Learn more about teaching English as a New Language (Grades K-12)

What is English as a New Language?

As an English as a New Language (ENL) teacher, you will join a network of dedicated teachers improving access to quality education for students for whom English is not their first language. You will work with students of all ages and in a variety of different subjects to develop their skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in English. Armed with proven teaching strategies and standards-aligned instruction, you will help students to make connections between their own experiences and the content they are studying. Ultimately, you will help students develop the language skills and academic knowledge that they need to be prepared for college and 21st-century careers.  

Meet Diana, English as a New Language Teacher (Grades K-12) & NYCTC Alumna 

What brought me to the NYC Teaching Collaborative:  

I entered the NYC Teaching Collaborative in January 2019, after years of feeling unfulfilled without a career. The collaborative truly prepares candidates for teaching in the NYC DOE by providing both the education and hands-on experience simultaneously. From the very first placement in a Teaching Academy school and having the support from my mentor/Collaborative Coach, I received highly effective guidance that surpassed all my expectations. The additional Skill Building Sessions provided by the DOE covered relevant topics that were so useful to learning teaching strategies. Another great aspect was how the collaborative partnered with Hunter College to facilitate our admissions into their TESOL Master’s program. Since I have completed the Collaborative and worked for two years in the DOE, I feel like this is the best decision I have ever made in my life. My only regret is not having done it sooner! For these reasons, I highly recommend the New York Teaching Collaborative or even the Fellows program to anyone who holds a bachelor’s degree and is not fulfilled in their career. 

I work in Brooklyn in District 19.  

My certification area is English as a New Language (Grades K-12)  

I am an alum of Cohort 8 for the New York City Teaching Collaborative  

I graduated from Hunter College with a degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)

What my class schedule looks like: 

What my classroom looks like:

Why the Teaching Collaborative is the right choice for all teachers:  

Since I have completed the Collaborative and worked for two years in the DOE, I feel like this is the best decision I have ever made in my life. My only regret is not having done it sooner! For these reasons, I highly recommend the New York Teaching Collaborative or even the Fellows program to anyone who holds a Bachelor’s degree and is not fulfilled in their career. 

Eligibility Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in any subject area

AND

12 or more credits in any foreign language or combination of languages (including ASL)

(Grades in these courses must be a C or higher for each undergraduate course and B- or higher for each graduate course.)

Candidates who receive offers to NYC Department of Education alternative certification programs will have their transcripts evaluated by their university (after enrollment) to determine if they have a sufficient mix of liberal arts coursework to meet New York State requirements; some candidates may be required to take additional coursework to earn their Initial Certification. This coursework will be at their own expense . Universities typically evaluate transcripts for liberal arts credits across the following disciplines: Artistic Expression, English, Foreign Language, Humanities, Mathematics, Science, and Social Science/History.  

Certification and Testing Requirements

You will receive certification as a teacher of English to Speakers of Other Languages (Grades K-12).

While you complete your master’s degree coursework, you will work in your full-time NYC DOE school position under a Transitional B certificate issued by New York State. The Transitional B certificate is valid for up to three years on the condition that you remain in good standing in your NYC DOE alternative certification program.

You must take and pass  the two certification exams listed below in order to be eligible for certification in English to Speakers of Other Languages (Grades K-12).

1.  Educating All Students (EAS) (201)  

     -- EAS Exam Preparation Materials  

2. English to Speakers of Other Languages CST (116) 

     -- CST Exam Preparation Materials

Where can I secure a job?  

You must accept a position as a English as a New Language teacher in grades K-12. You may NOT teach in a self-contained (stand-alone) classroom.  

Definitions used in English as a New Language Classrooms