The International Schools Review Forum

Hello folks.

To cut to the chase, do you have any suggestions for courses, or books, or certificate programs to help me level up in the EAL field (English as an Additional Language push-in and pull-out)?

Over the years I have worked with many ELLs, and have done some EAL support, but my bread and butter is Learning Support. I'm hoping to fill some gaps between the skills that cross over as a Learning Support teacher, and the direct instruction that ELLs need that I am not as familiar with.

Any insights would be greatly appreciated!

What outcome are you looking for?

On the low end of the scale, if all you want to do is add some vocabulary, make some cognitive connections and get some conceptual ideas, than you can get a book(Teaching English as a Foreign Language For Dummies), combined with some web study.
If you want something in the middle, like adding some tools to teacher tool kit, and some practice then you can do an online TESOL program for a couple hundred USD, which should get you some kind of certificate and combine that with some volunteer teaching in your community for a reference.
On the high end of the scale you could do a CELTA for about USD$2500 and possibly add a TESOL endorsement to a state credential.

CELT is not really a support type course. I am an EAL lead at my school and have 20 years experience teaching. I am always learning and looking for training. Have a look into Virginia Rojas. She is a specialist EAL teacher trainer. I attended her workshop on coaching for EAL support specialists. Many of the attendees were also participating in her online course for EAL specialists.

Thanks for the feedback folks.

PsyGuy, I was thinking of looking into some online TESOL or read up on some training books, so I was glad to see that recommendation.

grdwdgrrrl, actually last week I dug into some Gini Rojas materials from a couple trainings I took over the years. I'm getting some good notes and reminders. I still have a lot more of my training materials to review.

Take some linguistics courses. Phonology, morphology, syntax. A grammar and advanced grammar course. Understanding English enough to break it down for yourself allows you to do it for others.

@grdwdgrrrl

A CELTA is absolutely a support course compared to doing an advance degree in TESOL.

I don’t know what to say. Other than, Psyguy, your knowledge of EAL support is very superficial. CELTA is for language schools. Sorry, but true. It does look good on the CV to people who have no idea what EAL,or ELL support is, really. Those few of us that dedicate our lives to it are very much used to being boiled down to some cliche or sound bite.

@grdwdgrrrl

Im an EAL IT. CELTA is often seen in ESs, but there are ITs teaching in IEs with CELTA certificates. There are also plenty of ETs teaching in ISs with CELTs. Its certainly more preparation than an IT with a credential who got it by taking an exam on an afternoon.

Hey folks I just wanted to pass along a book that has really helped me wrap my head around the EAL situation. I shouldn't have been surprised that it was written by Gini Rojas.

It's called "Strategies for Success with English Language Learners." Through ASCD.

Check it out if you are looking for a text book of sorts for some ELL programs and/or working with ELLs.

https://www.amazon.com/Strategies-Succe ... 1416611894

A pricey book, not that it isnt usable (its a orthy source) but there are other options at much less cost, that have as much utility, such as The ELL Teacher's Toolbox and The ESL / ELL Teacher's Survival Guide.