From Students to Stakeholders: Creating a Shared Classroom – with Dr Joel Floyd

About this episode

Dr. Joel Floyd discusses creating an inclusive, learner-centered environment for adult English language learners.

Dr. Joel Floyd, educator and founder of Ignite Career Foundation, joins Laura to share how his team creates an inclusive, learner-centred environment for adult English language learners in the US. In this episode, Joel shares student success stories, explores how community and compassion are embedded into their programmes, and reminds us of the power of reflective teaching. Watch with closed captions . TALKING POINTS A Student's Journey: From qualified pilot in Venezuela to English learner and future Delta Airlines pilot—with a little help from an inclusive learning environment. Meeting Students Where They Are: Why Ignite Career Foundation leads with empathy, compassion and student voice in all aspects of its work. Creating a Sense of Belonging : From first-day classroom observations to student mentors and coffee chats, small touches that help students feel ownership and pride in their learning space. Learning as a Two-Way Street : The importance of building reciprocal relationships in the classroom—and listening as much as teaching. A Call for Reflective Practice: Joel’s advice for teachers on staying curious, seeking feedback, and journaling to keep growing as educators. ABOUT…

People in this episode

Host: Laura

Guest: Dr. Joel Floyd

Topics covered

• inclusive learning environment
• adult English language learners
• student success stories
• reflective teaching
• community and compassion
• reciprocal relationships

Keywords

• inclusive education
• adult learners
• reflective practice
• student engagement
• empathy in teaching

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Ignite Career Foundation, Delta Airlines, Coalition on Adult

Places: Venezuela, Norcross, Georgia, USA

More episodes of TESOL Pop

• Moving Beyond the Coursebook with Young Learners — with Fiona Hunter · June 2, 2026 · 13 min
• Global Literature Circles for Teens — with Christian Fischer · April 23, 2026 · 15 min
• Litter Picking, Learning & Lasting Change — with Patrick Jackson · October 28, 2025 · 16 min
• Business English, Reimagined – with Megan Nicholls · October 21, 2025 · 15 min
• The Power of Emergent Language — with Lewis Jaquest · October 14, 2025 · 15 min
• Teaching Debate to PhD STEM Students — with Anila Ruth Scott-Monkhouse · October 7, 2025 · 15 min