LEARN NC

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

A crash course in ESL for administrators

Grasp pedagogy, policy and procedure for teaching and working with English language learners. This course will prepare administrators to work with ESL parents and create a welcoming environment for ESL students.

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Course description

For most ESL students, their entire lives have just changed, including their home, food, friends, customs, and ways of life. This course will prepare administrators to work with and understand ESL students and parents, and to establish a welcoming environment for English language learners.

Course objectives

Specifically, this course will:

  • walk administrators through the legislation of ESL including what determines which students are ESL, what the law says classroom teachers are responsible for in teaching ESL students, and what roles do 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.
  • list and 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

Audience
This course is appropriate for all administrators, guidance counselors and support staff who work with or who will work with English language learners.
Time commitment
Approximately 2-3 hours per week
Duration
Four weeks

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.