TESOL SWEL Contextual Language Self-Study Course
Scalable, Research-Based Professional Learning for Multilingual Learner Success
As multilingual learners are increasingly served across the curriculum, schools and districts need targeted professional learning that provides the specialized knowledge educators need to support students who are learning English. The TESOL SWEL Contextual Language self-study course equips educators and instructional leaders with practical, research-based strategies to support multilingual learners of English in all content areas and educational settings. Designed for flexibility and impact, this self-paced professional learning experience helps districts build linguistically responsive instruction at scale.
Course participants develop a deep understanding of how language works in context—and how to intentionally support language development at the word, sentence, and discourse levels within everyday instruction.
Who It's For
- English language teaching specialists
- General education and content-area teachers
- Instructional coaches and administrators
What Participants Gain
- A clear framework for contextual language learning applicable across grade levels and content areas
- Practical strategies for integrating language development with content instruction
- Tools for recognizing and leveraging students’ home languages as assets
- Approaches to assessment that honor multilingual learners’ strengths
- Ready-to-use resources that support immediate classroom application
Course Structure
The course consists of six carefully sequenced self-study modules (approximately 40 hours total for completion). This progression ensures participants move from theory to practice with clarity and confidence.
1.
Foundations of Contextual Study
2.
Noticing Areas for Contextual Language Instruction and Support
3.
Forecasting Areas for Contextual Language Instruction and Support
4.
Word-Level Contextual Language Instruction and Support
5.
Sentence-Level Contextual Language Instruction and Support
6.
Discourse-Level Contextual Language Instruction and Support
Key Features
- Self-paced and flexible: Designed to fit educators’ busy schedules and district PD calendars
- Research-based: Grounded in current scholarship on multilingual learner education and academic language development
- Practical and actionable: Includes tools, templates, and strategies educators can use immediately
- Scalable: Suitable for district-wide implementation
Why Districts Choose This Course
- Supports school-wide responsibility for multilingual learners’ outcomes
- Aligns with equity-focused and linguistically responsive instructional goals
- Provides consistent, high-quality professional learning across schools and regions
- Offers a cost-effective way to build educator capacity at scale
Ready to get started? Contact us!
The TESOL SWEL Contextual Language course is a powerful professional learning solution for institutions committed to strengthening instruction, honoring linguistic diversity, and improving outcomes for multilingual learners of English.
Want to know if the program is right for you?
Schedule a 30-minute consultation with Gregory Stancil or email him at gstancil@tesol.org.