Program Goals

The primary goals of the program are:

  • To broaden PreK-12 educators' knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of cultural and linguistic differences, language acquisition, literacy development, and reflective teaching practices within the ESL classroom
  • To enhance PreK-12 educators' abilities to develop and use curricular, instructional, and assessment strategies and materials that raise the achievement levels and increase the academic success of English language learners

Candidate learning outcomes are aligned with PDE and TESOL standards, and fulfill the PDE academic requirements for the ESL Program Specialist certification.

Who Should Enroll

Enrollment in the 15-credit, ESL Program Specialist Certification program is open to all PreK-12 educators, candidates in the Master of Education in Teaching and Curriculum program, and undergraduates enrolled in education programs who may be interested in obtaining the ESL Certificate from the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE).