ESL or ELL? What Teachers Need to Know—and How Speakia Supports Both

If you teach English to young learners, chances are you’ve come across both terms: ESL and ELL. They’re often used interchangeably—but there are important distinctions. Knowing the difference can help you better meet your students’ needs and choose the right tools for your classroom.

At Speakia, we work with teachers around the world—in mainstream classrooms, international schools, and private learning centers—each with their own unique needs and contexts.

Is Speakia for ESL or ELL learners?

The short answer: both. But to fully understand why, let’s explore how these terms are used—and why that matters for your classroom.

What’s the difference between ESL and ELL?

• ESL (English as a Second Language) traditionally refers to programs that support students learning English in English-speaking countries, such as the U.S., UK, or Canada. It’s often used to describe both the students and the instructional approach.
• ELL (English Language Learner) is a more modern and student-focused term, especially in U.S. education systems. It recognizes that English may be a student’s third or fourth language—not just their second—and places the emphasis on the learner, not the program.

Globally, ESL is still widely used, particularly outside the U.S. You might also encounter terms like EAL (English as an Additional Language) or ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages), depending on your region or institution.

Why does this matter?

Because your teaching environment—and your students’ goals—can vary dramatically depending on whether you’re in an ELL or ESL setting.

• ELL classrooms often focus on language support within the mainstream curriculum. These students need to build academic English skills to succeed alongside their peers.
• ESL learners, by contrast, may be studying English in a non-English-speaking country. Instruction is often extracurricular or embedded in a foreign language program, with fewer hours and different instructional goals.

Recognizing these distinctions can guide how you tailor your approach and choose tools that fit your students’ needs.

How Speakia supports both ESL and ELL classrooms

Speakia was built to help students speak English with confidence—whether they’re immersed in an English-speaking environment or learning in a classroom abroad. Here’s how we support both ESL and ELL learners:

✓ Solving the speaking gap with AI and low-prep lessons
Many English learners don’t get enough time to actually speak. Speakia bridges this gap by combining structured classroom support with AI-powered speaking practice. Each level includes nearly 100 hours of structured classroom content, including ready-to-use PPTs/IWB lessons, and printable resources designed for minimal prep and maximum impact. Students can also reinforce learning independently using the Speakia app—whether in class or at home.

✓ Progression from words to conversation
Our content starts with high-frequency vocabulary and sentence stems, then scaffolds up to free speech—aligned to CEFR and U.S. ELL standards for measurable growth.

✓ Friendly, story-based learning that builds connection
Speakia’s characters live in a fictional U.S. town and appear across lessons and stories, giving students a sense of continuity and connection. The visual storytelling supports comprehension and models natural spoken English in relatable, everyday contexts—helping learners develop both confidence and comfort with the language.

✓ Clear, trackable growth
Teachers and schools can monitor student progress with built-in feedback and performance tracking—ideal for both ELL documentation and ESL motivation.

So… is Speakia for you?

If your learners need more speaking practice—and your current tools aren’t giving them enough opportunity—Speakia is the perfect companion. Whether you call them ESL students or ELLs, we help them build real-world confidence, one sentence at a time.