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Standards for Initial TESOL Pre-K–12 Teacher Preparation Programs

Home> Advance <br>the Field > Standards > TESOL/CAEP Standards for P-12 Teacher Education Programs
The Standards for Initial TESOL Pre-K–12 Teacher Preparation Programs outline the professional expertise needed to prepare effective Pre-K–12 TESOL educators in the United States. The Commission for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) uses these performance-based standards for national recognition of teacher education programs. The standards were approved in late 2018 and succeed the 2010 Standards for the Recognition of Initial TESOL Programs in P–12 ESL Teacher Education (sometimes referred to as the TESOL/CAEP Standards or the TESOL Professional Teaching Standards).

For programs seeking CAEP national recognition, the 2010 standards are applicable to program reports submitted through 2021. Programs seeking CAEP national recognition can use either the 2010 or 2018 standards through Fall 2021. Beginning in 2022 programs submitting initial reports must use the 2018 standards.

Initial Program Report with
Two Applications of Data		  Which Standards?
 Fall 2019  2010
 Spring 2020  2010 or 2018
 Fall 2020  2010 or 2018
 Spring 2021  2010 or 2018
 Fall 2021  2010 or 2018
 Spring 2022  2018 only

For more information, contact Anita Bright, TESOL SPA coordinator.

Download the Standards

Also available is the TESOL (2010) edTPA Crosswalk (English as an Additional Language Operational Handbook 2013–14) (Excel).

Training for Institutions

A special workshop for institutions is held each year in conjunction with the annual TESOL International Convention & English Language Expo. Information on the next workshop to be held at the 2019 TESOL International Convention is available on the convention website. 

A special virtual seminar for institutions on the standards is offered annually, usually in October. The workshop provides an overview of the standards and the information needed to complete an institution's program report.

Prospective Reviewers

As a TESOL reviewer for Pre-K–12 teacher preparations programs, you can help address how teachers are prepared in the United States to teach English learners in Pre-K–12 schools.
 
For more information on how and when to apply, visit the Call for CAEP Reviewers.