Professional development in the State of Florida often requires that trainers of teachers, regardless of their subject concentration, be able to work with their candidates so that they may be able to work effectively with non-English speakers in their classrooms. As a result, professional development campaigns are set up so that such professional development can take place.

Each trainer of teachers should do a self-analysis of their own abilities based on the Florida 25 competencies designed by the Office of Multicultural Student Language Education (OMSLE) at the Florida Department of Education. To be qualified to work with ESOL competencies in a content area course, trainers of teachers are asked to complete a minimum of 45 hours work in areas acorss the 25 competencies. Teachers of trainers should prepare a portfolio indicating evidence of their work across these items.

To assist teachers of trainers, FIU offers workshops and invitations to coursework. Be sure to look at the events page of this Web site for times that apply to such events. Teachers and trainers are also invited to contact MLE/TESOL faculty so that they may visit appropriate classes which can apply to such professional development.