DOVER — A new partnership between Centenary University and Dover Public Schools creates a clear pathway for K-12 teachers to earn English-as-a-Second Language (ESL) certification and strengthens the educational experience for multilingual learners.
Through the agreement, a large cohort of Dover teachers will enroll in the program this fall, attending classes taught by Centenary faculty onsite at Dover schools. According to Superintendent of Schools James McLaughlin, Ed.D., the district plans to expand the program to enroll more teachers in future cohorts.
A leading advanced education provider for teachers in northwestern New Jersey, Centenary offers a five-course sequence. Students can earn up to 15 credits toward ESL certification, which can be applied to the University’s Master of Education in Literacy Instruction.
“That is a strong benefit of Centenary’s certification for ESL, which is now commonly referred to as MLE, for multilingual learners of English (MLE),” said Lexis McCoy, Ed.D., director of the University’s Master of Education in Literacy Instruction. “The program is intentionally organized to build a scaffolding structure that allows teachers to stack credits as they advance their education. Through this collaboration, Dover teachers can also earn their Master of Education in Literacy Instruction in six additional classes. After that, their supervisor certificate can be earned in three classes.”
Interim Vice President of Academic Affairs Robert Battistini, Ph.D., noted that Centenary University is uniquely positioned to partner with area school districts on targeted initiatives such as the Dover ESL certification initiative. More than 100 principals, superintendents, directors, or supervisors have earned or are currently working toward a Centenary University degree, providing outstanding networking opportunities for the University’s graduates.
“Centenary has a strong network of graduates in education throughout New Jersey, so certificate candidates are joining a family of professionals,” Dr. Battistini said. “For the district, there’s a unifying aspect when teachers from different schools attend classes together. A commonality develops that leads to best practices introduced and incorporated across schools throughout the district.”
A longtime educational leader for districts in New Jersey, Centenary University Interim Dean for the School of Education and Humanities Timothy Frederiks, Ed.D., said that New Jersey’s diverse population requires school districts to prioritize ongoing teacher training: “With continually shifting demographics in New Jersey, it’s important to equip educators with research-based strategies that benefit all students. Centenary has a powerful ESL certification program, with a solid commitment to educational equity.”
For more information on partnering with Centenary University for ESL certification, school districts can email Dr. McCoy at Lexis.McCoy@centenaryuniversity.edu.
