English as a Second Language (ESL) Program Specialist Certification
English as a Second Language (ESL) Program Specialist Certification
Allegheny Intermediate Unit is pleased to offer a blended model for the 18-credit ESL Program Specialist certification program. This program will include live classes via Zoom, online classwork and field experience. The courses are taught by ESL professionals currently working in the field and supervised by the ESL program director. Attendance and participation are mandatory for all live Zoom classes. Be prepared to be in a distraction-free environment that is conducive to online learning.
Each course is three credits and requires 10 hours of field experience per course. Participants in the program are encouraged to consider how they can work field experience hours into their current employment situation before beginning the program. The cost for each course is $499.
The ESL Program Specialist Certificate is an add-on certificate to another instructional certificate. Once your coursework has been completed, you must apply to PDE through TIMS to obtain the certificate.
The AIU’s ESL Program has partnered with Carlow University in order to offer a Master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction specializing in English as a Second Language. Carlow University will accept all 18 credits (six courses) of the ESL Specialist Certificate as transfer credit in the Master’s program. This provides a cost-effective pathway to both ESL certification and a full Master’s degree.
There will be an informational meeting held via Zoom on Thursday, April 23, 2026 at 4:30 p.m.
Questions can be directed to Charlene Byrd.
You will find the course schedule below. Please click on the course title to register. This link will also provide information for the required text for each course. Participants are expected to purchase the required text for a course before the start of the first class.
Allegheny Intermediate Unit uses Canvas LMS to facilitate the online portion of the ESL courses. Please make sure your device is compatible with Canvas. Registered participants will be notified of their Canvas login procedures 1-2 days prior to the start date of each course.
Meet Our ESL Instructors
Learn more about the educators leading our ESL Certification Courses by clicking here.
2026 - 2027 SCHEDULE OF ESL CERTIFICATION
COURSE 1: Introduction to Teaching English as a Second Language
Instructor:
Ms. Mandy Mosko
Live classes via Zoom:
June 22-25, 2026; daily 8–11:30 a.m. and Monday, October 19, 2026; 5:00–8:30 p.m.
Online classwork due:
October 12, 2026 by 11:59 p.m.
COURSE 2: Developing Cultural Awareness and Sensitivity
Instructor:
Dr. Gina DeMarco Wall
Live classes via Zoom:
July 13-16, 2026; daily 8–11:30 a.m. and Monday, November 16, 2026; 5:00–8:30 p.m.
Online classwork due:
November 9, 2026 by 11:59 p.m.
COURSE 3: Language Acquisition and Development
Instructor:
Dr. Michelle Lee Amodei
Live classes via Zoom:
Monday, August 10, 2026; 5:00–8:30 p.m.,
Saturdays, August 15, 22, and 29, 2026; 8–11:30 a.m., and Monday, December 7, 2026; 5:00–8:30 p.m.
Online classwork due:
November 30, 2026 by 11:59 p.m.
COURSE 4: Observing, Planning, Implementing, and Managing Instruction
Instructor:
Ms. Margo Elliott
Live classes via Zoom:
Monday, November 2, 2026; 5:00–8:30 p.m.,
Saturdays, November 7, 14, and 21, 2026; 8–11:30 a.m., and Monday, January 25, 2027; 5:00–8:30 p.m.
Online classwork due:
January 18, 2027, at 11:59 p.m.
*NOTE: For Courses 5 and 6, carefully review the dates for these sessions! Due to instructor availability, Class 6 is offered BEFORE Class 5 *
COURSE 5: Assessment and Support for English Language Learners
Instructor:
Ms. Christine St. Clair
Live classes via Zoom:
Monday, February 22, 2027; 5:00–8:30 p.m.,
Saturdays, February 27, March 6 and 13, 2027; 8–11:30 a.m., and Monday, April 19, 2027; 5:00–8:30 p.m.
Online Classwork Due:
April 12, 2027, by 11:59 p.m.
COURSE 6: English Language Learners, Families, Community, and Professionalism
Instructor:
Ms. Jill Santa
Live classes via Zoom:
Monday, January 11, 2027; 5:00–8:30 p.m., Saturdays,
January 16, 23 and 30, 2027; 8–11:30 a.m., and Monday, March 22, 2027;
5:00–8:30 p.m.
Online classwork due:
March 15, 2027 by 11:59 p.m.