The ESL Specialist Certification Preparation (K–12) Program at ESU provides an excellent
professional development opportunity for certified teachers who want to add the ESL
Specialist Certification in Pennsylvania to their credentials. This 16-credit program
is designed to help teachers throughout the region prepare to work with an increasingly
diverse student population. Every year more students enter our classrooms whose first
language is not English, and teachers need to know how to better address their needs
and teach them effectively. All courses include fieldwork experiences that provide
frequent opportunities to observe, assist, and teach ESL students.
Courses
This program requires the completion of 6 courses for a total of 16 credits.
- All courses are taught online in a Zoom Classroom during the evening in the fall and
spring semesters and during the daytime in the summer sessions, in order to accommodate
teachers’ schedules.
- All courses are offered on a two-year rotation and the program can be entered at any
time. Please see the schedule below for a complete list of courses and the two-year
rotation.
Benefits
ESU is offering the preparation that will help teachers:
- Meet the needs of students from diverse backgrounds.
- Integrate second language learning strategies into their teaching.
- Improve classroom management techniques.
- Successfully teach and assess students even if they do not speak their language.
- Communicate with parents and encourage school and home partnerships.
Program Advising
Dr. Alberto Alegre, Graduate Coordinator Early Childhood and Elementary Education
Department aalegre@esu.edu, (570) 422-3859
Program Admission: Mr. Kevin Quintero, Associate Director Graduate and Extended Studies kquintero@esu.edu, (570) 422-3890
