Program Overview

ESL Specialist Certificate

The ESL Specialist Certificate is a five-course program designed for educators who wish to become ESL-certified instructors in Pennsylvania. This program is approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education for the ESL Program Specialist Certificate.

About the Program

• The program consists of five courses that lead to a demonstration of knowledge of the fundamental concepts and practices of English as a Second Language instruction/service.
• The courses can be applied toward a Master's degree in Teaching English as a Second Language.
• The program is approved for Pennsylvania Act 48.

Who Should Attend?

• Teachers who hold a Pennsylvania Instructional I or Instructional II certificate and currently have an ESL teaching assignment or desire one in the future.

Course Schedules

• During the academic year, classes are held over a two-weekend format.
• In the summer, classes are held during the day for one week.

Meet the Instructors

• Tara Murphy, B.A., M.Ed.: Tara received her B.A. in Elementary Education and Early Childhood Education with a minor in Spanish from Arcadia University. She furthered her education by earning her ESL Program Specialist certification through Penn State and her master's degree in ESL from UAGM. She has been teaching since 1999 in various Pennsylvania school districts with ESL positions ranging from kindergarten through twelfth grade.
• Pam Croxton, B.A., M.S.Ed.: Pam graduated from Messiah College with a bachelor’s degree in English and obtained her secondary English teaching certificate. She taught ESL classes and supervised an adult ESL program. Ms. Croxton then accepted an ESL teaching position in a local school district and has taught K-12 ESL in local school districts for 27 years. In 2001, she received her master’s degree in TESOL from Shenandoah University and obtained her PA ESL Program Specialist Certification.

Program Delivery

• The program is delivered in-person.
• Classes are held on the campus of Penn State Berks.

Participating Campuses

• Berks