Hannah Joos: Educator, Advocate, and Champion for Language Equity

Hannah Joos is not only a dedicated educator but also a passionate advocate for linguistic equity and refugee rights. She is deeply interested in the power and privilege that speaking English affords, recognizing that language is not just a tool for communication but a gatekeeper to opportunity, security, and dignity.

Her career in education spans over 15 years, taking her from urban schools in Chicago to remote villages in Namibia and the refugee camps of Rwanda. In addition to her work in the classroom, Hannah has contributed to refugee resettlement efforts at the Refugee Processing Center, where she trained individuals on case processing steps and at Community Sponsorship Hub supporting application vetting for Private Sponsorship, ensuring that refugees have pathways to safety and stability.

Recognizing the lack of real-world, adult-focused ESL materials, Hannah founded ESL for Equality as a way to support anyone working with English language learners – teachers, mentors, community members, and advocates – by providing practical, real-life, usable resources. Finding ESL materials that prioritize realistic language needs and task-based learning can be challenging, and Hannah hopes these resources bridge that gap, offering meaningful support to educators and learners alike.

Hannah’s educational philosophy is deeply rooted in curricular design that prioritizes real-world engagement and task-oriented learning strategies. She is committed to equipping teachers – whether new to the field or seasoned professionals – with the resources they need to effectively support refugees and immigrants in the U.S. and beyond. She sees education as a powerful bridge, forging connections across cultures while honoring the distinct identities of each learner.

Through her work, Hannah strives to challenge systemic barriers, amplify the voices of language learners, and advocate for a more inclusive and equitable approach to education and resettlement.

When she isn’t teaching or developing resources, you can find her cozied up with a good book, taking her dog for a long walk, watching a scary movie, or exploring a new city or country.