This course explores the intersection of speech-language pathology and English as a Second Language (ESL), offering SLPs an accessible introduction to concepts from the ESL world that can enhance their work with culturally and linguistically diverse clients. Participants will compare the roles and training of SLPs and ESL educators, gain foundational insight into second language acquisition, and examine English language features that commonly challenge non-native speakers. The course also highlights practical strategies and instructional techniques from ESL that can be adapted for assessment and intervention, along with ideas for collaboration across disciplines. Ideal for clinicians looking to deepen their cultural-linguistic competence, the session bridges theory and practice in an engaging, SLP-relevant way.
Live Webinar
Thu, Aug 20, 2026 at 12:00 pm EDTCEUs/Hours Offered: ASHA/0.1 Introductory, Professional; Calif SLPAB/1.0; IACET/0.1; Kansas LTS-S1370/1.0; SAC/1.0
Learning Outcomes
- After this course, participants will be able to describe the similarities and differences in the roles, training, and focus of ESL teachers and SLPs in language development.
- After this course, participants will be able to identify linguistic features of English that may present challenges for English learners.
- After this course, participants will be able to outline collaborative instructional strategies that SLPs can integrate into assessment for English language learners.
Agenda
| 0-5 Minutes | Introduction and Background |
| 5-15 Minutes | Comparing Professions |
| 15-25 Minutes | Foundations of Second Language Acquisition |
| 25-40 Minutes | Linguistic Challenges of English |
| 40-55 Minutes | ESL Strategies and Techniques |
| 55-60 Minutes | Summary / Q&A |
Presented By
Robert McKinney
MA CCC-SLP
Robert (Bob) McKinney, M.A., CCC-SLP, is the lead Speech-Language Pathologist at the Sweetwater Union High School District, where he heads the district's Culturally/Linguistically Diverse Assessment team. At San Diego State University, he supervises graduate students in the Accent and Communication Training Program and teaches phonetics. He had a 26-year career as a TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) instructor, teaching and conducting teacher training in six countries, including 17 years at UCSD's English Language Institute. He holds an M.A. in Communicative Disorders, an M.A. in Education/TESOL, and an M.A. in International Relations. He speaks six languages and has worked with clients from more than 80 countries. Bob is active in the California Speech-Language-Hearing Association and has served on its board of directors.
More
Continued and its subsidiaries provide professional education authored by qualified Subject Matter Experts for continuing education purposes. These materials are intended for educational purposes and do not constitute medical advice or a substitute for individual clinical judgment. Continued is not a clinical healthcare provider; the licensed professional is solely responsible for ensuring that the application of any techniques or information presented is within their legal scope of practice and jurisdictional requirements.
Financial: Robert McKinney was paid an honorarium for this presentation. He is the author of “Hereʼs How to Do Accent Modification” published by Plural Publishing in 2019, for which he receives royalties.
Non-financial: Robert McKinney has relevant non-financial relationships to disclose.
Sponsor Disclosure: This Course is presented by SpeechPathology.com, a Continued site.
Content Disclosure: This learning event does not focus exclusively on any specific product or service.
Course participation information
To ensure you are ready to participate, please complete our short Test Drive to prepare your computer to view the course.
NOTE: Full attendance for all courses is mandatory. For self-study courses, this includes reading the full text, listening to the full audio recording, or watching the complete video, as appropriate for the format of the course.
Passing an online exam and completing a course evaluation will be required to earn continuing education credit.
Live Webinars allow presenter and participant interaction. The exam and course evaluation for these courses must be completed within 7 days of the event.
On-demand courses include texts, video and audio recordings of live webinars, and multimedia formats. The exam and course evaluation for on-demand courses must be completed within 30 days of course registration.
To participate in the course, complete the exam and course evaluation, and earn continuing education credit, you must be a SpeechPathology.com member. Participants must complete the entire course; partial credit is not allowed.
SpeechPathology.com is committed to ensuring accessibility to the widest possible audience. We are continually improving the user experience for everyone. If you have questions, requests, or would like to report an accessibility-related issue, please email [email protected]. We will review your request and respond in a timely manner.
Visit our Contact us page or give us a call if you have questions.
American Speech-Language-Hearing Assn.
Introductory Level
0.10 ASHA CEUs
California Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology Board
SpeechPathology.com is approved by the California Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Board as a Continuing Professional Development Provider, approval number PDP 268. This course may meet the requirements for 1.00 hours of continuing education credit for speech-language pathologists as required by the California Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology Board. The responsibility for determining whether or not this specific course counts toward an individual's requirements for license renewal is up to the individual. Please refer to the CA state board rules regarding allowable topics and self-study limits: https://www.speechandhearing.ca.gov/licensees/slp-au_cpd_req.shtml Live webinars on SpeechPathology.com are not included in the self-study limit under California professional development guidelines.
International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training
Continued, LLC, DBA SpeechPathology.com, is accredited by the International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training (IACET). Continued complies with the ANSI/IACET Standard, which is recognized internationally as a standard of excellence in instructional practices. As a result of this accreditation, Continued is authorized to issue the IACET CEU. continued, LLC, is authorized by IACET to offer 0.10 CEUs for this program.
Kansas Dept for Aging and Disability Services
Approved for 1.00 continuing education clock hour(s) for Kansas licensed Speech Pathologists by the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services. Long-Term Sponsorship number: LTS-S1370.
Speech-Language and Audiology Canada
Clinically certified members of Speech-Language and Audiology Canada (SAC) can accumulate continuing education equivalents (CEEs) for their participation with SpeechPathology.com. One hour of coursework equals 1 CEE. All SAC members are encouraged to participate in on-going education.