This course is an introduction to working with English Language Learners (ELLs) in preK-12 settings. ELLs represent a diverse body of students and this course will introduce ways of instruction for ELLs related to the four language skills of reading, writing, speaking, and listening, closely linking language and culture in said instruction. This course will present a foundational understanding in funds of knowledge, culturally responsive pedagogy, and culturally sustaining pedagogy, which candidates will be able to apply to their instruction, thus challenging and encouraging growth to the more traditional ways of teaching students. Candidates taking this course will learn about existing standards as applied to working with ELLs, New York State law and policy related to the schooling of ELLs, and strategies for an ELL classroom. The four skills of reading, writing, speaking, and listening for ELLs will be a focus, presented to ensure candidates are prepared to begin work with ELLs. Candidates will be able to create authentic, meaningful lessons which will help ELLs in their language acquisition. There is an early field experience component to this course, only for Option 2 (non-previously certified) students, which involves tutoring at least one ELL. This is the first of three early field experiences prior to student teaching for teacher candidates in the TESOL M.S.Ed. program.