Professionalism in ESL
For any faculty member wishing to service second language students, it is important to participate in professional activities that enhance an instructor's instructional portfolio. Professional development opportunities are many and varied.
Most states require that certified instructors acquire continuing education units or credits. Continuing education refers to ongoing courses offered in the discipline for classroom teachers to keep up with best practices that are research based and recommended for instructional application.
Continuing education also offers the opportunities for establishing learning communities that act as support systems for all teachers servicing ELL learners. Teachers learn cutting edge methodology, find new materials and resources, and contact new colleagues in the same area or grade level for continued cooperation and sharing.
Additionally, to understand the importance of second language instruction, we'll review a brief history of ESL in the United States.
At the completion of this module, you will be able to:
- recall historical data and research that supports English instruction and its development as it is integrated into content areas.
- construct partnerships, grant opportunities and network to advocate for the field of English as a second language.
- pursue continuing, professional education so to develop state of the art skills and strategies to consistently and effectively meet the needs of English language learners.
- synthesize the need for an infrastructure that is aligned with United States federal legislation as it relates to the education of minority language students and their right to fair education.
Module Eight Activity Checklist
Open the Learning Activity Checklist (pdf).
The Checklist can be saved to your local drive by clicking Save 
on the toolbar. As you complete Workshop Assignments, check them off on this electronic copy. Alternatively, you can print a copy to complete.