Abstract

This study addresses the challenges teachers of second language learners (learning English) see as most important when instructing second language learners. The purpose of the study was to examine the experiences and challenges that teacher education students had relating to instructing English learners. The research question addressed was, ‘What are your biggest challenges when working with second language learners?’ The 29 participants were involved in a professional development project over a two-year period and were interviewed in five focus groups over a three-week period. The interview script served to standardize the data collection across all study participants. The findings reflect a spectrum of challenges, rather than a single kind of challenge. Four major findings emerged. Our examination of the challenges teachers perceive when working with English learners (second language learners) has implications for teacher education programs, programs for second language learners, and teacher professional development for those who are new to working second language learners.