ARCTELL

The Advanced Alternative Program for Teachers to Become TESOL or Bilingual Teachers is an innovative program developed for the Connecticut State Department of Education, approved by the Department of Higher Education, and administered by ACES to attract talented, successful Connecticut teachers to a new teaching career as TESOL or Bilingual teachers.

During the school year, participants attend classes and engage in field work related to teaching English Language Learners. They also apply strategies to job-embedded assignments.

Once a teacher successfully completes the program of instruction, he/she receives a Record of Completion and cross-endorsement as a TESOL teacher and, for those qualified, as a Bilingual teacher. This credential deems the teacher eligible for certification and employment as a TESOL and, if applicable, a Bilingual teacher in any Connecticut public school. The program does not carry university credits.

Continued support will be available during the first year of employment through a listserv and other contacts with the Faculty/Advisory Board.

Application for Admission

ARCTELL Brochure

Frequently Asked Questions

Is prior certification needed to enroll in the ARCTELL program?
Yes, the applicant must hold a current teaching certification in the state of CT.

What certification would I be eligible for as an ARCTELL candidate?
At the program’s completion, you will be eligible for TESOL endorsement number 111 or Bilingual Education number 9__ (dependent on content area). For the Bilingual endorsement, ACTFL language proficiency requirements must be met. For information, see http://www.languagetesting.com/ . Bilingual candidates who successfully complete the program will be eligible for both the Bilingual and TESOL endorsements.

How does the Bilingual certification work?
The Bilingual endorsement will allow you to teach in a Bilingual program only in the content or grade levels in which you were primarily certified. For example, if you have a CT 7-12 mathematics certificate 029, you would earn a cross-endorsement in Bilingual Mathematics, 7-12, whose endorsement number is 929.

What if I am certified K-8, but want to be able to teach in a TESOL program at the high school level? Would I be able to do that with this cross endorsement?
Yes. The TESOL cross-endorsement allows you to teach at any grade PK-12.

Can a teacher with an expired certificate participate?
No, as your certification must be current and valid in the state of CT.

Do I have to take the Praxis I or II?
There is no Praxis I or II required in CT for TESOL or Bilingual Education.

What is the time commitment?
For the 2011-12 cohort, there will be three phases of the program:

• The content of Phase I includes Domains 1 and 2 of the TESOL standards (Language and Culture). Classes will be held online or on site from 4-8 pm on selected evenings, and from 8-2 pm on selected Saturdays. A tentative calendar for classes will be available after July 1 as a separate link. In addition to 44 hours of classwork, approximately 20 hours of field experiences will take place during Phase I.
• The content of Phase II includes Domains 3 and 4 of the TESOL standards (Planning, Instruction, and Assessment). In addition to 60 hours of classwork, approximately 50 hours of field experiences will take place during Phase II.
• The content of Phase III includes Domains 4 and 5 of the TESOL standards (Assessment and Professionalism). Phase III includes 44 hours of classwork and 60 hours of field work, including a practicum in a summer school environment for English Language Learners.

How will participants’ success be measured?
The program includes a series of assignments that will collected and organized as a portfolio illustrating your understanding and application of concepts learned. Feedback on assignments will be provided. Each assignment is aligned with a TESOL or Bilingual competency. In addition, a successful practicum experience is expected.

Where will classes be held?
In general, classes will be held at ACES, in its Professional Development building in Hamden located at 205 Skiff St. Some coursework may be completed online. At times, classes may be held in school districts who agree to host the program as an opportunity to share their ELL programs and best practices.

Where are the field work experiences held?
During the school year, participants can chose a location where their field work can be completed – in their own school or district, or in a neighboring district. The summer practicum will take place in a district that offers summer programming for ELLs. Possible host districts are: Bridgeport, Hartford, New Haven, Windham, Stamford, and the CT Technical High Schools. With faculty approval, candidates may also select a district of their own choosing in which to complete the summer practicum.

Who are the faculty for the program?
The faculty includes exemplary TESOL and Bilingual teachers and administrators from CT school districts, as well as ACES Education Specialists in technology integration, multicultural education, and language acquisition.

Are there scholarships or grants available for the program?
At this time, no. However, many teacher association contracts offer reimbursement for coursework that enhances a teacher’s ability to perform in the classroom. In addition, Title I, II, and III funds may be allocated for this type of professional development as determined by school district administration.

There is also potential for financial assistance through the MTR Financial Assistance Program for those who meet the criteria. Application forms can be provided by ACES.

Are there university credits available toward a degree?
At this time, there is no official agreement with universities about accumulation of credits.

How do I apply?
Application information is available here or by contacting Anna DeAngelis Piscitelli at adeangelis@aces.org or (203) 407-4453.

Where can I find information about the TESOL standards?
TESOL information can be found here.

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