ESL teachers play a critical role in New Jersey’s classrooms, bridging communication and cultural gaps for ELLs while providing a foundation in English that unlocks a world of educational opportunities. They create welcoming environments where students feel safe to take risks, experiment with the language, and build the confidence to communicate effectively. Understanding that effective ESL instruction goes beyond grammar and vocabulary, they foster cultural understanding, promote social-emotional development, and empower students to excel across all subjects.