Caldwell College to Offer Certification in English as a Second Language

A new certification program in teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) will be offered at Caldwell College beginning in Fall 2011. The certification will be available to graduate students as a concentration within the Masters in Curriculum and Instruction program. The ESL courses will fulfill 18 of the 39 credits required to earn the M.A degree.

Research shows that the need for teachers with ESL training has never been greater. “A 2004 Title I special report on English Language Learners written by Linda W. Thompson indicated that from 1990 – 2000, the number of school aged children with limited English proficiency increased 76 percent,” explained Dr. Ellina Chernobilsky, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Education at Caldwell College. In addition, the “No Child Left Behind” legislation requires these children to achieve the same levels of performance as children who speak English as a native language.

“The certificate program is designed to help practicing teachers gain knowledge and skills in working with students who are still mastering English proficiency,” said Joanne Jasmine, Ed.D., Associate Professor of Education and Coordinator of the M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction program. “The teachers in this program will learn how to overcome challenges by using teaching methods that have been devised specifically with English language learners in mind.”

For more information on the new ESL program, please contact the Office of Graduate Studies at 973-618-3544.