ESL Teacher Certification

Program Description

The ESL Teacher Certification Program is a non-credit, competency-based program through which educators engage in practical, job-embedded learning experiences over the course of 12 months (June to June). Completion of this program leads to a Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) certification in grades Pre-K through Grade 12 in ESL (after passing Praxis 5362).  

Teachers engage in readings, lectures, learning activities, workshops, analyses of videos of their own teaching practice, and a range of meetings.  All content in the program is aligned with the National Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) standards and assignments are designed to be practical, job-embedded, and highly associated with classroom learning. 

Each ESL teacher candidate is paired with an instructional coach called a Learning Guide (LG). LGs provide personalized feedback and support, adapting the learning experience to meet the specific needs of each candidate.  This program supports educators in Rhode Island on the path to the ESL Teacher Certification. There’s no waiting period, teachers begin to acquire theoretical knowledge and become versed in the laws, regulations, theories of language acquisition and linguistics, and ESL teaching methodologies immediately.  

Practical job-embedded experience allows you to apply these skills as you learn them, receive frequent feedback on your instruction, and develop at a personalized pace that fits your needs and your students’ needs.

Upon demonstrating evidence of meeting the TESOL competencies and completing all program requirements, teachers are eligible to apply for ESL Teacher Certification through the Rhode Island Department of Education. 

Program Objectives

Are you ready to become the best teacher you can be for your Multilanguage Learners (MLLs)?

Our program provides teachers with a range of online and face-to-face experiences that include, but are not limited to: readings, lectures, learning activities, workshops, practicum experiences, analyses of videos of your own teaching practice, and a range of meetings. These experiences are aligned to the TESOL standards and allow you to develop and demonstrate competencies necessary to earn the ESL Teacher Certification.

You’ll discover ways to integrate theory into practice from the start.  Anchored in the TESOL standards, you will engage in learning experiences related to:

• Language acquisition and development
• Language as a system and linguistics
• Cultural as it affects student learning
• ESL research and history
• Professionalism, partnerships, and advocacy
• Planning, implementing and managing standards-based ESL and content instruction 
• Using resources and technology effectively in ESL and content instruction
• Issues of assessment for MLLs
• Language proficiency assessment
• Classroom-based assessment for MLLs

You will be assigned your own “Learning Guide” (instructional coach) who will guide you in developing your own professional learning plan. Your Learning Guide will support you by facilitating regular Community of Reflective Practice (CORP) meetings where you will learn and collaborate with other program candidates.

Program Rigor 

The ESL Teacher Certification Program is a rigorous, immersive experience designed for educators committed to high standards of learning and professional growth. Over twelve months, candidates engage in a blend of virtual engagement, in-person hands-on practicum hours, and reflective assessments, all aligned to the TESOL standards. The program's schedule and comprehensive curriculum ensure that candidates develop deep expertise in ESL instruction, equipping them to meet diverse classroom needs and achieve certification through sustained, practical application.

Program Modality and Major Components 

This program engages with teacher candidates over a period of 12 months (June to June).  The modality is 100% virtual except for 45 in-person practicum hours (24 during Summer Intensive) and 21 during the school year. Other important and mandatory program activities include:

• Pre-Summer Intensive (asynchronous work) (June-July)
• Summer Intensive (in-person) MLL observations (9:00am-12:00pm) and virtual class (1:00pm-4:00pm) July 14-18, 2025 & July 21-25, 2025
• School year (late August-June)
• CORP Meetings: Quarterly
• Virtual Classroom: Monthly
• Learning Guide Meeting: Monthly
• EdCamp Conference: March 
• Practica, readings, key assessments: Ongoing 

Competency-Based Education in the ESL Certification Program 

This non-credit program uses a Competency-Based Education (CBE) model that does not transfer into a Master's or PhD program but focuses on practical, job-embedded learning experiences that empower educators to apply skills directly in their classrooms. Key aspects of the program’s CBE approach include:

• Competency-Driven Learning: The program is structured around TESOL standards, enabling teacher candidates to develop and demonstrate mastery in areas like language acquisition, assessment for English Language Learners (ELLs), and ESL teaching methodologies.
• Flexible and Personalized: Each candidate works closely with a Learning Guide (LG), receiving feedback tailored to their unique goals and classroom needs. Through monthly check-ins, virtual classrooms, and reflective meetings, candidates progress at a pace that aligns with their development.
• Application and Practice: Candidates engage in virtual coursework and in-person practicum hours, including workshops, analyses of their teaching, and guided community reflections. These experiences support the direct application of competencies, ensuring candidates build relevant skills in real-time.
• Clear, Measurable Outcomes: The program is organized around achieving the TESOL standards. Upon demonstrating proficiency in all required competencies, candidates are eligible to apply for ESL certification through the Rhode Island Department of Education, fully equipped to support ELLs.
• Comprehensive Support and Resources: Through readings, lectures, and structured activities, candidates receive the theoretical foundation, resources, and support needed to meet certification requirements. 

The Science of Reading and Structured Literacy (Right to Read)

As of 2025, all educators must demonstrate awareness or proficiency in the Science of Reading and Structured Literacy, per 2019 legislation. As per the guidelines, ESL certification candidates should provide evidence of proficiency during the application process. To ensure compliance, those lacking proficiency at the time of application must enroll in a third-party program, such as the AIM Pathway, to fulfill this requirement. Since proficiency in the Right to Read is a requirement for graduation, candidates will not receive their RWU conferral letter until they have demonstrated proficiency in the Science of Reading and Structured Learning. 

Virtual Information Sessions

If you would like to learn more about the program or have additional questions, join us for a virtual information session.  Sign up for an info session that works with your schedule.

Information Sessions: 

• Tuesday, Jan 14th, 2025 4pm-5:30pm 
• Wednesday, Feb 12th, 2025 4pm-5:30pm
• Thursday March 13th, 2025 4pm-5:30pm