Skip to agency navigation
Skip to main content

Official Website

of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

    The .gov means it's official.

    Local, state, and federal government websites often end in .gov. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania government websites and email systems use "pennsylvania.gov" or "pa.gov" at the end of the address. Before sharing sensitive or personal information, make sure you're on an official state website. 
    Certification

    ​English as a Second Language Program Specialist

    English as a Second Language (ESL) is a term for the use or study of the English language by non-native speakers in an English-speaking environment.  PDE offers a program specialist certification in ESL.

    Requirements to obtain an ESL Program Specialist certificate include:

    • Holding a PA Instructional I or II certificate or a valid out-of-state ESL certificate that is comparable to a PA Instructional I or II certificate, and
    • Completion of a state-approved ESL certification preparation program that includes a field experience/student teaching with ESL students.  Out-of-state ESL programs will be reviewed according to the Pennsylvania ESL Specific Program Guidelines.

    Candidates must apply in TIMS to have their certificate and coursework officially evaluated.