New Pre-K - 12 ESL minor

JOHNSON CITY – (March 4, 2021) How can educators help students in their classrooms for whom English is not their first language?

“Schools are seeing a dramatic increase in the number of multilingual students,” said Dr. Natalia Ward, an assistant professor of Curriculum and Instruction at East Tennessee State University.  “In many cases, the students are still working to develop their understanding of the English language. This is happening across the nation and is also happening here in our region.”

In fall 2021, the ETSU Clemmer College will launch a new minor in PreK-12 English as a Second Language (ESL) for teacher candidates in all educator preparation programs, including elementary and secondary education, special education and early childhood education.  The program does not lead to initial teaching licensure but can be used to earn an additional teaching endorsement in English as a Second Language. It is also open to anyone who has a passion and interest in working with multilingual children from ages than span the teen years.

The 18-hour minor includes two foreign language courses and four other education courses taught by the Department of Curriculum and Instruction.

In addition, the Clemmer College is offering a graduate certificate in PreK-12 English as a Second Language.

“Our goal is to see all students thrive, so this program will give educators the tools and training to help their students be successful in the classroom and to overcome any language barriers,” said Ward, who is originally from Russia and says English was the second language she learned.

“The presence of multilingual students in the classroom is especially beneficial for their classmates,” she said.  “They bring international awareness and different global experiences that some kids may have never been exposed to before.  Students from different cultures can learn from each other.”

For more information about the programs, contact Ward at wardna1@etsu.edu.

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