ESOL Career Switcher

Participants in the EducateVA Career Switcher program may pursue an endorsement in English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL); however, they must also become endorsed in a content area endorsement, as well. Because it is important for teachers to understand how to plan and assess based on content standards, EducateVA provides a curriculum which allows the teacher to be successful in planning, instruction, and assessment while also differentiating instruction for individual students, including English Language Learners.

In Level 1, the program participant will enroll in the 18-week semester and complete the required professional studies coursework and a practicum placement. If the candidate has already passed the ESOL PRAXIS, prior to entering Level 1, they can complete their field experience under the mentorship of an ESOL teacher.

While not required, upon completion of Level 1, the teacher is eligible to participate in a 3-session “boot camp” specific to those endorsed in ESOL. These workshops are offered virtually each spring in May and June. Each session has a specific topic including Reading, Writing, and Assessment with a focus on the WIDA standards. The boot camp will provide participants with tools they can use as soon as they enter the classroom.