Online Professional Development for Texas ESL and Bilingual Education Teachers

• In Event: Roundtable Session 11
  In Roundtable Session: Examining Equity by Assessing the Efficacy of the Preparation of Culturally Responsive Teachers

Abstract

Research on online teacher professional development (oTPD) programs for English as a Second Language (ESL) and bilingual education teachers is limited. The purpose of this study was to explore the efficacy of original online professional development courses for Texas ESL and bilingual education teachers, as well as investigate teachers’ perceptions of their professional growth and the oTPD programs. A total of 2,255 in-service teachers participated in the programs, with 1,643 successfully completing at least one course and 1,034 obtaining their ESL and/or bilingual education certification. The teachers reported positive feedback on their online learning experience and increased classroom knowledge and skills.

Authors

• Kara Sutton-Jones, Texas A&M University - College Station

• David Daniel Jimenez, Texas A&M University

• Shifang Tang, Texas A&M University - College Station

• Rafael Lara-Alecio, Texas A&M University

• Beverly J. Irby, Texas A&M University - College Station

• Fuhui Tong, Texas A&M University - College Station