In response to your requests and input, the SABES ESOL PD Team developed the ESOL Foundations Academy and piloted it in the Fall of 2025—with great success!
Here are just some of the Fall Academy participants’ comments:
“I truly learned a lot and really appreciate what I will take away from the course!”
“The coaching element was my favorite part”
“Virtual sessions were excellent.”
“I LOVED …the Participant Packet.”
We will be offering the ESOL Foundations Academy again this winter/spring. Please join us!
The Academy is a great starting point for anyone looking to build or strengthen their ESOL (TESOL) teaching skills. It’s designed with new teachers in mind, but anyone who wants to dig deeper into their TESOL practice is welcome. Throughout the course, you will learn, reflect, try things out, and get personalized coaching as you explore core topics like:
- Creating an inclusive, culturally responsive classroom
- Connecting language instruction to meaningful, real-world content
- Building in lots of interaction and engagement
- Planning and delivering strong, well-structured lessons
- Differentiating and scaffolding effectively
- Helping students build independence
- Developing a reflective teaching practice
The course runs from January 28 to April 8, 2026, and includes a mix of self-paced modules, facilitated sessions, and one-on-one coaching. Expect to spend about 26 hours total (including virtual sessions, self-paced work, and coaching). Participants should plan to attend and engage in all sessions. Registration closes Monday, January 5, 2026, so sign up soon! Please note that enrollment depends on returning a short questionnaire—we use it to match each participant with the right coach.
Keep a look out for the SABES Math and ELA Curriculum and Instruction PD Teams Foundations Academies, coming to you in the Fall of 2026!
