TELL Framework (Teacher Effectiveness for Language Learning)
A Comprehensive Framework for World Language Educator Growth
MAFLA encourages world language educators, instructional leaders, and administrators to explore the Teacher Effectiveness for Language Learning (TELL) Framework, developed by the National Foreign Language Center's PEARLL initiative at the University of Maryland.
The TELL Framework provides a comprehensive vision of effective world language teaching by identifying the characteristics, behaviors, and practices demonstrated by highly effective language educators. Unlike traditional evaluation systems that are often designed for all content areas, the TELL Framework was created specifically for language educators and reflects the unique nature of language acquisition, intercultural learning, and proficiency-focused instruction.
The TELL Framework
The TELL Framework establishes a common language for discussing effective world language instruction and professional growth. The framework is organized around seven domains that support teachers in preparing for student learning, advancing student learning, and supporting student learning. These domains address areas such as learning environment, planning, instructional practice, assessment and feedback, learning tools, collaboration, and professionalism.
The framework can be used by teachers for self-reflection, by instructional coaches and mentors for feedback and support, and by administrators seeking a deeper understanding of effective language teaching practices.
Learner Pathways
One of the most innovative components of the TELL Framework is the Learner Pathways. Rather than focusing solely on teacher actions, Learner Pathways examine effective language learning from the perspective of the learner. Each pathway identifies key learner behaviors and connects them to specific teacher practices that support student success.
Current Learner Pathways include:
- Feedback and language development
- Learning targets and checks for learning
- Sequencing learning activities
- Engaging learners with the target language
- Moving from input to output
- Standards-based thematic learning
- Performance assessment and language development
These resources help teachers focus on what learners are experiencing and provide a practical bridge between reflection and instructional improvement.
Learner Pathway Self-Assessments
Each Learner Pathway is accompanied by a self-assessment tool that allows educators to reflect on the degree to which students demonstrate the identified learner behaviors. Teachers can use these tools to identify strengths, determine areas for growth, and connect student experiences to specific practices within the TELL Framework.
Focused Teacher Feedback Forms
Focused Feedback Forms provide educators, coaches, and administrators with a streamlined method for gathering evidence around specific instructional practices. These forms are designed for short observations and targeted feedback conversations.
Available forms focus on areas such as:
- Teacher language use
- Student language use
- Learner engagement
- Learner interactions
- Pair and small group work
- Giving directions
- Checking for understanding
- Physical learning environment
These tools are particularly useful for instructional coaching, peer observations, walkthroughs, and professional learning communities.
Full Class Observation Forms
The TELL Full Class Observation Form provides a structured process for observing classroom instruction through the lens of effective language teaching. The observation form focuses on instructional practices that are observable during classroom visits, particularly within the Learning Experience and Performance & Feedback domains of the framework.
This resource supports meaningful observation and feedback conversations that are grounded in world language-specific practices.
Self-Assessments
Self-Assessments allow educators to examine their current practice across all seven domains of the framework. Teachers reflect on evidence from their own classrooms, identify areas of strength, and determine opportunities for continued professional growth.
Self-assessment categories include:
- Environment
- Planning
- Learning Experience
- Performance & Feedback
- Learning Tools
- Collaboration
- Professionalism
These tools support reflective practice and encourage educators to take ownership of their professional learning journey.
Professional Growth Plans
The TELL Professional Growth Plan template helps educators translate reflection into action. After completing self-assessments or receiving feedback, teachers can use growth plans to establish goals, identify evidence of progress, and monitor their development over time.
By connecting self-reflection, feedback, and goal setting, these tools support a continuous cycle of professional learning focused on improving student outcomes.
Supporting Professional Growth in World Languages
MAFLA promotes resources that help educators strengthen their practice and improve language learning outcomes for students. The TELL Framework and its associated tools—including Learner Pathways, observation forms, self-assessments, feedback tools, and professional growth plans—provide world language educators with practical resources for reflection, collaboration, coaching, and continuous improvement.