Frequently Asked Questions

Are the Midwestern Intermediate Unit 4 (MIU 4) ESL & Google Classroom Certification Programs approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education?
Yes, these are the official PDE Certifications.

Why is the price for the full six-course ESL Certification & Google Classroom certification programs so low?
Some online institutions charge more, especially if they are associated with a large University, but the curriculum approved by the PDE is the same. This course series is delivered online. Because we do not have physical classrooms and buildings, we pass on these savings to the teachers, keeping the program affordable for all teachers in the state of Pennsylvania.

How do I apply for my ESL Certification through the Teacher Information Management System (TIMS)?

Create a new account that is different from your school TIMS account.
Start your application here: https://www.education.pa.gov/Educators/Certification/Pages/TIMS.aspx
Questions…Contact Cheryl Piltch: cheryl.pilch@miu4.org (724) 458-6700x1224

How long has Midwestern Intermediate Unit 4 (MIU 4) been offering ESL Certification to Pennsylvania teachers?
MIU UV, in partnership with eAdviser, has certified thousands of teachers over the last 20 years.

What are the PDE approval numbers for the ESL Certification?

    • ESL01 Developing Cultural Awareness and Sensitivity | PDE# 20130201

    • ESL02 Language Acquisition | PDE # 20130224

    • ESL03 Literacy Acquisition | PDE# 20130223

    • ESL04 Observing and Planning Instruction to ELL Students | PDE# 20130207

    • ESL05 Implementing and Managing Instruction to ELL Students | PDE# 20130213

    • ESL06 Assessing ESL Students | PDE# 20130217

    • GOOGLE CLASSROOM | 20110301


Is there a test required for the issuance of the ESL certification?
No. There is currently no test requirement for ESL.


Is there a test required for the issuance of the Google Classroom Certification?
Yes. Complete this course to learn the fundamentals of Google Classroom. Then, when you are comfortable with the material, take the certification exam. There is a $10 Google examination fee.


How can PA teachers be eligible for the ESL certification?
The teacher must hold a Pennsylvania Instructional I or Instructional II certificate.


May I purchase graduate equivalency credits through a University program?
Yes. Credits may be purchased through Carlow University (verified through the Accredited Learning Commission) and are approved for PA Master Equivalency. Contact Burr Warne 603-502-2323


Can the ESL Program Specialist Certification credits be used towards a Master’s in Education?
Yes. 18 credits may be applied to an MEd in Curriculum & Instruction / ESL Specialization Learn More

Why do teachers request a Carlow University Transcript?

  1. To teach English Language Learners (many are on emergency certifications)

  2. For their Master's plus 15, 30, 45, and 60 credit requirements. Learn more

  3. To earn 18 credits toward a Master's (MEd) in Curriculum & Instruction/ESL Specialization

  4. ACT 48 credit hour requirements

  5. To complement their Special Education degree or their Reading Certification

  6. School requires a transcript from an accredited university for reimbursement

  7. Earn 18 credits toward their Level 2 teacher accreditation requirements

  8. Move to another state to teach ESL  - University credits may be a requirement.

Is there a prerequisite for PA teachers to be eligible for the Google Classroom Certification program?
No. There is no prerequisite.

Are credits earned through the ESL & Google Classroom programs accepted towards Level II certification?
Yes, MIU IV ESL Program Specialist Certification & Google Classroom Certification credits are PDE-approved ACT 48 graduate-level credits.

How long is each course?

  • ESL01 Developing Cultural Awareness and Sensitivity | 8 weeks

  • ESL02 Language Acquisition | 12 weeks

  • ESL03 Literacy Acquisition | 8 weeks

  • ESL04 Observing and Planning Instruction to ELL Students | 8 weeks

  • ESL05 Implementing and Managing Instruction to ELL Students | 8 weeks

  • ESL06 Assessing ESL Students | 8 weeks

  • GOOGLE CLASSROOM CERTIFICATION | 8-12 weeks

Are there specific times that I have to be online?
No. Both ESL & Google Classroom courses are project-based; there are no specific times that you have to be online.

Are classes offered over the summer?
Yes. Due to higher demand in Pennsylvania schools, courses are being offered during the summer months to ready teachers for the increased numbers of English Language Learners in the classrooms. See schedule HERE

How can a full-time teacher complete the field experience?
A full-time teacher can complete the field experience requirements by working with an ESL teacher at their school, their district, their IU or at another school. Each participant will have an eAdviser assigned to them for the duration of the course and as they need assistance throughout the year. Our ESL eAdvisers will support and guide you to meet all homework and in-classroom learning criteria.

Will I need to take a Praxis exam at the end of the coursework in order to get ESL Certified?
No. You will not need to take a Praxis exam to get ESL Program Specialist added to your certificate.

Are ESL certified teachers approved to work in all schools in Pennsylvania?
Yes. All teachers that hold an ESL Program Specialist Certificate can staff or lead an ESL program at any school (public or private) in Pennsylvania.

Do I need a teaching certificate to start the ESL program?
Yes. A Pennsylvania Instructional I or II certificate is required to be accepted into the ESL Program Specialist Certification series. This is required by the PDE as this certificate is an add-on ESL certification to your Instructional certification. Both programs may be taken concurrently. This Certification does qualify for Level II accreditation.

Do I earn any continuing professional education (CPE) credits for ESL or Google Classroom programs?
Yes. Each course is three graduate-level CPE credits (90 Act 48 hours) approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE).

May I speak with a representative of the program directly?
Yes, For more information, please contact:


Cheryl R. Pilch
Midwestern Intermediate Unit IV
Coordinator of Educational Services
cheryl.pilch@miu4.org
(724) 458-6700x1224

Burr Warne
eAdviser
Midwestern Intermediate Unit IV
Registration & Enrollment
bwarne@eadviser.com
(603) 502-2323

Aileen Domingo
ESL Program Coordinator
Midwestern IU IV ESL Certification
adomingo@globalclassroom.us

Email: studentservices@globalclassroom.us
Enroll or have questions? (888) 936-8626 | 9am - 6pm M-F | 11am - 3pm Sat & Sun