William Penn University has a tradition of creating educational opportunities to meet the changing needs of students. One example of this is the English as a Second Language, or ESL program started nearly eight years ago.

As the non-English speaking population of Iowa grew, the need for ESL certified teachers also increased. Penn’s program was developed in response to this growing need for teachers, but one of the challenges in offering this type of program was how to get it to the areas where the need was greatest. The answer was to create a distance-learning curriculum that could be delivered through the Iowa Communications Network to remote parts of the state. By using ICN classrooms, program participants avoid a long commute to attend class; instead, they meet at an ICN classroom located in their hometown or in a nearby community.

Because of the distance between learning sites, Penn’s ESL program directors have taken measures to develop strong supportive relationships with these students in spite of the geographical distances. A summer residency program was launched last year for students in the bachelor’s program that gives them a chance to be on the Oskaloosa campus, meet instructors and administrators, and strengthen their connection to the university.

On June 27-28, Penn will host 80 program participants from all over Iowa in the second annual summer residency. The group will be checked into local hotels or dorm rooms before gathering at Edmundson Park for a picnic on Friday afternoon. For the rest of the evening and throughout Saturday, they will have introductory sessions for upcoming coursework as well as opportunities for hands-on teaching experiences. While on campus, advisors will be available to answer questions and to provide technical assistance in the media and computer labs.

Roundtable discussions will provide insight into meeting some of the program requirements, including a teaching portfolio, special endorsements and classroom methods. For those who are enrolling in a physical science class, a trip to Russell Wildlife area will allow them to complete some of the lab work required for completion of the course.

Students in the English as a Second Language program at Penn freely talk about how their lives have been dramatically changed by the opportunity to further their education. By providing a quality, values-based education, William Penn University helps develop leaders who can provide positive change for others as well.