English as a Second Language Certification

If you interested in PA certification to teach English as a Second Language in K-12 American schools, you should contact the department chair by November 1 of the year before you plan to do student teaching. 

Undergraduate certification in ESL requires that candidates also complete the separate requirements for certification in either elementary or secondary education. There is no additional State test for this certification. 

In order to complete the ESL K-12 add-on certification, students must complete the courses listed below.

Requirements:

EDUC 56, TESOL Methods: Theory in Practice

LING 001, Introduction to Language and Linguistics (or equivalent). Can be taken pass/fail and/or completed at another university.

Eastern University Course: EDUC 422, Language Testing and Material Development. This is an online course that begins in early January and can usually be completed by the mid-point of the spring semester. The cost of the course will be covered for students on financial aid. This course can be noted on the Swarthmore College transcript; if credit at Swarthmore College is desired, the course counts as .5 credit.