English language learners (ELLs) are a diverse group of students—and they're growing. The U.S. Department of Education reports that the number of school-aged children and young adults in the U.S. who are learning English as a second language has grown significantly in recent years, making ELLs the fastest-growing student population in the K-12 system.
 
 11.1 million students in the United States qualify as English language learners, meaning they use a language other than English at home and have difficulty speaking, reading, writing, or understanding English. That's nearly one in four students! Additionally, these students are dispersed across the country, with some states hosting larger populations than others. California, for example, is home to 25 percent of all ELLs. 
 
 English Language Learners' Guide to Beauty School
 
 Beauty school is an exciting field but can be incredibly daunting for English language learners. In addition, since this type of career training typically requires language fluency, it can be challenging for those still mastering English to succeed.
 
 To help, here's an English language learners' guide to beauty school. Read on to learn more about the importance of English language proficiency, strategies to ensure success in this field, and resources you can utilize to ensure you're ready. 
 
 Why English Is Important in Beauty School
 
 No surprise here—understanding and effectively communicating in English is essential for success in beauty school. Therefore, English language fluency is a critical component of both the practical and theoretical elements of this training. For instance, you must be able to read and comprehend product labels and follow instructions to provide services safely and correctly.
 
 English fluency is also essential for those working in the business side of the beauty industry. In a salon, spa, or another beauty center, communicating with clients clearly and effectively is essential. Even if you don't plan on working directly with customers, successful business owners must have excellent communication and marketing skills to stand out and succeed. 
 
 Strategies for English Language Learners
 
 Don't let language barriers stop you from pursuing your dreams. Here are some strategies to help English language learners excel in beauty school: 
 
 • Get extra help. If you're struggling with English or any other aspect of a beauty school, seek additional help. Most schools offer tutoring services and after-school programs to help students better understand the course material. Additionally, consider joining a study group with your peers to get the most out of classes.
 
 • Practice communication skills. You can practice your English outside the classroom by conversing with classmates, teachers, and community members. You’ll build confiyou'llin speaking, reading, and writing English through practice.
 
 • Take advantage of resources. Look for online courses, tutorials, newspapers, magazines, and other media to help you practice English and stay up-to-date on the beauty industry. 
 
 Resources for English Language Learners
 
 Plenty of resources are available to help English language learners navigate beauty school. Here are just a few: 
 
 • ESL Newcomers Network: This organization offers a variety of programs designed to help learners hone their English-speaking, listening, literacy, and translation skills.
 
 • YouTube beauty tutorials: Watching beauty tutorials can be a great way to improve your English and get first-hand insights into the industry.
 
 • Online English courses: Many websites offer English courses tailored to English language learners. These courses focus on grammar, reading, writing, and communication and often include interactive activities and exercises. 
 
 Conclusion
 
 Completing beauty school is exciting for anyone, but it can be incredibly challenging for English language learners. However, with the right resources and strategies, outcoming any language barrier and acquiring the skills and knowledge needed for a successful career in the beauty industry is possible.