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This certificate program enables pre-service students enrolled in teacher preparation programs and currently certified teachers to become eligible for the Program Specialist - ESL Certificate through the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE).

Individuals who complete the necessary four courses (12 credits) are eligible to apply for this certification through their school district. The ESL Program Specialist certification is "added on" to a Level I or Level II teaching certificate issued by PDE.

This certificate program will help meet the growing need for appropriately prepared educators to provide the necessary instruction to the growing ESL population in Pennsylvania.

BU's program is unique by being offered as a cooperative venture of two departments: Audiology and Speech Pathology, and Early Childhood and Elementary Education. It blends the disciplines of education with speech and language pathology and prepares professionals assigned to ESL classes, ESL programs, and bilingual education programs.

The emphasis of instruction is on teaching language skills (listening, speaking, reading, writing) and curricular areas (science, math, social studies). Although several other Pennsylvania colleges, universities and intermediate units offer training, the partnership of these two departments has advantages.

This program integrates expertise and resources from two departments relating speech and language learning with academic achievement. The focus on speech and language differences versus disorders, and the collaboration of the educator and the speech pathologist in the schools make this a unique program. Faculty from both departments developed the courses based on the Pennsylvania Department of Education ESL program specialist guidelines.

Courses are offered at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, during evenings and summers, so current pre-service students and currently practicing professionals can obtain this certification.

Required courses for ESL Certification:

AUDSLP 415/515 ELL: Basics of Language and Communication
AUDSLP 420/520 ELL: Developing Cultural Awareness and Sensitivity
AUDSLP 425/525 ELL: Assessment and Support Services for ELLs

AUDSLP 432/532 Communication/Educational Strategies for ELL Individuals

or

PROFSTUDIES 494 ELL: Strategies and Methods