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C&I: English as a Second Language

ESL Certificate Program

English as a Second Language (ESL) certificate program


Penn State's ESL Certificate program prepares teachers for K-12 classroom instruction of English language learners. The program provides the chance to learn about the needs of English learners, one of the fastest growing segments of the public school population, and develop teacher practices to support them. Teachers learn how to adapt content and language instruction to make it accessible to learners, build awareness of language learning processes, and promote the academic achievement of English learners in the classroom.

The Certificate program meets content guidelines set by the Pennsylvania Department of Education for the ESL Program Specialist Certificate and is a 15-credit program including practical teaching experience with English learners. The ESL certificate at Penn State may be completed on campus or through an intensive study option, Teaching ESL with Immersion Experience, which offers the opportunity to complete the program over two academic sessions (Spring and Summer) and includes an international practice teaching experience. A specific application process is described on the Immersion program website. Applications for the Immersion experience are submitted in November for the program beginning the following January.

To enroll in the courses on campus, please submit your initial intent to complete the ESL Certificate program at Penn State by completing the online application form. Non-native English speakers must pass the ACTFL OPI English fluency exam with an Advanced Mid or higher rating for entrance into the program.

As you continue your course work, your information will be on file in the office of Sue Stewart (170 Chambers Building), an administrative staff member coordinating the application and certificate process for the ESL certificate program. Upon successful completion of the ESL courses, you will receive a Certificate of Completion in Teaching ESL from Penn State University.* Those who have completed teaching certification (Instructional I or II) will also receive a letter that verifies completion of the state requirements for the ESL Program Specialist Certificate and may apply through the PA Department of Education for their ESL Specialist Certificate.

The ESL Certificate is a program offered cooperatively by the Department of Curriculum & Instruction and the Department of Applied Linguistics. Students who are interested in teaching English in other countries or would like to teach adult English language learners should consider the online TESOL program or the MA in TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language) program in the Department of Applied Linguistics.

If you have questions, please contact:
Ms. Sue Stewart (sxs6@psu.edu), 170 Chambers
Dr. Elizabeth Smolcic (eas260@psu.edu), 257 Chambers

Additional information:

*For students currently pursuing teacher certification at Penn State, you may complete some or all of the required coursework prior to graduation, but you will be able to obtain the ESL certificate from the Pennsylvania Department of Education only after your initial teacher certification is issued.

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