed by the SIOP model (Echevarria et al., 2011), which highlights the importance of integrating language and content instruction. This study employed a review of current literature on multilingual learners, newcomers, and best instructional practices, followed by the design and development of a Google Sites website. The resulting website features sections on newcomer student characteristics, language development, teaching strategies, and a resource library for classroom use. Ultimately, the project produced a centralized, user-friendly platform that provides teachers with research-based strategies in an easy-to-access, easy-to-apply format. This project highlights the importance of making research practical and usable for educators and emphasizes that supporting multilingual learners is not about adding new initiatives, but about making intentional shifts in everyday instruction. This capstone supports teachers in creating more inclusive, engaging, and equitable learning environments for newcomer multilingual learners.
Project Type
Website Creation
Keywords
ESL/ ELLs, Multicultural Education, Teachers/ Teaching, Newcomers
Recommended Citation
Getchell-Ochoa, Grace, "Building Teacher Capacity to Support Newcomer Multilingual Learners in Upper Elementary Classrooms" (2026). School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Projects. 1170.
https://digitalcommons.hamline.edu/hse_cp/1170
dc_type
text
dc_publisher
DigitalCommons@Hamline
dc_format
application/pdf
dc_source
School of Education Student Capstone Projects