California Teacher of English Learners (CTEL)

California Teacher of English Learners certification.

Advanced Topics

Legal and Ethical Responsibilities

Rights and Protections for English Learners

Teachers must understand and follow laws that protect the rights of English learners. These laws ensure equal educational opportunities for all students.

Key Laws

  • Title VI of the Civil Rights Act: Prohibits discrimination based on national origin, including language.
  • Lau v. Nichols (1974): Supreme Court case requiring schools to take steps to help ELs overcome language barriers.
  • California Education Code: Outlines specific requirements for EL programs in the state.

Teacher Responsibilities

  • Provide meaningful access to the full curriculum.
  • Ensure assessments and materials are fair.
  • Respect students’ privacy and cultural backgrounds.

Real-World Scenarios

Teachers must advocate for ELs, ensuring they receive appropriate services and supports.

Examples

  • A teacher ensures classroom materials are available in students’ home languages when possible.

  • A school provides translation services for parent-teacher conferences.

In a Nutshell

Teachers have a legal and ethical duty to ensure English learners have full access to education.