LEARN NC

K–12 teaching and learning · from the UNC School of Education

A crash course in ESL

"A Crash Course in ESL" will prepare you to work with ESL parents and create a welcoming environment for ESL students.

Learn more

Related pages

Related topics

Help

Please read our disclaimer for lesson plans.

Legal

The text of this page is copyright ©2012. See terms of use. Images and other media may be licensed separately; see captions for more information and read the fine print.

Course description

Grasp pedagogy, policy and procedure for teaching and working with English language learners. “A Crash Course in ESL” will prepare you to work with ESL parents and create a welcoming environment for ESL students.

This course will help you acknowledge the influence of race, ethnicity, gender, religion, socioeconomics, and culture on a student’s development and attitudes. You’ll develop an appreciation and understanding of the need to establish nurturing relationships with students. This course will help you use data to understand the skills and abilities of students, as well as assist you in learning the policies and practices affecting student learning.

Course objectives

Specifically, this course will:

  • walk teachers through the legislation of ESL including what determines which students should participate in the ESL program, what the law says classroom teachers are responsible for in teaching ESL students, and what roles support staff and administrators have in assisting this population.
  • explain testing, policies, and procedures for ESL students and the ramifications for classroom teachers including testing accommodations for ESL students.
  • assist in understanding second language acquisition, cultural issues, and challenges that all play a role in learning English.
  • explore appropriate strategies for reaching English Language Learners that are consistent with each student’s level of language development, educational background, and life experiences.
  • provide an overview of the English Language Development Standard Course of Study and how classroom teachers can use this tool with their ESL students.
  • supply teachers with reliable resources for supplemental information/assistance
    Explore the role of culture in learning, tips on working with ESL parents, and ideas for providing a welcoming environment for ESL students.

Course information

Syllabus
You can view the full course syllabus here.
Audience
This course is appropriate for all teachers, administrators, and support staff working with English language learners in North Carolina public schools.
Time commitment
Approximately 1-3 hours per week
Duration
Four weeks
Credits
2.0 CEUs

Standards alignment

North Carolina Professional Teaching Standards (2009)

  • Goal 1: Teachers demonstrate leadership.
  • Goal 2: Teachers establish a respectful environment for a diverse population of students.
    • Objective 2.01: Teachers provide an environment in which each child has a positive, nurturing relationship with caring adults.
    • Objective 2.02: Teachers embrace diversity in the school community and in the world.
  • Goal 4: Teachers facilitate learning for their students.
    • Objective 4.01: Teachers know the ways in which learning takes place, and they know the appropriate levels of intellectual, physical, social, and emotional development of their students.
    • Objective 4.02: Teachers plan instruction appropriate for their students.
    • Objective 4.03: Teachers use a variety of instructional methods.
    • Objective 4.07: Teachers communicate effectively.
  • Goal 5: Teachers reflect on their practice.