See below for upcoming SABES PD events for ESOL. Or, check out the ESOL Upcoming Events Calendar tab anytime!

Note: you are welcome to request ESOL instructional coaching for program staff. If interested, please submit a Contact Us request.

All PD offerings are online and facilitated unless indicated otherwise.

Thursday, September 4

English Learners in the ABE Math Classroom (Self-Paced Modules)

Most adult education programs have English learners (ELs) in their adult basic education (ABE) courses. These ELs, like their native English-speaking classmates, are often working toward their HiSET or other education and career goals. This online course is designed help adult education instructors teach math to ELs more effectively and in a culturally respectful manner. The strategies and ideas presented in this course are also appropriate for adult ESOL instructors as well as ABE instructors who only have native English speakers in their classes.

• Sept. 4, 2025  |  9:00 a.m. (self-paced course opens)

Thursday, September 11

ESOL Lesson Planning Using Backward Design (Online Blended)

In this participatory workshop, you will develop ESOL lesson plans using the Backward Design approach, which aligns learning objectives, assessments, activities, and the MA ELPS benchmarks.

• Sept. 11, 2025  |  8:00 a.m. (series opens for pre-work) 

Tuesday, September 16

Teaching Adult Learners with Language-Based Learning Disabilities: An Overview

In this session, learn about common language-based learning disabilities (LBLD—difficulties related to the understanding and use of spoken and written language, such as dyslexia), and about specific strategies to support adult learners with LBLD. This session is the first in a series offered by the SABES ELA, ESOL, and Math Curriculum and Instruction teams on teaching adult learners with learning disabilities.

• Sept. 16, 2025  |  3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. 

Tuesday, September 23

How Do Adults Learn English? An Exploration of Second Language Acquisition Principles (Online Blended)

This blended series provides you with an overview of second language acquisition (SLA) theories and principles, with a focus on their application in the adult ESOL classroom. The series includes three facilitated virtual sessions and three self-directed interim activities. Participation in all three webinars and the interim activities is required.

• Sept. 23, 2025  |  8:00 a.m. (series opens for pre-work)