English as a Second Language (ESL) Certification

The Pennsylvania Department of Education lists ESL as the number one teacher shortage area in PA. The program provides students seeking the ESL certificate the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to address the needs of English Language Learners (ELLs) in a comprehensive program. This certification is for certificate holders in all K-12 programs to be conferred upon completion of or possession of an initial teaching certificate.

Kutztown University's Department of Secondary Education is accredited by the PA Department of Education to provide the Program Specialist Certificate-English as a Second Language (ESL).

Program Requirements

• 15 credits of classwork 
• 60 hours of fieldwork experience
• Students must have a valid PA Instructional I or II Certificate to complete the program
• Foreign applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English via the ACTFL English Language OPI

Courses of Study - 15 Credits

• EDU/MLS 428: Culture and Diversity of English Learners
• EDU/MLS 434: Instructional Methodology for English Learners
• EDU/MLS 435: Language Acquisition and English Linguistics
• EDU 436: Assessment of English Learners
• EDU 437: Protocols and Practices for PA ESL Programs

Courses taught on campus and online.

Admissions Requirements and Deadlines

How Can I Receive More Information?

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.