Certificate Program in Adult English as a Second Language (ESL)

As Virginia’s adult English as a Second Language (ESL) population continues to grow, there is an increasing need to prepare educators to work with this diverse population.  The Certificate in Teaching ESL to Adults is designed for individuals interested in teaching ESL to adults in the following settings: adult education programs, community colleges, and English language programs in non- English-speaking countries. 

The program is designed to provide students with the pedagogical tools to effectively teach English to adult learners.  Upon completion of the 18-credit (6 course) graduate certificate, students will be able to: design and implement effective ESL curriculum for adult learners; apply current research and theory in the classroom; teach adult ESL in a variety of academic settings; design activities and lessons for diverse and multi-level adult ESL classrooms; and, incorporate student needs, interests, and background knowledge into curriculum development.  Teachers who are seeking to add the endorsement to their current Virginia teaching license will need to complete all of the requirements (a total of 4) and 3 credits of a modern foreign language (per VAC 20-22-210) see Virginia Department of Education.