This session focuses on ways to integrate authentic workforce preparation content, contexts, and skills into MA ELPS-aligned ESOL instruction for all learners. Although some learners in our ESOL classes may not have an immediate job-driven goal for learning English, the communication, thinking, and collaboration skills that are required for 21st century employment can be transferred to support civic engagement, effective parenting, and postsecondary success.
Please note: This course will take place in Blackboard where you will find all virtual session information, course materials, and additional resources. You cannot access the online course from the SABES website. You will receive a separate email one to two days before the course begins with instructions on how to access the Zoom session. If you do not receive these instructions, please check your Spam folder and/or send an email to nruskin@edc.org.
- ESOL instructors looking to provide instruction that is contextualized in career awareness and career exploration content for learners of all levels
This professional development activity/course is designed for:
This professional learning opportunity is designed to provide ESOL teachers with strategies for building students’ career awareness while developing their English language skills. Participants will learn how to identify high-growth industries in their communities (e.g., health care, hospitality, green technologies, etc.) and plan how to make use of the authentic content and contexts associated with those industries in rigorous and engaging, learner-centered instruction that is aligned to the MA ELPS. After first exploring instructional routines that can be employed as interest and skill inventories, participants will collaborate to conduct research on high-growth industries in their area. Participants will also consider materials, language strategies, employability skills that transfer across those industries, and appropriate MA ELP standards and benchmarks that support and align to instruction. Finally, participants will work in groups, organized by class level, to refine an integrated skills lesson on informational interviews.
Follow-up coaching is available through the SABES ESOL PD Center to assist teachers in creating a unit and/or lesson plan that includes MA ELPS benchmarks, language and content objectives, assessments, and learning activities. Please contact Dori McCormack at dmccormack@edc.org if interested.
- Locate and help learners explore local, high-growth industries
- Identify a variety of tasks to help learners identify their skills and interests
- Use authentic workplace materials as the basis of language strategy and employability skill instruction
- Integrate the MA ELPS into lessons contextualized in career awareness and career exploration activities
- Help learners prepare to conduct informational interviews, face-to-face or online
Upon completion of this professional development activity/course, you will be able to:
United States
