This course is the basic introduction to ESL Program Specialist Certification. It will include five domains of teaching English learners:culture, language, planning instruction, assessment, and professionalism. Emphasis is placed on the Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) teaching standards and English Language Development Standards. Teachers will examine research-based practices in relation to the five domains and identify their role as an English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher.

This course will explore the process second language undergo to be able to learn a new language. In this course, participants will be exposed to these processes. They will learn and conduct research on the structure and nature of language with a view to assisting their students to adjust to the challenges of learning a new language. They will also learn the theories of second language acquisition, styles and strategies in language learning as well as the socio-cultural and cross-linguistic influences of language learning. Through a solid knowledge base of applied linguistics, ESL teachers will be able to identify linguistic challenges for students of diverse native language backgrounds and determine the most effective instructional strategies for individualized teaching.

This course will provide an examination of theory, diversity, and pedagogy constructs, for explicit applications to practice in classrooms with English Learners. The historical exploration of immigration, cultural perspectives, and teaching practices that demonstrate and explicate the interconnectedness of culture and cognition are provided. By examining the background of English learners and their cultures, a framework for creating a culturally responsive classroom environment is developed. Participants will develop an awareness of how their own culture impacts their views of teaching, learning, and classroom expectations: explore the varied roles of teacher, parent, and student in terms of cultural and educational expectations: and understand that acculturation is nit only a complex process, but a matter of individual choice.

This course will allow teachers gain exposure to the tool necessary to be able to access English learners appropriately and in a timely way. The course will offer knowledge on benchmarks for different proficiency levels. Assessing English learners can be a challenge to not only teachers but also the students themselves. As ESL students in K-12 are taught English, proper instruments need to be in place to access student progress. Tools should be appropriate, and take into account the proficiency level of the learner.

This course will examine the theories, principals, and practices that assist English learners in achieving academic proficiency in the content area. Planning standards-based instruction and adapting instruction in the content area is emphasized. Teachers will be able to demonstrate knowledge of their ELs and the role of individual characteristics in the process and outcome of language learning. Drawing upon this knowledge performance-based measures to assess ELs discrete and integrated ability to use grammar, vocabulary, listening, speaking, reading, and writing to communicate.

This course is geared toward equipping ESL teachers with the necessary tools to give ESL students the support they need while they undergo the challenges of transition. Issues that may arise concerning the support of students in the classroom, school, and the community will be addressed. Become a policy advocate for the profession and their students, ESL teachers must be able to take full advantage of professional resources and relationships at local, regional, and national levels.