The Language Lens

for Content Classrooms Guidebook

Explore a proven framework that not only educates but helps every language learner grow into the people they are meant to become. Empower them to find their voice and place in a world that’s rapidly diversifying.

Already read the book and here for the resources?

Transform Your Approach, Transform Lives

The Missing Link in Today’s Multilingual Classrooms

"I felt like I was sitting across from the author having coffee. The book is written in such an accessible way that helped me feel like I can teach the language of my content area."

-Joan Ortu, Middle School Art Teacher

As an educator, you face the daily challenge of reaching out to every student, bridging gaps, and ensuring no one is left behind. But how can you tap into the profound strength that lies in linguistic diversity? How do you ensure that every student not only learns but thrives? Here's the resource that will help redefine your approach.

Equity-based mindsets + language & literacy practices in all classrooms.

The Language Lens®

Sarah Bernadette Ottow’s groundbreaking Language Lens® approach is more than just a teaching tool – it's a transformational shift in perspective. It recognizes the immense potential every student brings and gives you the strategies to harness it effectively.

  • “I highly recommend this book because it's so clearly written and absolutely full of useful information. I can sit down for ten minutes and come away with an understanding I can apply right away. When I'm working with a teacher, I can open up The Language Lens and easily find a tool, explanation, or diagram that applies to almost any situation or concern brought to my attention. This is what I need from professional development!“

    — JULIA JEFFERS, EL COORDINATOR, MILFORD HIGH SCHOOL

  • “This book arrives right on time, as it provides teachers and leaders with a practical guide that combines language development tools and strategies with an appreciation for culture and student identity. As an ESL student who now sits in the superintendent's office, I appreciate the book's conscious effort to move practitioners to getting to know their students culturally and linguistically, while providing a very comprehensive set of competencies that support language learners in content classrooms. The stories of students' language learning journeys bring this work to life and the added bonuses of links to many other resources make this book a must have for anyone interested in building a multilingual community.”

    — VICTOR F. CAPELLAN, FORMER SUPERINTENDENT, CENTRAL FALLS SCHOOL DISTRICT

  • “Through putting into practice Ottow’s ‘Language Lens’ for observing instruction, our building leaders have become stronger instructional leaders by not only being more in tune for what to look for but being able to provide impactful next steps to teachers. What started as learning new strategies to assist with English Language Learner instruction has morphed into providing all staff with key ‘all language learner’ strategies that are extremely effective across all content areas and for teaching all students. The Language Lens guidebook makes it easy for administrators to pull from an intense menu of instructional improvements to provide what best fits any particular focal point. We have been able to provide our staff with not only extremely clear instructional improvement points but also very clear support materials that are easily incorporated into their daily lesson plans.”

    — ALEX NAUMANN, PRINCIPAL, K-8 KEVERIAN SCHOOL

  • “This timely book provides a host of highly practical insights for addressing one of our most important challenges faced by educators striving to meet the academic and sociolinguistic needs of all students: cultivating the powerful symbiosis of language development and content learning.”

    — JEFF ZWIERS, SENIOR RESEARCHER, STANFORD UNIVERSITY GRADUATE SCHOOL OF EDUCATION

  • “Putting on a 'language lens' in your content classroom is akin to giving your students superpower capes. The practical ideas in this book will transform your classroom into a more engaging and interactive space where students use oral and written language actively. In doing so, students will develop a meta-understanding of the power of language as a lifelong tool to learn everything more deeply and convey that learning with the enviable competency they will need in college and career.”

    — TIM BOALS, PH.D., WIDA FOUNDER AND DIRECTOR

  • “Author Sarah Ottow's wealth of knowledge is on full display here. This book is a comprehensive and accessible primer for classroom teachers who want to support their multilingual learner students but aren't sure where to start. Language and content teachers alike will find practical "next day" strategies to help meet the needs of multilingual learners.”

    — MELISSA KATZ, DIRECTOR OF THE NYC SPECIAL EDUCATION COLLABORATIVE AND INCLUSIVE EDUCATION INITIATIVES

Benefits Tailored For You

  • Celebrate Linguistic Diversity: Connect deeply with every student. Understand their unique linguistic backgrounds, making them feel seen and valued.

  • Strategies That Resonate: Move beyond textbook methods. Employ practices that enhance real-world communication skills, fostering genuine connections.

  • Drive Impact Beyond the Classroom: Encourage a sense of belonging. Shape students who are confident, expressive, and ready to face challenges head-on in academia and life.

Why This Edition Stands Out

Our classrooms are evolving, and so are our challenges. This edition isn’t just an update, it’s a reflection of the modern classroom. 

Here’s a glimpse at what you’ll be learning…

  • Tailored Guidance: From first-time educators to seasoned coaches and leaders, there's actionable advice for everyone.

  • Post-Pandemic Dynamics: Deep dive into the altered dynamics of post-Covid classrooms, understanding its impact and how to navigate it.

  • Exclusive Tools and Resources: Step-by-step guidance, ensuring you're not just reading, but implementing.

A Heartfelt Note from Sarah

“My journey across classrooms, spanning the US to international shores, interacting with over 40 language groups, has been eye-opening. The potential in every student, their eagerness to learn and contribute, is palpable. The Language Lens® approach was born out of my passion to make this connection stronger, deeper, and more meaningful. This book isn’t just a guide; it’s my life’s work, aimed at ensuring educators like you can truly resonate with every student.”

Recent Interviews with Sarah about the 2nd Edition of The Language Lens

Transformative Change Awaits

The Language Lens® isn't just about enhancing education; it's about changing lives. Equip yourself with a methodology that respects, understands, and elevates every student in Tier 1 classrooms.

Get Access Now

Join Sarah and a global community of educators taking the bold step towards a more inclusive and resonant teaching approach. Every page, every strategy is a step towards making a difference. The change begins with you.

Centering our language learners to improve accessibility across Tier 1/universal instruction in all learning spaces

Explore Our Other Offerings