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The English as a Second Language specialist program...
is a course of study that will prepare elementary or secondary teachers as an ESL specialist capable of working with students whose second language is English.

Upon completion of the ESL specialist program,
a teacher education candidate will be issued a Letter of Eligibility, which must be retained by the candidate for future application to the PDE. ESL Specialist is an add-on designation to an existing instructional certificate rather than a stand-alone certification.

Students who are elementary & secondary education...
candidates may elect to become an ESL specialist with additional coursework added to their program of study.

Elementary Education majors must complete the program requirements and their minor requirements as well as the courses listed below. Secondary Education candidates must complete their program requirements in addition to the courses listed below.

ESL Specialist Program Requirements...
Most courses are 3 credits; please read course descriptions by clicking on the course numbers for full details.

Basic Teacher Education courses
(or existing teaching certificate)
9 credit hours

ED 190, ED 200, ED 210

Intensive English language courses
3 credit hours

ENG 225, ENG 324, ENG 222

ESL instruction, language acquisition, & cultural awareness
9 credit hours

ED 220, ED 338, ED 341

Language & literacy acquisition
2+ credit hours

ED 321, ED 322, ED 380, ENG 393,

Second language (or demonstrated basic fluency)
3+ credit hours 

For more information please contact the program coordinator

Dr. Gina Z. Morrison, Associate Professor Breiseth Hall - Rm. 203 (570) 408-4681 • Email