English as a Second Language (ESL) Program
Preparing educators for culturally and linguistically diverse classrooms.
The English as a Second Language (ESL) K-12 Certification program provides educators the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to address the needs of English Language Learners (ELLs) in a comprehensive program. Certificate candidates will learn to:
Kutztown University's Department of Secondary Education is accredited by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) to provide the English as a Second Language Program Specialist Certification. Our program has advanced CAEP level and has received Speciality Program Approval (SPA) by TESOL.
For current ESL Certification students: Upon program completion, please use this linked checklist to complete the steps necessary to apply for and receive certification.
Courses taught on campus and online.
Domain 1 – Language: Candidates know, understand, and use the major theories and research related to the structure and acquisition of language to help English language learners (ELLs) develop language and literacy and achieve in the content areas.
Domain 2 – Culture: Candidates know, understand, and use major concepts, principles, theories, and research related to the nature and role of culture and cultural groups to construct supportive learning environments for ELLs.
Domain 3 – Planning, Implementing, and Managing Instruction: Candidates know, understand, and use evidence- based practices and strategies related to planning, implementing, and managing standards-based ESL and content instruction. Candidates are knowledgeable about program models and skilled in teaching strategies for developing and integrating language skills. They integrate technology as well as choose and adapt classroom resources appropriate for their ELLs.
Domain 4 – Assessment: Candidates demonstrate understanding of issues and concepts of assessment and use standards-based procedures with ELLs.
Domain 5 – Professionalism: Candidates keep current with new instructional techniques, research results, advances in the ESL field, and education policy issues and demonstrate knowledge of the history of ESL teaching. They use such information to reflect on and improve their instruction and assessment practices. Candidates work collaboratively with school staff and the community to improve the learning environment, provide support, and advocate for ELLs and their families.
If you would like more information on the ESL Program Specialist Certification, please request information via the Office of Graduate Admissions or send an email to ESL program coordinator Dr. Brenda Muzeta at muzeta@kutztown.edu.