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English as a Second Language (ESL) Program Specialist Certificate

The ESL Program Specialist Certificate offers a path for pre-service teachers, in-service teachers, and graduate students to complete the ESL certificate to prepare to work with English learners in public school classrooms. The ESL Certificate may be completed on campus or through an intensive study immersion experience option. The ESL courses are offered at the University Park, Berks, and Lehigh Valley campuses.

Resulting Certificates

The ESL Program Specialist Certificate program includes practical teaching experience with English learners. The ESL Certificate program was designed to allow educators to choose a set of courses that meet content guidelines set by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) for the ESL Program Specialist Certificate. Those who have completed a Pennsylvania teaching certification (Instructional I or II) will receive a letter that verifies completion of the state requirements for the ESL Program Specialist Certificate and may apply directly through the PA Department of Education for the ESL Specialist Certificate. Teachers interested in this route should confer with ESL Certificate faculty to ensure their options and plans align with PDE expectations.

The ESL Certificate is a program offered cooperatively by the Department of Curriculum. Students interested in teaching English in other countries or would like to teach adult English learners should consider the online TESOL program or the master’s of arts degree in TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language) program in the Department of Applied Linguistics.