ESOL programs

English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) is an endorsement which allows Virginia teachers to specialize their instruction for English Language Learners. In order to add the endorsement to an existing Virginia professional license, candidates may take the appropriate PRAXIS Subject Assessment and work with their school division licensure office to have the endorsement added to their license. EducateVA offers workshops for those who wish to prepare for the PRAXIS test, current EL teachers who wish to become more proficient in working with their students, or Career Switchers who wish to become dually endorsed.

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.

Praxis Prep

Offered multiple times each year, EducateVA delivers a three-session online workshop series to current teachers who wish to add an ESOL endorsement to their existing license. Upon completion, workshop participants will be well prepared to take PRAXIS Subject Assessment #5362. Sessions are held on Saturdays from 9:00am to 3:30pm. Attendance at all 3 sessions is expected. Workshop participants agree to register for and take the ESOL PRAXIS Subject Assessment (not included in workshop tuition) within 90 days of the workshop and report scores to EducateVA. Cost for in-state residents is $300.

Two workshops are scheduled for 2026.

The dates for the workshops are:

1) February 28, March 7, and March 14, 2026; OR

2) June 6, 13, and 27, 2026

To indicate interest in the either workshop, complete the Google form linked here.

  

Should you require additional information about these workshops, use this link to contact EducateVA.

Teacher Academy

Offered two times per year, EducateVA delivers a four-session online workshop series to current ESOL teachers. 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 immediately in their classrooms. Teachers who wish to learn more about the upcoming sessions may sign up for information here. Grant funding may be available to cover the cost of the tuition.