Teaching MLs Podcast with Tan Huynh: Creating Identity-Safe Spaces for Every Learner

Creating schools where every student feels welcomed, valued, respected, and able to learn is one of the most important responsibilities educators share.

In this episode of Teaching MLs, Tan Huynh interviews Dr. Becki Cohn-Vargas and Dr. Debbie Zacarian about creating identity-safe spaces that foster belonging, strengthen partnerships with families, and empower multilingual learners and all students to thrive. Drawing from their book, Identity Safe Spaces at Home and School: Partnering to Overcome Inequity, the conversation explores practical strategies educators can implement immediately in classrooms, schools, and districts.  

In This Episode

You’ll hear practical ideas for:

  • Understanding what identity safety means in schools
  • Creating classroom environments where every learner experiences belonging
  • Recognizing and building upon students’ strengths and identities
  • Partnering with families in meaningful and collaborative ways
  • Reducing barriers that can prevent students from fully participating in learning
  • Supporting multilingual learners through inclusive, strengths-based practices

Whether you are a classroom teacher, instructional coach, school leader, university faculty member, or professional learning provider, this conversation offers practical ideas that can strengthen learning environments for all students.

Why Identity Safety Matters

Students learn best when they know they belong.

Identity-safe learning environments intentionally communicate that every student’s language, culture, experiences, and identities are valued assets. When students experience respect, trust, and meaningful relationships, they are more likely to participate, persevere through challenges, and reach their full potential. Research and practice demonstrate that identity safety benefits multilingual learners while creating stronger learning communities for everyone.  

Identity safety is not simply about preventing harm. It is about intentionally creating environments where every learner feels recognized, respected, and empowered to succeed.

Listen to the Podcast

Identity Safe Spaces with Drs Cohn-Vargas and Zacarian

Continue Exploring

If you found this conversation valuable, you may also be interested in these related resources:

Together, these resources provide research-informed, practical strategies for creating learning environments where multilingual learners and all students experience belonging, opportunity, and success.

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