To teach ESL at the local church level, teacher certification is required. SBC of Virginia churches host trainings, known as ESL Basic Workshops, at various times throughout the year. Workshops are typically held on a Friday night and Saturday and result in teach certification through the North American Mission Board. Topics addressed at the 12-hour interactive workshop include:
- Organizing an ESL ministry
- Understanding a student’s English fluency and placement interview
- Techniques for teaching English
- Lesson planning
- Introducing vocabulary
- Teaching pronunciation
- Dealing with cultural misunderstandings
- Incorporating Biblical material into class sessions
- Sharing the gospel with students
- Recommended resources