Q? Do I qualify for the ESOL Endorsement?

A: In order to qualify for the ESOL Endorsement you must have the following:

1. A clear, renewable, Georgia teaching certificate
2. Two or more years of successful teaching experience
3. Recommendations from two system administrators
4. A current contract with a Georgia school system
5. Proficiency with technology
6. Mastery of GPS or appropriate QCC

Q? What are the courses I have to take?

A: The ESOL Endorsement Program is offered in a complete sequence of three courses:

1. Cultural Issues
2. Applied Linguistics
3. Methods and Materials

Each course is 50 hours or 5 PLUs.

The courses should be taken in the sequence listed above.

Q? What is the purpose of the ESOL Endorsement?

A: The purpose of the Northwest Georgia RESA ESOL Endorsement Program is to prepare the candidate to function as a classroom ESOL teacher in member systems and agencies. Goals for the candidate completing the ESOL Endorsement Programs are:

1. to develop expertise in ESOL instruction for ELL students

2. to develop expertise in assessment, including a variety of informal and performance-based assessments as well as placement and achievement assessments and

3. to become a leader in professional development and in collaborations involving ESOL instruction with teachers, paraprofessionals, administrators, families and communities.

To meet these purposes there are several principles on which the ESOL Endorsement Program is based.

The candidate specializing in ESOL needs:

• In-depth knowledge of the ELL student's progress through the stages of second language acquisition

• A thorough understanding of the historical and theoretical underpinnings of current beliefs and practices

• Knowledge of current research in ESOL and the related fields of language and culture to support decision-making as trends move through the field of practice

• Critical ESOL and thinking ability to be a successful consumer of ESOL research

• Opportunities to implement best practices with ELL students across grade levels (field and practicum experiences)

Q? What field and practicum experiences must I complete?

A: Required Field and Practicum Experiences

The candidate must plan to complete field and practicum experiences in diverse settings, including ESOL Program classes and/or diverse regular education classes. These field and practicum experiences will require the cooperation and support of the local school system, building level administrator(s), and an identified, mentoring teacher.

The school system, building level administration and mentor teacher will be required to support the candidate's field and practicum experiences by providing time to work with students during the school day and observing and reflecting with the candidate on those experiences.

The candidate will be responsible for identifying appropriate support personnel to ensure completion of the field and practicum experiences.

By completion of the endorsement application packet, the school system and the candidate acknowledge and insure the integrity of the field and practicum experiences.

Q? How do I apply for the ESOL Endorsement?

A: Prior to registering for the first class, the candidate must complete the application form

Once the candidate has been accepted into the Northwest Georgia RESA ESOL Endorsement Program, he/she must choose either Online or Face-to-Face delivery.

After applying, you must create/update your profile for the Northwest Georgia RESA Professional Learning department. After you are registered in our system, then find the appropriate class and register for it. Do not forget to get approval from your school AND your system. All classes must be registered for individually.