Choose from special education, English language, CTE courses
Updated: November 17, 2025
Leeward Community College is offering a slate of courses designed to help Hawaiʻi’s educators grow their skills, earn reclassification credits, and better support diverse learners.
From bilingual interpreting and English learner strategies to special education mentoring and Career and Technical Education (CTE), these classes blend flexibility, affordability, and real-world impact.
New tuition-free course in bilingual interpreting
ED 197J: Bilingual Interpreting and Translation in Education
This brand-new, free and SIQ-approved course introduces educators and community members to the art and ethics of bilingual interpreting in schools. Participants will explore linguistic and cultural dimensions of communication and practice interpreting in different modes through role play and reflection.
Grounded in applied linguistics, ED 197J equips students with foundational interpreting skills to help bridge communication between teachers, families, and students in K–12 settings. Students must have basic fluency in a language other than English. All students enrolled automatically receive a full tuition waiver. Seats are limited, so early registration is encouraged.
Course runs in Spring 2026, hybrid.
Earn Sheltered Instruction Qualification credits and support ELLs
ED 298G: Supporting English Language Learners
Teachers seeking to meet the Hawaiʻi State Department of Education’s Sheltered Instruction Qualification requirement can do so through this flexible online course. Participants will explore the TESOL International Association’s Six Principles for exemplary English learner instruction and learn how to:
- Create conditions for effective language learning
- Adapt and deliver lessons to meet diverse needs
- Design engaging, high-quality lessons
- Monitor and assess student language growth
- Collaborate in a community of practice
Course runs Jan. 12 to May 6, 2026. 100% online and asynchronous
Cost is $393 total ($131 per credit)
How to enroll:
1. Apply to Leeward Community College here.
2. Register through STAR registration portal.
Free SPED courses for future and current special education teachers
ED 246S: SPED Intern Course
ED 246: SPED Mentor Course
These free, three-credit courses are designed to strengthen Hawaiʻi’s special education pipeline by preparing both SPED interns and their mentors for success.
- ED 246S (SPED Intern Course): Focuses on foundational knowledge and practical skills for future SPED teachers. Each intern is paired with a mentor teacher for guided learning and reflection.
- ED 246 (SPED Mentor Course): Helps current SPED teachers grow as mentors and leaders. Participants gain mentoring strategies, deepen professional practice, and may qualify for reclassification (check with your school administration).
Courses run Mar. 9 to May 8, 2026. Hybrid/asynchronous with four in-person Monday sessions: March 9, March 30, April 13, and May 4, 5 to 6:15 p.m.
How to enroll:
1. Apply to Leeward Community College here.
2. Apply for the course through this link: Good Jobs Hawai’i Application
3. Lindsay Haralu (haralu@hawaii.edu), the college & career specialist at Good Jobs Hawaiʻi, will schedule a quick interview with you to determine your eligibility for the tuition stipend and provide next steps.
4. An academic advisor (cameronr@hawaii.edu) will enter an override for you to register for ED 246 or ED 246S in the Leeward CC STAR registration portal.
New courses for CTE teachers, by CTE teachers
ED 315: Safety in the CTE Classroom
ED 316: Educational Technology in CTE
ED 317: English Language Learner Methods in CTE
- ED 315: Safety in the CTE Classroom: A collaborative look at how to plan and implement safety practices in CTE classrooms to build a culture of safety.
- ED 316: Educational Technology in CTE: Explore methods of integrating both educational and emerging technologies in the CTE classroom.
- ED 317: English Language Learner Methods in CTE: Engage in exploration of evidence-based strategies that address the unique needs of ELL students within CTE classes. This course is approved for SIQ!
Courses run Jan. 12 to May 6, 2026.
Cost is $393 total per course ($131 per credit)
How to enroll:
1. Apply to Leeward Community College here.
2. Click on the link to create your UH Username.
3. Please complete this form to help us prepare your registration.
For more information about enrollment and upcoming courses, visit www.leeward.hawaii.edu/enroll.