English Language Learner Shadowing Program

K-12 educators can earn graduate credit through Whittier's English Language Learner (ELL) Shadowing Program.

The ELL Shadowing professional development is a three-day series in which K-12 teachers experience a day in the life of an English language learner.

Throughout each three-day session, participants complete readings, shadow an ELL at their school, and try on new research-based strategies in their classrooms. For graduate units, participants must participate in an ELL Shadowing training through a local school district or county office of education.

The ELL Shadowing process is based on the book, ELL Shadowing as a Catalyst for Change by Ivannia Soto. It is an ethnographic research process that has been used widely in California, as well as New York, Illinois, and New Mexico. In 2018, the Education Trust- West recognized ELL Shadowing as a promising practice.

In order to earn graduate units, educators must complete the following steps:

  1. Identify and read additional articles or books connected to the professional development
  2. Submit a summary paper that synthesizes the additional readings and identifies implications for practice in your own classroom or context
  3. Include a complete reference list to cite documents additional readings.

Option One - 1 Unit

  • Cost: $150
  • Time commitment: Six hours on-site plus six hours of independent work
  • Reading assignment: At least two articles or two chapters
  • Writing assignment: Three pages (typed), double-spaced, at least two references 

Option Two - 2 Units

  • Cost: $300
  • Time commitment: Six hours on-site plus 12 hours of independent work
  • Reading assignment: At least three articles or chapters
  • Writing assignment: Five pages (typed), double-spaced, at least three references

Option Three - 3 Units

  • Cost: $450
  • Time commitment: Six hours on-site plus 18 hours of independent work
  • Reading assignment: At least four articles or chapters
  • Writing assignment: Eight pages (typed), double-spaced, at least four references