When New York State TESOL supported ESOL and bilingual certification K-12, which was established in New York State in 1983, we also urged certification for ESOL teachers of adults. Just as New York State is responsible for the education of primary and secondary pupils of limited English proficiency, it should consider itself responsible for its adult students learning English. The members of New York State TESOL continue to believe that certification requirements for ESOL teachers of adults must be established.
The lack of a state certificate for teachers of ESOL to adults results in two inequities. The first inequity involves students. Adults with limited English proficiency are denied the guarantee of being taught by teachers who are specially prepared to teach ESOL at the adult level. As a result, adult students are frequently denied access to effective instruction.
The second inequity involves teachers. In New York State there are no requirements for special training to teach ESOL in adult education programs. Those who know nothing about ESOL may be hired while a teacher trained in ESOL without a cer- tificate is prevented from providing the service that the adult student requires. Trained ESOL teachers currently teaching adults do not receive the benefits of certification or the professional recognition they merit. Certification would guarantee that only trained personnel would be granted positions to teach in ESOL adult education programs.
Because of the inequities to students and teachers, New York State TESOL urges the Board of Regents and the State Education Department to take a leadership role in ensuring professional standards in the teaching of limited English proficient adults by establishing state certification for ESOL teachers of adults.