Return-Path: <nifl-esl@literacy.nifl.gov> Received: from literacy (localhost [127.0.0.1]) by literacy.nifl.gov (8.10.2/8.10.2) with SMTP id i2GL3YI14347; Tue, 16 Mar 2004 16:03:34 -0500 (EST) Date: Tue, 16 Mar 2004 16:03:34 -0500 (EST) Message-Id: <002001c40b98$5bd77d40$0302a8c0@wtrbct.adelphia.net> Errors-To: listowner@literacy.nifl.gov Reply-To: nifl-esl@literacy.nifl.gov Originator: nifl-esl@literacy.nifl.gov Sender: nifl-esl@literacy.nifl.gov Precedence: bulk From: "Bonnie Odiorne" <bonniesophia@adelphia.net> To: Multiple recipients of list <nifl-esl@literacy.nifl.gov> Subject: [NIFL-ESL:10070] Re: [adult ed ESL requirements X-Listprocessor-Version: 6.0c -- ListProcessor by Anastasios Kotsikonas X-Mailer: Microsoft Outlook CWS, Build 9.0.2416 (9.0.2910.0) Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Content-Type: text/plain; Status: O Content-Length: 3449 Lines: 75 My own experience is similar. Not being required to have a k-12 certification, (though I do have an adult ed one) I have a Methods and Materials course that is ESL. But that will not probably get me in teaching ESL on the college level (or perhaps even community college)if that requires M.A. in TESOL--my advanced degrees are in French-- and though pedagogical principles have changed, the overall skills in language learning have not. I want to assist ESL students transitioning to college level coursework, and continue to reach out to adults needing basic skills enhancement. The other part of my training is from a volunteer literacy agency, as a tutor, then as a trainer of tutors, and trainer of trainers. I, like many, have gotten much of my training from the list serves, and tried out the resources so generously suggested by our colleagues. Our professional development in CT is good, but not always accessible or possible with a busy schedule. So I'm quite interested in the online professional development discussion coming up. I am all for professionalism of the field, but I believe that there should--indeed, must--be openess to alternative ways of acquiring the skills. I would be open to a practicum that would monitor teaching ability, NOT additional coursework. Warmest Regards, Bonnie Odiorne Ph.D Program Faciliator Working Smart Computers 4 Kids Silas Bronson Library Information Technology Center Waterbury, CT Integrating Technology, ABE and ESL Instruction -----Original Message----- From: nifl-esl@nifl.gov [mailto:nifl-esl@nifl.gov]On Behalf Of olivia durham Sent: Tuesday, March 16, 2004 11:09 AM To: Multiple recipients of list Subject: [NIFL-ESL:10063] Re: [adult ed ESL requirements I think some of the vitriol surrounding the "certification" issue comes from the narrow perameters of the Public School Certification process in the United States. I beg excuse to use myself as an example. MA in Linguistics with a Certificate in ESL (from an English Dept.). I am qualified to 1. Go overseas and teach fulltime, which I did for a while. 2. Teach as an adjunct at the university level -- part time, no benefits, we've been down this road recently in this list so let's not open this up again.(have done this, in native speaking and non-native speaking classes) 3. Teach Adult ESL any level in most states (like this but no current openings in my new state) (ibid on the part time, no benefits, etc.) What bothers me is that because my course work in Methods and Materials in ESL, the teaching of writing, including a full semester teaching practicum, happened within the English rather than the Education department of my university, my transcripts come back as having "no education credentials." i.e. not applicable to the K-12 setting. I will forsake the griping except to say that we all hear from time to time about the terrible shortage of qualified teachers nationwide, continuing to grow. I feel that the NEA's inflexible requirements for certification are the main reason for this. I realize there is no use asking the world to turn to my tune, so I submit this request for practical advice: Is anyone qualified to offer advice, resources, or personal histories about the shortest route to certification within the K-12 system in their state? I would love to teach ESL one of the local school districts. I would be grateful, Olivia Durham Currently teaching music part time (!) in Central VT.
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