Teacher Leader MA – ESL

Welcome to the information page for teachers who would like to receive more training in working with students of home languages and cultures other than English to help each child to achieve their fullest academic potential. Kentucky is in great need of skillful and compassionate teacher leaders for the ever increasing number of non-English speaking populations entering our public schools.

The basic tenet of the Teacher Leader Endorsement at Georgetown College is to empower teachers to become educational leaders so that they can build capacity within their schools and districts. Teacher leaders gather and analyze information and data from multiple sources judiciously; identify and address students’ learning needs effectively; think critically about how to improve teaching and learning; and work cooperatively with others within and beyond the school to help all students achieve their fullest potential.

Who Should Apply?

The Georgetown College ESL endorsement program is designed to help you to pass all “gates” for licensure and to become a teacher leader in your school.

The Endorsement program is open to applicants who are fully licensed (incl. KTIP) and who qualify for endorsements. Candidates have to apply for admission to the ESL program since entrance to the ESL program is not included in other program admissions such as MA or Rank I.

We also welcome students who seek to acquire skills for teaching non-English speaking students without working towards an endorsement.

Does the Program Present Current Best Practice?

The newly designed program is aligned with National Accreditation guidelines and requirements to represent the best professional practice in the filed. For detailed information on Georgetown Colleges policies and procedures please consult the student handbook. For an information packet please contact Georgetown College’s Education Department or load the forms from the departmental website.

The rigorous course work, experiences, and assessment pieces are carefully scaffolded to give candidates the skills to pass the Praxis exam and to meet all standards set forth by the EPSB. Specifically, the following standards are met: EPSB Themes, KY Experienced Teacher Standards, TESOL Standards.

Please review up-to-date information on Endorsement Requirements and the required Praxis Exam at:
http://www.kyepsb.net/assessment/endorsement.asp.

Find information on Highly Qualified Facts on: http://www.kyepsb.net/nclb.asp.

Even though the program is fully delivered online, the program and course assessments are classroom-based and expose candidates to the real world of ESL classrooms. In addition to earning the endorsement online, the class work itself has a strong focus on the use of technology to increase teacher skills.

The entire program can be completed in Fall, Spring, and Summer if so desired. Note: Students are responsible for registering and for passing the Praxis Exam before a recommendation for endorsement is sent to the EPSB!

It Takes More Than Coursework to Close the Achievement Gap…

Advocacy

Our Program completers are prepared to be advocates for immigrant families in their schools and communities by leading by example. This charge is grounded in Georgetown College’s overall program model and Conceptual Framework. All students are expected to meet the Georgetown disposition standards.

Collaboration Skills

Since program completers will face a world where K-12 students who do not master the English language and culture cannot succeed in the regular classrooms it is imperative that ESL professionals can successfully collaborate with mainstream teachers. Most classroom teachers have no background in ESL and would benefit from individualized strategies for their ESL students.

It is only in the school-wide collaboration that a culture of success can be established. Georgetown College seeks to prepare leaders who can be part of such a culture and who are able to “make their case” for each student to help them all to succeed academically and culturally. Therefore, program completers are prepared to be leaders in their school.

Professional Networking

ESL program candidates are required to be part of the professional community. They are members of the KY TESOL organization and contribute to the overall profession by submitting book reviews, presentation at the conference or other leadership activities. The program director is also closely involved in State and National leadership in the field of TESOL. The 2006 State Conference will be held at the Georgetown College Conference Center. Come join us!

Knowledge of Mandates and Initiatives

The program works closely with various school districts, the KDE, and the title III office. New initiatives and mandates are addressed in coursework to achieve an always current group of program completers. Courses are modified e semester if needed.

Dedication and Compassion

Come and join other dedicated professionals in a program that creates a network with other teachers and schools for many years to come. Most importantly, become trained for a career that can provide much personal satisfaction. Make a difference in many students’ lives!

Program Director

• Dr. Susan Hill
• 502-863-8380
• Dr. Christel Broady