As the number of English language learners in our schools has dramatically increased, IU 13 has increased its services to support English as a Second Language (ESL) programs in local districts.
English as a Second Language Professional Development
English as a Second Language Workshops
Throughout the year, IU 13 offers professional development workshops featuring experts in the areas of ESL services. These workshops provide top-quality opportunities for educators to increase their knowledge of best practices in instructing English language learners.
On-Site Customized ESL Professional Development
Based upon district or school requests, IU 13 will provide customized ESL professional development on site to educators. Sample topics include:
- Language Proficiency Levels of English Language Learners
- Understanding and Instructing English Language Learners
- Instructional Strategies for English Language Learners
- Assessing English Language Learners
- Classroom Instruction that Works with English Language Learners
ESL Consultation/Technical Assistance
IU 13 offers technical assistance and consultation to assist educators in the delivery of ESL services. Sample areas of consultation/technical assistance include:
- District/School Program Monitoring
- District/School ESL Team Meetings
- District/School ESL Curriculum, Assessment, and Instruction Plans
Title III ESL Consortium
IU 13 provides leadership as the Local Educational Agency (LEA) for the Title III ESL Consortium that consists of 17 school districts. Title III Consortium services include writing the Title III Grant, planning and facilitating Point of Contact Meetings, providing funds for supplementary materials, providing funds for translation services, providing professional development, and providing technical assistance at a regional, district, or school level.
ESL Points of Contact Meetings
The ESL Point of Contact meetings provide a forum for educators from the Title III ESL Consortium to receive training, network, and engage in collegial discussions about current ESL topics and initiatives. This teacher leadership group serves as a collaborative entity for regional and state professional development activities, and supports capacity building and sharing in home districts/schools.
ESL Points of Contact Meeting SharePoint Site
English as a Second Language Program Specialist Certificate
IU 13 is a Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) approved provider for the English as a Second Language Program Specialist Certificate. This certification program is offered to teaching professionals holding a valid Pennsylvania Instructional I or Instructional II certificate. The Pennsylvania Department of Education requires all ESL teachers to have this certificate.
Students enrolled in the Specialist Certification Program receive continuing professional education (CPE) credits upon completion of a course. Each CPE course credit requires 15 in-class hours of instruction and 15 hours of out-of-class work. Each credit converts to 30 Act 48 hours. Courses are taught at a graduate level but do not offer graduate credits.
Registration Policy
Qualified teachers interested in attending IU 13's certification courses must first apply to the program. Once an acceptance letter is received, applicants may register online via My Learning Plan.
All registrations must be completed online.
Refund Policy (for CPE Credit Courses)
A full refund will be made when IU 13 is notified of cancellations at least 2 weeks prior to the start date.
A partial refund (50%) will be made if attendance is canceled less than 2 weeks prior to the start date.
There is NO refund for cancellations after the course starts regardless of whether the participant attends.
Application Information
Application for the Certification Program (includes waiver form)
Course Information
Course registrations and payments must be received at least ONE WEEK prior to the course starting date .
English as a Second Language Products
Understanding English Language Levels: A Classroom Teacher's Guide
For more information, please call 717-606-1654 or email instructional@iu13.org.
Please click here for information on ESL services for adult learners and ESL workshops for Adult Education practitioners.