Certificate Program

Structured English Immersion Certificate

ADE-Approved Training for K–12 Educators of English Language Learners

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Dates

March 9 – May 3, 2026

Format

Online Course

Sessions

8 Weeks

Credit Hours

3.0 Credit Hours

Contact the School of Adult Education for group pricing or payment arrangements.

About This Course

This course provides an in-depth study of Structured English Immersion, focusing on its legal and historical foundations — especially within the context of Arizona. You’ll explore key legislation, policies, and court cases that influence SEI practices, and examine critical terminology, instructional models, and the Arizona English Language Proficiency Standards to effectively support English language learners.

Through the lens of various language acquisition theories, you’ll analyze the core elements and domains of language development. The course emphasizes identifying and implementing effective instructional strategies for Academic English Development, as well as differentiating instruction to meet the diverse needs of ELLs — including long-term English learners, students with interrupted formal education (SIFE), and other special populations.

You’ll also evaluate types of assessments, learn how to use assessment data to monitor student progress, and explore the importance of culturally relevant pedagogy and professional ethics in SEI classrooms. Courses are taught from a Christian perspective, though learners are not required to sign a statement of faith.

What You'll Learn

This course equips you with practical knowledge and instructional strategies to serve English language learners effectively.

1

Legal & Historical Foundations of SEI

Compare the legal and historical foundations that shape Structured English Immersion, including key Arizona legislation, federal policy, and landmark court cases like Flores v. Arizona.

2

SEI Terminology, Models & ELP Standards

Interpret essential terminology, instructional models, assessment frameworks, and the Arizona English Language Proficiency Standards used in SEI classrooms.

3

Language Acquisition Theory & Development

Analyze language acquisition theories, the core elements of language, and the language domains found in ELP Standards to understand how students develop English proficiency.

4

Academic English Development Strategies

Identify and implement research-backed instructional strategies for Academic English Development that help ELLs access grade-level content across all subject areas.

5

Differentiated Instruction for ELLs

Develop differentiated approaches to meet the unique needs of English learners at varying proficiency levels — from newcomers to students approaching reclassification.

6

Assessment & Progress Monitoring

Evaluate various assessment types for English learners and learn to use data effectively to monitor progress, provide meaningful feedback, and adjust instruction.

7

Special Populations & Long-Term ELLs

Compare the needs of long-term English learners, recently arrived ELLs (REAL), students with interrupted formal education (SIFE), and other special populations in the ELL classroom.

8

Culturally Relevant Pedagogy & Ethics

Develop culturally responsive lessons aligned with ELP Standards and explore ethical, professional practices that honor the backgrounds and experiences of English language learners.

Who It's For

Whether you're preparing for the classroom or already teaching, this certificate prepares you to meet the needs of English language learners.

Pre-Service K–12 Teachers
In-Service K–12 Teachers
ESL & ELL Specialists
Special Education Teachers
Instructional Coaches
School Administrators
Education Students

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Mark Duplissis

Executive Director of Adult Education

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This course has been approved by the Arizona Department of Education for both pre-service and in-service K–12 teachers seeking Structured English Immersion certification. Although this certificate is offered from a Christian institution, learners are not required to sign a statement of faith. However, participants should be aware that courses are taught from a Christian perspective. Participants should expect to spend approximately 45 hours completing all course requirements. Arizona Christian University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org). Tuition and fees are non-refundable after the first week of the course. Arizona Christian University reserves the right to cancel or reschedule courses due to insufficient enrollment or other circumstances; registered participants will receive a full refund in such cases. Course content and schedule are subject to change.