In-Service Teachers

The ELMS Project offers a variety of professional development that include topics such as cross-cultural communication, second language acquisition, curriculum adaptation, English as a Second Language (ESL) methods, and assessment of English Language Learners (ELLs) in the mainstream classroom. By focusing on the cooperating teachers that our pre-service teachers work with, we hope to create a community of learners in which pre-service and in-service teachers scaffold their burgeoning knowledge of ELLs and ESL accommodations in the mainstream classroom.

The ELMS Project offers professional development opportunities designed to fit your career goals and schedule. Each track offers flexible online courses and in-state tuition reimbursement for teachers who currently teach (or plan to teach) K-12 in North Carolina schools.

Professional Development Opportunities

In-service tiers
Tier 1: ESL Add-on Licensure

The ESL Add-On Licensure consists of six graduate level courses that can be completed in one or two years, depending on the number of courses taken in one semester. Admission to the UNCW Graduate School is required. Refer to the Graduate School Web site for application deadlines and requirements.

ESL Add-on License Courses

Fall Semesters

  • EDN 511: Introduction to ESL
  • EDN 516: Second Language Acquisition Research and Theory

Spring Semesters

  • EDN 517: Methods for Second Language Learners (can only be taken after EDN 511 & EDN 316)
  • EDN 537: Linguistics for Teachers

Summer Semesters (First session)

  • EDN 518: English as a Second Language Assessment
  • EDN 519: Pedagogical Grammar for Teachers (can only be taken after EDN 511, EDN 516 & EDN 517)

Tier 2: ESL Topics for Non-ESL Teachers (EDN 507)

This six-week, graduate-level course covers cross-cultural communication and second language acquisition but focuses on methods and assessment information aimed at helping mainstream teachers become more proficient teachers of English Language Learners (ELLs). We will review critical aspects of the Common Core State Standards and how teachers can increase the academic language proficiency of all their students.

The course is completely online and taught by Dr. Eleni Pappamihiel, Program Coordinator of Watson College of Education’s TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language) Program and Director of the ELMS Project.

This course requires acceptance to the UNCW Graduate School as a non-degree student in the ESL Add-On Licensure program of interest. Only an Education Statement of Interest and essay are required.

See How to Apply for more information about how to apply for in-service professional development offered by the ELMS Project.

Upcoming Class Dates

August 21st - December 12th

Tier 3: 10-hour ESL Professional Development

In this self-paced course, you will learn the basics about the field of ESL and working with ELLs. The goal of this course is to give K-12 content area teachers and paraprofessionals a beginning knowledge of the field and to help begin conversations with the ESL professionals in home school and districts. This qualifies for one CEU and is available each month.

This course is perfect for busy professionals!

  • Self-paced format allows you to work at your own pace over a four-week session
  • Completely online course delivery eliminates travel costs and need to attend workshops
  • Course repeats each month offering you the flexibility to choose the time that works best with your schedules
  • Foundational development in ESL enables content area teachers new to ESL to effectively collaborate with ESL teachers in schools and districts

The ELMS Project covers fees charged by UNCW Swain Center Continuing Education for participants who successfully complete the module. Up front payment is not required.

This course may also satisfy a continuing education unit (CEU) for ESL professional development required for Title 1 schools. Please check with your district for specific CEU requirements. Refer to the Syllabus for course details: ESL Professional Development Course Syllabus

2013 Course Dates

January 7, 2013
February 4, 2013
March 4, 2013
April 1, 2013
May 6, 2013
June 1, 2013
July 1, 2013
August 5, 2013
September 2, 2013
October 7, 2013
November 4, 2013
December 2, 2013



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