Teach ESL in Pennsylvania Schools
More than 12% of Pennsylvanians aged 5 and older speak a language other than English at home. If you’re a teacher who wants to make a difference in the lives of non-native English speakers, WCU’s certificate in Teaching English as a Second Language can help!
WCU’s 12-credit Certificate in Teaching English as a Second Language is primarily designed to qualify pre-certified teachers to teach ESL in Pennsylvania public schools. This certification is available 100% online and is approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), and certified by TESOL Specialized Professional Association (SPA). The certification can be completed as a standalone credential or can be embedded within the WCU’s Master of Arts in TESOL degree program and completed concurrently within the overall 30-credits.
Benefits of Earning Your Graduate Certificate at West Chester University
Diverse Field Placements
Field experiences are an important component of the ESL certificate program and are a formal requirement for several courses. Fieldwork gives you the opportunity to put your knowledge into practice and offers insights into your knowledge, skills, and disposition for assessment purposes. Field placements vary according to your current (or future) teaching position. PK-12 ESL sites in Pennsylvania include rural, suburban, and urban districts stretching from Oxford Area School District in southern Chester County to Norristown, and the School District of Philadelphia to the east. Field placements must take place within Pennsylvania public schools for certification, with the exception of those students who are working for online charter academies.
Accomplished Faculty
WCU’s ESL certificate program was established more than 20 years ago to develop highly prepared ESL educators. Today, you’ll be taught by outstanding faculty who are experts in their fields. Each professor brings their unique experiences and research interests into the online classroom including: computer-assisted language learning, immigrant identity, sociolinguistics, and teacher identity.
Our faculty conduct research, author papers and chapters, present locally and abroad, and are in the classroom each day.
Affordable Tuition
Affordability is part of WCU’s mission, and our tuition is among the most affordable in the region. To help put your graduate studies within reach, WCU also offers employee reimbursement options, payment plans, and graduate assistantships.
What Can You Do with a Certificate in Teaching English as a Second Language?
Our graduates go on to work as ESL specialists in PK-12 schools, become curriculum specialists, ESL textbook editors, private tutors, academic advisors, and program coordinators.
A substantial proportion of students in Pennsylvania schools are English learners. Pursuing your ESL certification is in investment in 4 courses that will reap huge returns for your career and community.
What Will You Study as a Student in the Certificate in Teaching English as a Second Language Program?
The English as a Second Language certificate program includes core courses and field work to help you prepare for your next role.
Certificate of Preparation in ESL Teaching (ESL Program Specialist Certificate)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Certification Area | ||
| Admission into the WCU ESL Program Specialist Certificate requires prior and valid Pennsylvania Instructional I or II Certification in a different academic area. Completion of the program thus allows instructors to add teaching ESL in Pennsylvania public schools to their teaching load. | ||
| Required Courses 1 | ||
| LIN 501 | Introduction to Linguistics | 3 |
| LAN 504 | Techniques of Teaching English as a Second Language 2 | |
| LAN 575 | Structure of Modern English | 3 |
| LAN 569 | Teaching English Language Learners (ELLs) PK-12 2 | 3 |
| LAN 576 | Curriculum and Materials for TESL 2 | 3 |
| LAN 584 | Teaching Reading and Writing to ESL Students | 3 |
| Total Minimum Credits Required | 18 | |
- 1
Candidate must inform the Program Director upon completion of the required coursework for graduation clearance.
- 2
Denotes courses which require clearances for field.
Get Started on Your Certificate in Teaching English as a Second Language Today
If you’re interested in working with non-native English speakers, this certificate program could be for you. Apply today and start making a difference.
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