Pennsylvania Credential Guide
English as a Second Language Program Specialist Requirements in Pennsylvania
Issued by Pennsylvania Department of Education.
Pennsylvania’s ESL Program Specialist path starts with an instructional certificate and a state-approved preparation program that includes work with English learners.
Official sources reviewed . Requirements can change, so confirm your route with the issuing agency before enrolling.
Pennsylvania Program Specialist
An Online ESL Course Still Needs Qualifying In-Person Fieldwork
Pennsylvania's ESL Program Specialist route requires a PA Instructional I or II certificate, or a comparable valid out-of-state ESL certificate, plus an approved ESL preparation program. Its program guidelines require face-to-face field experiences, including at least one in a public school; a fully online program cannot meet those approval standards by itself.
Ask whether the specific program is approved for Pennsylvania ESL Program Specialist and where its field experience with English learners occurs.
Collect proof of your base certificate and the program's completion recommendation. Submit through TIMS for the department's official evaluation.
If you study remotely, get the placement location and supervision arrangements in writing. Do not infer program approval from the word “online” or a graduate-certificate award.
Pennsylvania Department of Education, checked September 29, 2026: ESL Program Specialist requirements and program and field-experience guidelines.
Pennsylvania Requirements
Check the Instructional Certificate Requirement
Start with your Pennsylvania Instructional I or II certificate, or the comparable out-of-state ESL certificate described by the Department.
Required certificate
Applicants need a Pennsylvania Instructional I or II certificate or a comparable valid out-of-state ESL certificate for the routes described by the Department.
Pennsylvania Requirements
Choose an Approved ESL Preparation Program
Ask the provider how its approved program covers the required experience with English learners.
Approved preparation
Pennsylvania requires completion of a state-approved ESL certification preparation program.
Field experience
The approved preparation program must include field experience or student teaching with English learners.
Pennsylvania Requirements
Maintain the Underlying Instructional Certificate
The specialist credential does not replace the instructional certificate. Check the separate requirements for moving from Instructional I to II if they apply to you.
Certificate maintenance
The ESL Program Specialist holder must maintain the prerequisite instructional certificate. Pennsylvania explains the separate service and education requirements for moving from Instructional I to Instructional II.