Certificate in Instructing and Supporting English Language Learners
Certificate in Instructing and Supporting English Language Learners
The English Language Learner population has been a part of the K-12 schools within the United States for many years. As new data is gathered, the enrollment of English Learners continues to increase exponentially. With this ever-present influx of students needing to learn the English language while in school, one would assume that the resources and curriculum are in place to instruct these students properly. However, many teachers do not have access to necessary tools or knowledge to educate English learners properly. It takes understanding their unique backgrounds, culture, beliefs, home-life, needs, and much more to reach and teach these students effectively. Some students attend school while living in poverty, while others have a hard time adjusting because they are new to the United States and don’t understand social cues and customs. Having compassion and patience for these unique learners is critical to their success, but having the right tools and resources to teach them is the key to unlocking their potential.
To help manage the many challenges of instructing students who are learning the English language, Professional Development Courses at the University of La Verne offers the 15-semester credit Certificate in Instructing and Supporting English Language Learners. The courses offered within this certificate will prepare K-12 educators with the information they need to adjust and adapt their instruction to reach all learners.
Benefits of the Certificate Instructing and Supporting English Language Learners
Offered through Professional Development Courses at the University of La Verne, the 15-credit Certificate in Instructing and Supporting English Language Learners can be completed by any K-12 educator, school administrator, or other education professional. The curriculum for every course is written by experts in instructing English Learners to apply to the unique needs of busy working K-12 teachers and school professionals.
All classes offered within this certificate are self-paced, written in user-friendly language, and accessible online or via emailed PDF format. All the courses applicable to the Certificate in Instructing and Supporting English Language Learners offer graduate, non-degree semester credits. Each of the many certificates offered by Professional Development Courses at the University of La Verne is an acknowledgment of the extra effort you have invested in improving your professional skills while enhancing the learning environments you have worked so hard to build. Earning a certificate from an accredited institution can potentially boost your professional career by helping you meet qualifications for promotions, pay increases, or license renewal/recertification. *
Students can enroll in up to 15-semester credits every semester, or they can choose to complete courses one at a time. Once enrolled, students have up to one full year to complete a course. There is no deadline for obtaining the certificate, which is awarded automatically (and at no extra cost) upon successfully completing the required classes.
*Note, the University of La Verne is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. Certificates offered by Professional Development Courses at the University of La Verne are not designed to fulfill any specific district or state requirements. Students are advised to check with their school district or state department of education before enrolling in a course.
Certificate in Instructing and Supporting English Language Learners
The following courses are applicable towards the 15-semester credit Certificate in Instructing and Supporting English Language Learners:
The Multicultural Classroom – The growing number of culturally diverse students demand knowledge of educating without alienating, condescending, or offending. This course covers topics such as second language learners, equality in classroom assessment, multicultural curriculum strategies, and the relationship between culture and social behavior.
Teaching the Latino Student – Enhancing cross-cultural communication, understanding differences between home cultures and school culture, and increasing parent involvement are just a few of the topics covered in this timely course.
Achieving Success for English Language Learners – This course will focus on strategies for the K-12 teacher to enhance the learning of English Language Learners. The user-friendly format includes 50 effective teaching strategies to help English Language Learners understand content materials as they develop their speaking, reading, writing, and listening skills.
Bridging the Culture and Poverty Gap in Education – This course offers strategies to provide students with individualized support and effective programs that help educators build on strengths rather than perceived disadvantages. Educators will learn how to implement instructional strategies and motivational tools to impact student learning when diverse cultures and poverty come into play.
Hispanic Culture: Past, Present, and Future – This comprehensive course provides great insight into the many facets of the Hispanic Culture in order for educators to better relate to their students, their families, and communities. Educators will gain an understanding and appreciation of the sociological, economic, political, historical, and religious aspects of the dynamic Hispanic Culture.
How the ELL Brain Learns – Brain mechanisms for language learning are presented and referenced throughout the text for a broad understanding of how English Language Learners (ELLs) acquire language. Upon completion of this course, students will understand the amount of effort ELLs exert in order to master course content and which teaching methods should be applied to meet their specific needs.
English Language Learners’ Struggles: Signs of Difficulty—or Disability? – Many English Language Learners (ELLs) have difficulty learning English and succeeding in other subjects. One reason might be a learning disability. This course will provide teachers with evidence-based materials to help those struggling with the difficulties of learning a new language or struggles with a disability.
How to Register
All of the three-semester credit courses applicable for the Certificate in Instructing and Supporting English Language Learners are completed online or via an emailed PDF format. They are open for anyone to register at any time during a semester. After the completion of each course, students receive graduate, non-degree semester credit on official transcripts from the University of La Verne, an accredited university in La Verne, California. Upon completion of the 15 required credits, students are eligible to receive their certificate at no additional cost beyond that of the courses. No application is required as the certificate is automatically mailed to the student’s address.
Registration for classes is fast and straightforward and can be done online or over the phone. Courses are offered on a rolling basis during three standard semesters, and you can begin whenever you are ready! The registration dates are:
- Fall: September 1 - January 31
- Spring: February 1 - May 31
- Summer: June 1 - August 31
Teachers play a significant role in every student's success, but especially those who are trying to learn a new language while keeping up with their peers. Enroll today in one of the curated courses that will help you more easily teach all of your students while at the same time earning a certificate for your achievements.