The English as a Second Language (ESL) Program Specialist Certificate is designed to prepare prospective and current teachers to support the academic success and social integration of English learners in PreK-12 settings.
This Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE)-approved certificate program is intended to equip candidates with a greater awareness of the benefits of having English learners in the classroom, as well as to prepare them with strategies and skills to provide evidence-based instruction that meets the needs of linguistically and culturally diverse learners in mainstream content classrooms.
Who Should Enroll?
The ESL certificate for undergraduate education students is available as an optional certification to accompany their degree program in Elementary and Early Childhood Education (PreK-4).
The graduate-level certificate is available for current PreK-12 educators.
This program is recognized by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE).
Required courses
EDUC 466N (3 credits) Foundations for Teaching ESL
EDUC 467 (3 credits) English Language Structure for ESL Teachers
EDUC 468 (3 credits) Language Acquisition for ESL Teachers
EDUC 469 (3 credits) Teaching Methods and Assessments for ESL
EDUC 475 (3 credits) ESL Leadership, Research, and Advocacy*
*Candidates take this course at the end of the program, after completing EDUC 466, EDUC 467, EDUC 468 and EDUC 469.
Upcoming Courses
SUMMER 2023 (Maymester: May-June)
EDUC 469 (3 credits) Teaching Methods and Assessments for ESL
Learn and integrate curricular, instructional, and assessment theories and practices into the elementary/secondary classroom setting to promote language and literacy development.
FALL 2023
EDUC 468 (3 credits) Language Acquisition for ESL Teachers
Explore first and second language learning, socio-cultural contexts and learner variables, and the issues related to cognition and developmental psycholinguistics.
SPRING 2024
EDUC 466 N (3 credits) Foundations for Teaching ESL
Gain a critical understanding and appreciation for language diversity and culture while enhancing knowledge and skills necessary to work with culturally and linguistically diverse learners, their families, and their communities.
EDUC 467 (3 credits) English Language Structure for ESL Teachers
Develop a greater understanding of major linguistic and structural concepts and issues and how diversity shapes the educational experience of English Learners and immigrant/newcomer populations in general.
Many US states and territories require professional licensure/certification to be employed. If you plan to pursue employment in a licensed profession after completing this program, please visit the Professional Licensure/Certification Disclosures by State interactive map (available July 1).
For questions, please contact:
Dr. Roxanna Senyshyn, Professor-in-Charge, ESL Certification
