Standard 6 of the MA Professional Standards for Teachers of ESOL states that effective ESOL teachers ensure that instructional delivery "1. is relevant and inclusive, 2. contextualizes language learning in rigorous content that promotes critical thinking, and 3. includes engaging activities that promote student interaction, communication, and collaboration."  In this PD series, we will discuss why each of these three elements of instruction is essential to student learning.  We will also share and model multiple examples of what these principles look like in practice and invite participants to demonstrate how they will apply what they have learned to their teaching contexts. 

The content of each module is as follows:

Module 1: Overview of Standard 6 

• Self-paced Introduction — Opens Tuesday, October 11, 2022: The online course begins with a preliminary, asynchronous module that includes a video, a reading, and self-assessment activities designed to introduce participants to Standard 6. This module should be completed any time during the week prior to the first webinar in Module 2.

Module 2: Relevant and Inclusive Instruction

• Synchronous webinar — Monday, October 17 (3:00-5:00 p.m.): Together, we will reflect on our teaching and identify our most important priorities. We explore the question, "How can we make my instruction relevant to and inclusive of all learners?"  and discuss why it matters and what it looks like in practice in the ESOL classroom.
• Self-paced review, preview, and application: In the weeks following the webinar, participants will post an instructional practice that illustrates the principle of relevant and inclusive instruction. They will also preview key terms in advance of Module 3. 

Module 3: Challenging and Supporting Diverse Learners 

• Synchronous webinar — Monday, October 24, 2022 (3:00-5:00 p.m.): Together, we will explore the question, "How do we challenge and support our diverse students?",  look at strategies for scaffolding and differentiation, and discuss why they matter and what they look like in practice in the ESOL classroom.
• Self-paced review, preview, and application: Following the webinar, participants will post an example that illustrates rigorous instruction with scaffolding and differentiation in order to set all learners up for success. They will also preview key terms in advance of Module 4. 

Module 4: Engaging and Interactive Instruction

• Synchronous webinar — Monday, October 31, 2022 (3:00–5:00 p.m.):  Together, we will explore the question "How do I create an engaging environment for all leaners?", and discuss why this matters and what it looks like in practice in the adult ESOL classroom.
• Self-paced review, preview, and application: Participants will post an example that illustrates engaging and interactive instruction and preview key terms in advance of Module 5.

Module 5: Fostering Independent Learning

• Synchronous webinar — Monday, November 7, 2022 (3:00–5:00 p.m.): Together, we will explore the question, "How do we encourage independent learning?", identify and share strategies for providing effective feedback to your learners, and discuss why this matters and what it looks like in practice in the ESOL adult classroom.
• Self-paced review and application: Participants will post an example that illustrates an understanding of the instructional principle of gradual release of responsibility in order to encourage authentic communication and independent learning. The application activity from Module 5 will due on or before November 10, 2022.

Total PD hours:12