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Official Website

of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

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    Local, state, and federal government websites often end in .gov. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania government websites and email systems use "pennsylvania.gov" or "pa.gov" at the end of the address. Before sharing sensitive or personal information, make sure you're on an official state website. 
    Certification

    ​English as a Second Language Program Specialist

    English as a Second Language (ESL) is a term for the use or study of the English language by non-native speakers in an English-speaking environment.  PDE offers a program specialist certification in ESL.

    The requirements to obtain an ESL Program Specialist certification:

    • Hold a PA Instructional I or Instructional II certificate
    • Completion of a state approved certification program

    OR

    • Hold a valid out-of-state ESL certificate
    • Completion of a state approved instructional ESL certification program that meets the Pennsylvania ESL Specific Program Guidelines.