New teachers who entered the profession through alternative pathways often teach in high-need urban environments, which means there may be a significant number of English Language Learner (ELL) students in their classrooms. In order to best support these students, techniques can be employed to best facilitate learning for students who do not have English as their first language. Given the importance of reading problem solving in mathematics class, it is increasingly important that teachers support their ELL students' learning. This article will address problem solving and literacy in the ELL context, as well as provide strategies for new teachers to employ in the classroom.