The number of English learners (ELs) in the United States has grown steadily and so has the demand for teachers of English as a Second Language (ESL). In 2016, the U.S. Department of Education reported that 32 states, including Pennsylvania and New Jersey, had shortages of ESL teachers.
Overview
Approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, Lehigh’s fully online English as a Second Language (ESL) program specialist certification allows educators with elementary or secondary certifications or those currently pursuing certification to become certified ESL teachers. Proficiency in a second language is not required to enroll.
For the students they work with, ESL teachers are vital to their ability to learn, in addition to serving as advocates who make sure students get the help and resources they need to progress in school. This program seeks to enhance educators’ knowledge of linguistics and second language pedagogical practices, while fostering their development as teacher-advocates.
Application Requirements
- Transcripts, minimum GPA of 3.0 (undergraduate)
- Proof of English proficiency
Quick Facts
Transcript Evaluations: Evaluations are required for applicants who have earned a degree outside the U.S.
Deadline(s): July 15 for fall start, December 15 for spring start and April 15 for summer start. The application and all supporting materials are due by the listed deadlines.
Modality: On-Campus
Course Requirements: 10 courses (30 credits)
Typical Course Load: fall (2 courses), spring (2 courses), summer (2 courses) which allows candidates to complete the program in two years (two falls, two springs and one summer).
Time to Completion: 2 years
Practical Experience Component: Field work is an important part of this program. Students who are already teachers have the opportunity to complete the field work at their current schools.
Program Alumni: Graduates work as teachers in both public and private K-12 classrooms.
Please Note: Due to Pennsylvania Department of Education criteria, international students are not eligible for PDE certification. Lehigh is unable to provide immigration sponsorship for this program.
Career Opportunities
With ESL certification, K-12 educators can:
- Teach ESL and English Language Development (ELD) classes
- Become linguistically and culturally responsive general educators
- Lead and coordinate their school district’s ESL/EDL departments
Lehigh’s ESL certification program is 15 credits and can be done in as little as 12 months with classes available online and in the evenings.
Curriculum
All courses are 3 credits, unless otherwise noted. Course descriptions can be found in the course catalog.
| course number | course name |
|---|---|
| EDUC 391 | Educational Linguistics |
| EDUC 419 | Second Language Acquisition |
| EDUC 420 | Contemporary Issues in English Language Learner Education |
| EDUC 423 | Curriculum and Materials Design for English Language Learners |
| SPED 404 | Cultural and Linguistic Diversity |
Faculty & Staff
-
Donna Toothman
Program Coordinator, Teaching, Learning, and Technology & Special Education Programs
-
Dr. Minyi Dennis
Associate Professor
-
Dr. Julie Fogt
Director of Centennial School and Affiliated Professor
-
Dr. Sara Kangas
Associate Professor and Program Director
-
Dr. Lee Kern
Professor and Director of the Center for Promoting Research to Practice
-
Dr. Kristi Morin
Associate Professor
-
Dr. Elise Settanni
Teaching Assistant Professor
