ESL Teaching Academy

The ESL Teaching Academy offers hands-on training delivered by experienced, practicing professionals in the field of ESL. 

The latest graduates from the ESL Academy

The ideal participant is a native speaker of English, or has advanced-level English language proficiency, and has attended college.  The Academy serves students with varying educational objectives. 

• Many have no prior teaching experience or training and want to become ESL teachers
• Some are experienced teachers seeking professional development
• Numerous are seeking credentials to teach ESL overseas
• Others are preparing  for a second or retirement career

The ESL Teaching Academy coursework is also helpful for Texas public school teachers preparing for the ExCET exam.  Teachers may use the courses as continuing professional development in ESL.  The colleges in the DCCCD are pre-approved as providers of Continuing Professional Education (CPE) through the State Board of Education Certification.  This enables teachers to apply successfully completed hours towards requirements for Standard Certification renewal.  (SBEC number for Eastfield Community College is 500575.) See the DCCCD ESL Teaching Academy page for additional information.

Structure and cost of the ESL Teaching Academy instructional program

• Complete all 9 courses (6 core, 2 electives and the Observation and Practicum) to receive the comprehensive Skills Award Certificate or take only those specific classes you desire for professional development
• The complete program entails approximately 115 hours of instruction, depending on electives selected, and costs approximately $750
• Classes are offered in the evening and on week-ends to accommodate working professionals
• Courses are offered in the fall and spring and participants can begin in either semester
• All requirements for certification can be completed in 10 months
• Financial aid is available and should be sought at least two weeks prior to the beginning of the class

The courses are designed to enhance teacher effectiveness in the adult ESL classroom and provide an overview of current teaching methods, approaches, and techniques that are supported by recent scholarship and research.

Areas covered in the courses include:

• 2nd language acquisition
• Whole-language learning
• The 4 language skills
• Lesson planning
• Classroom management
• Assessment
• Teacher resources
• Use of technology

Contact Maria Caratini-Prado, Program Director ESL Teaching Academy for more information at 972-860-7659 or Email mcaratini@dcccd.edu.

We apologize for the inconvenience as there will not be any classes for the ESL Teaching Academy this Fall.  Please check back with us in November for the spring of 2011 schedule of classes. 

ESL teaching academy spreads knowledge to community Et Cetera July 17, 2008