This study looks at the reflections on successes and challenges of an English language arts (ELA) veteran teacher on teaching writing to two newcomer English language learners (ELLs). The research questions are as follows: (1) What does the veteran ELA teacher identify as challenges and successes in her reflections on teaching writing to two newcomer ELLs? (2) What does the veteran ELA teacher identify as new learnings about teaching ELLs in her reflections on teaching writing to two newcomer ELLs? Data consisted of documents the teacher submitted as part of an independent study: a journal, a presentation, and an essay. The themes identified during qualitative analysis of the data highlight the challenges and successes of specific classroom activities and strategies and their effect on ELL progress and on the teacher's self‐assessment.