SIOP stands for Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol. It is a research-based instructional framework with 8 components and 30 features designed to make academic content accessible for English Learners while benefiting all students. Developed by Jana Echevarría, MaryEllen Vogt, and Deborah Short, SIOP gives teachers a clear system for planning, teaching, and reflecting on lessons that integrate content and language development. It is the most widely used sheltered instruction model in K-12 education in the United States.
Sheltered instruction is an approach to teaching that makes academic content accessible to English Learners while they are developing English proficiency. Rather than simplifying the content, sheltered instruction uses strategies like visual supports, vocabulary instruction, cooperative learning, and scaffolding to help students access grade-level material. The SIOP model is the most recognized framework for implementing sheltered instruction in K-12 classrooms.
No. While SIOP was originally designed to support English Learners, the strategies it provides benefit every student in the classroom. Clear objectives, scaffolded instruction, vocabulary support, meaningful interaction, and ongoing assessment are effective teaching practices for all learners. Many schools implement SIOP schoolwide because it raises the quality of instruction across the board.
The eight SIOP components are: Lesson Preparation, Building Background, Comprehensible Input, Strategies, Interaction, Practice and Application, Lesson Delivery, and Review and Assessment. Each component contains specific features that guide teachers in designing and delivering effective instruction for English Learners and all students. Together, the 8 components cover every aspect of a lesson from planning through assessment.
TESOL Trainers provides experiential, interactive professional development for K-12 educators on SIOP, TESOL strategies, scaffolding, student engagement, academic vocabulary, active listening, peer coaching, and more. Our flagship program is the English Learner Institute (ELI), a fully remote, live training built on the SIOP framework. We also offer customized onsite and virtual training for individual schools and districts. All of our PD is hands-on and interactive — never sit-and-get.
Three things set us apart. First, our training is 100% experiential: Dr. Kongsvik teaches the training the way he wants teachers to teach, so participants experience every strategy firsthand as learners. Second, participants are engaged 100% of the time — there are no lectures, no passive listening, and no sitting while one person presents. Third, every strategy we teach is practical and classroom-ready. Teachers can implement what they learn the very next day.
Yes. We provide K-12 professional development both onsite at your school or district and remotely via Zoom. We also offer hybrid formats where part of the training is delivered onsite and part virtually. Our remote training has been rated 5 stars by over 1,500 educators, and participants consistently say it feels as engaging as in-person PD.
Absolutely. We tailor-make our professional development to meet the specific needs of your institution. Whether you need a one-day SIOP overview, a multi-day institute, targeted training on a specific component like engagement or scaffolding, or a long-term partnership with peer coaching, we can design a program that fits. Many of our longest-running clients have been with us for five or more years.
Yes. We offer iCOACH, our structured peer coaching program that dramatically increases the transfer of training into classroom practice. Research shows that training alone leads to about 10% implementation. When peer coaching is added, implementation rates jump to 90% or higher. iCOACH pairs teachers to observe each other, provide descriptive feedback, and support each other in applying new strategies. It is available as an add-on to any of our SIOP training programs.
Yes. All participants who successfully complete our training sessions receive a certificate that states the type of training attended and the total contact hours. These certificates can be used toward professional development requirements in most states and districts.
Yes. In addition to working with K-12 schools across the United States, Dr. John Kongsvik and his team have provided professional development to educational institutions in Asia, Africa, South America, and beyond. We offer both virtual and onsite international training.
Contact Dr. John Kongsvik at info@tesoltrainers.com or call (505) 204-4361. Whether you are an individual teacher looking to register for the English Learner Institute or an administrator exploring professional development options for your school or district, we are happy to discuss your needs and design the right program for you.
