June 4, 2019

Certificate programs also create opportunities for educators to add several certificates—including ESL—to a Master of Education in Reading from Centenary University.

HACKETTSTOWN, N.J., June 4, 2019—Centenary University’s Graduate Reading Program will launch a new 15-credit English as a Second Language (ESL) certificate option for educators in August. This ESL certificate can be earned as a five class stand-alone certificate or seamlessly incorporated into the Master of Education in Reading Program.

The ESL certificate is designed to prepare students to teach English as a Second Language and to advocate for English language learners within the school setting to create culturally inclusive learning spaces that employ responsive teaching practices. Courses are offered in a blended format, alternating weeks in traditional classroom settings with online sessions.

The University’s Graduate Reading Program has been advancing professionals in the field of literacy education for six years through the Master of Education in Reading degree. The program offers certificates that create opportunities for educators to earn specializations in several areas. At Centenary, students enrolled in the master’s program have the option to pair their degree with up to two certificates. Now, students can earn the stand-alone ESL certificate, as well as a Master of Education in Reading with NJ Reading Specialist Certification and ESL Certificate, or a Master of Education in Reading with NJ Reading Specialist Certification and Supervisor Licensure.

“We have already received a tremendous amount of interest in this program,” said Lexis McCoy, director of the Master of Education in Reading Program at Centenary. “This new ESL certificate program taps into the demand for professionals who have the knowledge to lead within New Jersey’s increasingly diverse school districts. Our program is based on the most contemporary research in the field and is aligned to the International Literacy Association and TESOL standards, so we will graduate highly-qualified professionals who are ready to incorporate this research into their practice.”

Lauren Lesce, ESL Coordinator with Centenary University’s Office of International Programs, is the co-creator of this ESL certificate program and spearheaded this initiative. She has witnessed firsthand how language instruction for ESL students creates a positive impact on academic success. “The academic and personal success of English language learners hinges on their language abilities,” explained Lesce. “As our classrooms become increasingly more diverse, it is essential that educators have a strong understanding of best practices and research-based strategies for supporting English language learners. Our new ESL certificate program will prepare candidates to not only teach ESL, but also serve as advocates for multilingual students and their families.”

The only institution of higher education in northwestern New Jersey, Centenary offers rigorous education programs that lead to a high percentage of the University’s graduates securing employment immediately after graduation. Centenary is part of a 75-district Professional Development School Network, and many of the school leaders in Warren, Morris Sussex, and Hunterdon counties have earned, or are currently earning, a Centenary degree.

Registration for the fall 2019 semester is now underway. For more information about the new ESL certificate and graduate programs: http://bit.ly/CenESLInfo

For enrollment information, contact Danielle Cappitelli, graduate enrollment counselor, 908-852-1400, ext. 2078 or danielle.cappitelli@centenaryuniversity.edu.

ABOUT CENTENARY UNIVERSITY

Founded in 1867 by the Newark Conference of the United Methodist Church, Centenary University’s academic program integrates a solid liberal arts foundation with a strong career orientation. This mix provides an educational experience that prepares students to succeed in the increasingly global and interdependent world. The University’s main campus is located in Hackettstown, N.J., with its equestrian facility in Washington Township. The Centenary University School of Professional Studies offers degree programs at two locations, Parsippany and Edison, as well as online and at corporate sites throughout New Jersey.