Expert skills are learned around the world. But in the workplace, it is imperative that everyone speaks one common language. Increasingly, that language is English.

GLOBAL ESL CORPORATE CERTIFICATION

TEACHING ESL IN THE WORKPLACE: Bridging Language and Professional Success
This certification program equips experienced ESL educators with the skills and strategies necessary to teach English in diverse workplace environments. Designed for teachers holding an ESL Specialist Certification or a Master's degree in ESL, or TESOL equivalent, this course focuses on helping professionals from various backgrounds adapt their expertise to the workplace through effective English communication.

3 Masters Credits. 90 Credit Hours. 8 Weeks Duration.

  • Upon completing this course, participants will be able to:

    1. Develop and deliver effective ESL curricula tailored for workplace settings.

    2. Assess and address the specific language needs of diverse professional industries.

    3. Implement practical, task-based learning strategies relevant to workplace communication.

    4. Integrate industry-specific vocabulary and soft skills into ESL instruction.

    5. Use cultural competency to foster inclusivity and collaboration within diverse teams.

    6. Apply assessment tools to measure progress and enhance learning outcomes.

    7. Develop partnerships with employers to align language training with organizational goals.

    8. Equip learners with skills to navigate interviews, meetings, presentations, and reports.

  • Participants will develop a detailed workplace ESL training program for a specific industry (e.g., healthcare, construction, hospitality, sports, manufacturing, etc). The project should include:

    • A needs assessment summary

    • Sample lesson plans and assessments

    • A cultural competency activity

    • An evaluation and feedback plan

  • To be eligible for this course, applicants must meet the following criteria:

    ✅ Hold an ESL Specialist Certification or a Master’s Degree in ESL, TESOL, or Applied Linguistics or equivalent.

    ✅ Demonstrate interest or experience in teaching English in workplace environments.

    ✅ Provide a professional resume/CV outlining ESL teaching experience.

    ✅ Submit a short statement of purpose explaining why you want to take this course.

  • 🧩 Introduction to Workplace ESL Instruction

    MODULE 1 introduces participants to the fundamentals of workplace ESL, focusing on the distinct needs of adult learners in professional environments. Participants will learn to design relevant curricula based on industry-specific requirements.

    Key Topics:

    1. Principles of Adult Learning: Making Learning Relevant for Adult Professionals

    2. Differences Between Academic and Workplace ESL Instruction

    3. Integrating the 6 Levels of Language Acquisition into Workplace Lessons

    4. Conducting Needs Assessments in Workplace Contexts

    5. Designing Task-Based Learning Activities for Workplace Scenarios

    6. Creating Industry-Specific Learning Objectives

    7. Developing Employer-Focused Learning Outcomes

  • 🧩 Teaching Workplace Communication Skills and Methods

    MODULE 2 emphasizes real-world tasks learners will encounter on the job. Participants will explore techniques to enhance learners' professional communication skills, covering verbal, non-verbal, and digital interactions.

    Key Topics:

    1. Teaching Effective Workplace Communication (Emails, Reports, Meetings)

    2. Role-Playing Common Workplace Scenarios (e.g., Interviews, Team Meetings, Presentations)

    3. Building Active Listening and Negotiation Skills

    4. Teaching Non-verbal Communication and Professional Etiquette

    5. Integrating Digital Literacy: Using Workplace Platforms and Tools (e.g., Slack, Zoom)

    6. Promoting Clarity and Confidence in Professional Speech

  • 🧩 Cultural Competency and Soft Skills in the Workplace

    MODULE 3 highlights the importance of cultural awareness and interpersonal skills in U.S. workplaces. Participants will learn how to incorporate cross-cultural communication, teamwork, and conflict resolution strategies into their lessons.

    Key Topics:

    1. Understanding U.S. Workplace Norms and Diversity

    2. Teaching Cross-Cultural Communication and Navigating Cultural Barriers

    3. Building Soft Skills: Collaboration, Time Management, and Conflict Resolution

    4. Addressing Workplace Hierarchies and Power Dynamics

    5. Promoting Inclusive Language Practices & professional etiquette

    6. Handling Workplace Feedback and Performance Reviews

    7. Enhancing Employee Adaptability in Multicultural Work Environments

  • 🧩 Assessment, Evaluation, and Program Development

    MODULE 4 covers best practices for assessing learners’ progress and evaluating program effectiveness. Participants will also explore strategies for building long-term relationships with employers and aligning training outcomes with organizational goals.

    Key Topics:

    1. Creating Formative and Summative Assessments for Workplace Tasks

    2. Designing Rubrics for Task-Based Evaluations

    3. Assessing Learners Using CLB, CEFR, or ACTFL Standards

    4. Conducting Mock Interviews and Workplace Simulations

    5. Collecting and Using Employer Feedback for Program Improvement

    6. Building Sustainable Workplace ESL Programs with Employers

    7. Supporting Learners in Career Advancement Through Credentialing and Networking