The 15-credit ESL Program Specialist Certification will qualify instructionally certified educators to teach others whose first language is not English. Graduates of our flexible, online program will be prepared to teach English as a Second Language (ESL) in a variety of educational settings.
Program Snapshot
| Program Type | Format | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Certification | Online | 15 |
Why Study ESL at Wilkes?
There is a growing demand for educators equipped with the training and experience in teaching English as a second language. Jobs in the TESOL/ESL fields are projected to increase by 11 to 14% through 2030, creating a diverse number of opportunities in K-12 districts and other educational settings, as well as organizations abroad.
As the world becomes more linguistically diverse, students with a certification in ESL have the potential to seek out exciting careers in classrooms, or to pursue new roles in healthcare organizations, businesses, or within government organizations. The Wilkes program offers you the opportunity to learn from other educators and participate in experiences that allow for you to observe, assist, and teach ESL in public schools.
What Will You Learn as an ESL Program Specialist Student?
- You’ll learn various approaches to teaching second languages as well as effective techniques for assessment, including standardized tests, standards based instruction, and second language test design and evaluation.
- You’ll build a strong foundational understanding of linguistics and its importance to the teaching of foreign or second languages. You’ll examine phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and discourse structure as different approaches to the study of language are discussed.
- You’ll gain field experience in teaching reading, writing, listening, and speaking of English to second language learners. Students will learn how to assess student needs, develop syllabi, design educational materials, and apply theory to lessons.
- You’ll explore how to develop and implement second language programs while understanding the cultural conflict and biases, both social and linguistic, faced by multilingual students.
Thank you for your interest in Wilkes University's Graduate Education programs! To learn more about our program please complete the form. If you have questions, or wish to discuss your education goals, please contact: