Article by ELI Staff | October 19, 2020
When the ACE Program — which stands for Additional Certification in ESOL/Bilingual — was launched in 2016, it was done so with the intention of meeting Delaware’s high demand for certified ESL teachers. Since that time, four cohorts of Delaware educators have taken part in the program, resulting in 55 teachers who have completed their certification. In December 2020, 16 additional teachers are expected to graduate.
The ACE Program is a 5-course collaboration between the English Language Institute, the College of Education and Human Development, and the College of Arts and Sciences. Through ACE, in-service certified Delaware educators can earn additional certification as a Teacher of English Learners or a Bilingual Teacher. Participants from the four cohorts to date have been very satisfied with their experience.
According to post-program surveys collated by program director, Nigel Caplan:
- 96% of participants were extremely satisfied or very satisfied with the content of the courses
- 100% of the participants were extremely satisfied or very satisfied with the quality of the faculty
- 96% of the participants reported that the courses were very well aligned with their teaching context
- 100% of participants would recommend or highly recommend ACE to colleagues
- 100% of participants agreed or strongly agreed that ACE had changed their teaching practices
ACE is currently recruiting for its 2021 cohort. Prospective students can learn more by visiting the ACE website.