Certification in ESL Program Specialist (K-12)

The ESL Program Specialist Certification is not an independent certification.  Candidates must hold or concurrently work on Instructional I or II teaching certificate in Early Childhood or Elementary Education, English, Foreign Language, or Reading Specialist.  The successful completion of this program will prepare students to teach English as a Second Language in the elementary and secondary level (K-12) in public schools. This program may be combined with M. Ed. in TESOL and M.Ed. in Multicultural Education.

• Course Requirements
• Course Descriptions

Program Goals

The purpose of Eastern University’s ESL Program Specialist Certification program is to prepare participants to become certified in Pennsylvania to provide ESL instruction in K-12 environments when this study is combined with early Childhood or elementary education, English, Foreign Language, or Reading Specialist certification.

Upon completion of the program, candidates will be able to:

• Develop classroom enterprises best suited for academic and individual needs of ESL/ELL students.
• Model professional and ethical decision making that benefits their student community.
• Fulfill professional responsibilities that will increase student achievement and promote professional and personal growth for students, colleagues, and themselves.

Distinctives

• The program integrates Eastern University’s mission of faith, justice, and reason to promote educational equity and social justice.
• The completion time of the ESL Program Specialist Certification program ranges between one to maximum seven years.
• The flexible program design accommodates students who manage busy schedules or who live in different time zones.
• Classes are offered in fall, spring, and summer semesters.
• Applicants can enter Eastern University ESL Certification program at multiple points throughout the year.
• All courses except EDU550 may be taken in an online environment.

PA Certification Requirements

Applicants must fulfill the following requirements before being recommended for a PA certification in their certification area. The employing school district will apply the certificate on the applicant’s behalf.

• Certificate (Elementary Education, English, Foreign Language, or Reading Specialist).
• An existing GPA of 3.0
• Successful Completion of course requirements in the certification area

PA Certification Requirements

Applicants must fulfill the following requirements before being recommended for a PA certification in their certification area. The employing school district will apply the certificate on the applicant’s behalf.

• Certificate (Early Childhood, Elementary Education, English, Foreign Language, or Reading Specialist).
• An existing GPA of 3.0
• Successful Completion of course requirements in the certification area

Course Requirements

Prerequisites:
It is legally required by PDE that applicants who wish to apply for PA ESL Program Specialist must hold Instructional I or II certification. Therefore, applicants must submit copy of Instructional I or II certification (Early Childhood, Elementary Education, Secondary Education/English, Reading, or Foreign Languages) with this signed program of study.