In this participatory workshop, you will develop ESOL lesson plans using the Backward Design approach, aligning learning objectives, assessments, instructional activities, and the Massachusetts English Language Proficiency Standards (MA ELPS) benchmarks. Through intentional planning, you will create lessons that support learners' language development while helping prepare them for continued education, workforce readiness, and economic mobility.
- ESOL teachers of students at any language proficiency level
This professional development activity/course is designed for:
In this multisession workshop you will examine the components of an effective ESOL lesson plan and explore the Backward Design approach to instructional planning. Beginning with clear learning outcomes, you will align assessments, instructional activities, and the MA ELPS benchmarks to create lessons that support meaningful language learning and real-world application, including workforce preparation where appropriate.
You will develop two lesson plans—one collaboratively during the virtual sessions with a small group and one independently during the asynchronous modules. Workshop facilitators will review each participant's lesson plans and provide constructive feedback to strengthen instructional practice.
The workshop is based on the Massachusetts Professional Standards for Teachers of Adult ESOL, Standard 4: Curriculum and Instructional Planning.
The series includes three facilitated virtual sessions and three asynchronous, independent modules. Active participation in both the virtual sessions and independent modules is required.
- Part 1: Independent activities in Canvas (10/27 -11/3/2026)
- Part 2: Virtual workshop on Zoom (11/03/2026, 3-5 p.m.)
- Part 3: 1.5 hours of independent activities in Canvas (11/03 - 11/10/2026)
- Part 4: Virtual workshop on Zoom (11/10/2026, 3-5 p.m.)
- Part 5: 1.5 hours of independent activities in Canvas (11/10 -11/17/2026)
- Part 6: Virtual workshop on Zoom (11/17/2026, 3-5 p.m.)
Total PD hours: 10
The SABES ESOL PD Team offers coaching to follow up on this PD event. If you are interested in arranging a coach, please contact Kate Anderson at kateanderson@edc.org.
PLEASE NOTE:
- Before the course opens, registrants will receive a separate email with instructions on how to access your course in Canvas. If you do not receive these instructions, please check your Spam folder and/or send an email to nruskin@edc.org.
- Identify the three stages of the Backward Design approach to instructional planning
- Describe the key elements of an effective ESOL lesson plan, including how learning objectives and assessments can support learners' language development and workforce readiness
- Apply the three stages of Backward Design to develop an ESOL lesson plan that aligns with the Massachusetts English Language Proficiency Standards (MA ELPS) and incorporates authentic learning contexts, including workforce preparation where appropriate
Upon completion of this professional development activity/course, you will be able to:
Zoom
United States
