English as a Second Language (ESL) Program Specialist
ESL Program Specialist
The Post-Baccalaureate ESL Program Specialist Program is designed for in-service teachers seeking further understanding of pedagogy, curriculum, resources, and methods designed to provide English Learners access to equitable educational opportunities. The program is a combination of coursework and field experiences that will reveal the importance of language and culture in the education of English Learners.
This degree affords students the advantages of a unique and practical curricular focus in curriculum and instruction supported by a constructivist course sequence that promotes individualized assessments, real application to current classroom practice, and applied research relevant to grade bands across the PK-12 continuum.
This program is offered in partnership with the Elizabethtown College's Education Department.
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Program Formats:

Credits Required: 16
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60 hours of field placement
Tuition:
- $525/Credit
- 10% Alumni Scholarship
- 10% Affinity Partner Scholarship
Tuition and fees are reviewed and subject to change annually.
Other SGPS Offerings in Education:
M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction
M.Ed. in Special Education
Master of Music Education
Integrative STEM Education Endorsement
Program Outcomes
- Engage with the theoretical background and practical tools to navigate the challenges of providing English Learners high quality and accessible educational opportunities.
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Gain knowledge of demographic trends in our nation’s school systems.
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Plan, implement, and evaluate curricular, instructional, and assessment practices for English Learners.
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Critically apply, adapt, and differentiate content knowledge and skills to facilitate inclusive student learning.
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Design and incorporate strategies to encourage active learning, interaction, participation, and collaboration.
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Demonstrate an ongoing commitment to continued professional development and service to the discipline.
ESL Program Specialist
Degree Requirements
Application Requirements
Admissions Requirements
- Possess a current, valid Teaching Certification. Out of state candidates must contact the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) and attain PA Certification through reciprocity before program acceptance.
- Official transcripts conferring a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
- A 3.0 cumulative GPA or above.
- GRE or GMAT scores are optional.
- Letters of recommendation from two current supervisors that (1) speak to the ability of the candidate to complete the program, fieldwork, and internship hours and (2) address the willingness of the candidate’s school/district to accommodate these hours.
- Submit a writing sample that demonstrates higher-order thinking, writing, and communication skills.
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Application Deadlines: See the SGPS academic calendar for registration deadlines.
Application Process
Please feel free to contact or meet with our admissions team at any point during the application process. Our admissions counselors are not only a great resource to guide you through the process and answer questions, they are skilled at helping our applicants find the best program and options to help them reach their goals!
How to Apply: Complete the graduate application process via the online portal which includes:
- Submitting a $25 nonrefundable application fee (Waived for Elizabethtown College graduates).
- Requesting official transcripts from all undergraduate institutions attended.
- Submitting a copy of your current, valid Teaching Certification.
- Uploading your current resume
- Uploading a writing sample which demonstrates higher-order thinking, writing, and communication skills.
- Submit GRE/MAT scores (optional).
- Supply two letters of recommendation from two current supervisors that (1) speak to the ability of the candidate to complete the program, fieldwork, and internship hours and (2) address the willingness of the candidate’s school/district to accommodate these hours.
Program Features:
Program Focus:
- Methods for the 21st Century Teacher
- Emphasis on the importance of language and culture
in education - Focus on constructing, implementing, and evaluating educational
programming for English Learners
Enhance Your Practice:
- Prepares for Level II Certification (Act 48 credit available)
- Immediate application to your classroom
- Emphasis of theory into practice
Flexible Scheduling:
- Program can be completed in one year, including one summer
- Online delivery
- Synchronous and asynchronous opportunities
- No cohort constraints
- Accelerated semesters
- Rolling admission


Meet Your
Program Director

Dr. Peter Licona, Co-Chair, Graduate Education
Dr. Peter Licona holds a B.S. in Secondary Education Biology from Kutztown University, a M.S. in Biology from Bloomsburg University, and a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from The Pennsylvania State University. He has spent the last 25 years within the field of education and has taught kindergarten to graduate level courses.
As the coordinator of the graduate programs in education at Elizabethtown College, I am pleased to welcome you to the exciting next step in your professional journey. As a proponent of lifelong learning, I recognize the value of a quality graduate education. A graduate degree in education from Elizabethtown College will afford educational professionals many rewards: deeper pedagogical content knowledge, access to research-based educational literature, collaborative experiences with colleagues, and improved teaching practice.
Our experienced Admissions staff is here to help. Fill out a brief contact form and one of our counselors will reach out to guide you on your way.