Supporting Diverse Learners: How OFY’s English Language Coach Helps Students Thrive

Every student brings unique strengths, challenges, and goals to the classroom. For our English Learners (ELs), having the right support system can make all the difference—not just in mastering language skills, but in building the confidence to succeed across all academic subjects.

That’s where our English Language Development (ELD) team comes in. Today, we’re spotlighting the work of our Regional ELD Coach in OFY – San Juan, Jacki Welsh, who has dedicated nearly a decade at the school to supporting teachers and multilingual students alike.

Students at OFY putting in the work and making progress toward their goals.

A Passion for Language Development

With five years as an EL Specialist with OFY and now entering her third year as a coach, Jacki has always had a deep commitment to curriculum design and instructional support. “I provide instruction and curriculum development for students, while also coaching and offering professional development opportunities for staff,” she explains.

Jacki guest-teaches new English learners in an effort to build OFY-San Juan’s instructional capacity for their newcomer students.

Her passion for curriculum was noticed early on. When OFY began piloting an Academic Language Development (ALD) course, she was among the first to step in. Designed with Long-Term English Learners (LTELs) in mind—a group that makes up the majority of OFY’s EL population—the curriculum provided much-needed scaffolds and strategies to help students better understand not just what they were being asked to do, but why.

Coaching Teachers, Empowering Students

Rolling out new curriculum always comes with challenges. Teachers had to adjust from primarily online resources to a packet-based course, and students needed added context to apply their new skills across other classes.

Jacki coaching and learning alongside EL educators and leaders at a English Learner & Special Education training.

Her approach? Meeting teachers where they were. She developed slide decks for each ALD lesson, providing instructional walkthroughs that gave staff the tools and confidence to adapt lessons for their students. These resources have since been shared across regions, expanding their impact far beyond her own classrooms.

“We wanted teachers to see that academic language isn’t limited to designated ELD instruction—it’s a tool all teachers can use to help EL students thrive,” Jacki shares. Through mini professional development sessions and ongoing coaching, teachers became more comfortable identifying and supporting the linguistic needs of LTELs.

Students Who Want to Stay

Perhaps the most powerful proof of success has come directly from the students. Some who reclassified as English proficient still chose to stay in the ALD course because they found it so valuable. “That’s a huge testament to what the curriculum has done,” she reflects.

Jacki at OFY’s Bilingual Scholars Celebration—honoring our learners with joy, recognition, and community pride

Of the four students she taught personally in one ALD class, two have already reclassified, and another is up for reclassification. Just as importantly, their reading and writing skills have strengthened, giving them the tools to succeed across subjects and make progress toward the State Seal of Biliteracy

Building Bridges Across Subjects

One of the curriculum’s greatest strengths has been its ability to connect language learning to core academic subjects. By integrating questions and resources from Edmentum and other coursework, students can clearly see how their skills apply to the work they’re doing elsewhere. This connection not only deepens their understanding, but also motivates them to engage more fully.

Looking Ahead

Reflecting on the journey so far, our ELD Coach believes the impact is clear:

“Any student who is taught how to break down an “advanced” skill into manageable parts can excel regardless of the academic content being taught.”

As OFY continues to grow and refine our support for English Learners, we’re proud to have dedicated educators leading the way. Their work ensures that every student—not just some—has access to the tools, confidence, and encouragement they need to succeed.

About Options For Youth (OFY)

Options For Youth is a tuition-free, accredited public charter school network dedicated to helping students earn their high school diploma in a supportive, personalized environment. With flexible schedules, small class sizes, and individualized instruction, OFY provides every student the opportunity to succeed—whether they are catching up on credits, preparing for college, or exploring career pathways. Our commitment to diverse learners, including English Learners and students with unique learning needs, ensures that all students have access to the resources, support, and guidance necessary to achieve their goals.