All ESL teachers must hold the Program Specialist ESL certificate.
The teacher must hold a Pennsylvania Instructional I or Instructional II certificate and successfully complete an approved ESL preparation program. Both programs may be taken concurrently.
No. The prerequisite Instructional certificate must be valid and active in order for the Program Specialist to remain valid and active.
Yes, if the valid and current out-of-state ESL certificate required a full, instructional program with student teaching, and all other certification requirements are met.
No. There is currently no test requirement for ESL.
No.
Yes.
A list of approved providers is on the website: Approved Certification Programs.
Yes, if service is at least half-time. Service on the ESL certificate will count against the validity of the Instructional certificate(s).
Yes, if the credits are post-baccalaureate credits from a State-approved bachelor’s or master’s degree granting institution, approved PA Intermediate Unit credits, other Department approved credits or any combination thereof.
Yes, if service is in a Pennsylvania non-charter public school entity. The pre-requisite Instructional certificate must be valid in order for the Program Specialist certificate to be valid.
Yes, if the Program Specialist also holds a PA Instructional I or II certificate in English.
You will need to register and submit an online application in the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s Teacher Information Management System (TIMS). The credential you will apply for is Program Specialist and the subject is English as a Second Language.