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Helping Speech-Language Pathologists and ESL Professionals Build Successful Accent Coaching Practices Since 1978

You already have the clinical knowledge or teaching experience.

What you may not have is a proven system for turning that expertise into a specialized service that clients actively seek—and willingly pay for.

That’s why the Institute of Language & Phonology exists.

For more than four decades, we’ve helped speech-language pathologists, ESL instructors, and communication professionals learn a structured, research-based approach to American English pronunciation instruction that produces measurable results while opening the door to new professional opportunities.

Whether you’re looking to expand your private practice, add a high-value service to your current position, or create an entirely new source of income, the P-ESL Method gives you the tools to do it with confidence.

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Built on Decades of Research

The P-ESL Method was developed by Dr. Arthur J. Compton, whose research into accented American English pronunciation has influenced pronunciation instruction for decades.

Rather than treating every accented speaker the same, Dr. Compton analyzed pronunciation patterns across speakers representing more than 100 language backgrounds. His research demonstrated that pronunciation challenges follow predictable patterns influenced by a speaker’s native language.

That research became the foundation for a structured instructional system that has continued to evolve through decades of practical application and updated online delivery.

Today, the course includes modern video instruction, web-based assessment tools, online practice resources, and guidance for delivering services remotely while preserving the same evidence-informed instructional framework.

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Why So Many SLPs Choose Accent Coaching

Speech-language pathologists already possess many of the skills needed to become excellent pronunciation instructors.

Accent coaching allows you to apply your expertise in an exciting new way.

Many certified instructors use the P-ESL Method to:

• Add private-pay services alongside their current employment
• Reduce dependence on school or insurance-based positions
• Work with motivated adult professionals
• Offer services entirely online
• Build flexible schedules around family or retirement
• Create additional income without opening a traditional clinic

If you’ve ever wished your expertise could create opportunities beyond traditional therapy settings, you’re exactly who this program was designed for.

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ESL Instructors: Add a Specialized Skill That Sets You Apart

Many English language programs emphasize grammar, vocabulary, and conversation.

Pronunciation often receives limited attention.

The P-ESL Method fills that gap.

Certified instructors learn a structured approach for teaching American English pronunciation that complements—not replaces—traditional ESL instruction.

The result is a specialized service that helps international professionals communicate more clearly while giving instructors another valuable offering they can provide.

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A Community That Continues After Certification

Your certification is only the beginning.

Graduates become eligible for AccentLink, the Institute’s optional professional resource center designed to help instructors continue growing.

Depending on your membership, resources include:

• Marketing training
• Refresher course access
• Downloadable teaching materials
• Professional resources
• Certified instructor digital badge
• Opportunity to appear in the public Instructor Directory
• Ongoing articles and business insights

Your certification itself never expires.

Once certified, you’re certified for life. AccentLink simply provides optional resources for instructors who want continuing support.

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A Legacy of Professional Credibility

The P-ESL Method has been taught for more than 30 years and continues to be updated for today’s online learning environment.

The certification has been completed by speech-language pathologists, ESL professionals, educators, and communication specialists throughout the United States and internationally.

For many years, the program also offered ASHA Continuing Education Units through the Association’s Approved CE Provider program. While CE offerings have changed over time, the instructional methodology, research foundation, and professional standards remain central to the program’s development.

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What Graduates Are Saying

“Thank you for your wonderful course and kit. It will help me a lot in the future! “

Erin C., 2012 ILP Academy member and Certified P-ESL Instructor

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“I was so drawn in by your content that I completed the course in one weekend!! “

 I just couldn’t stop because it was so interesting.  The content was presented in a straight-forward manner that wasted no time in getting the facts to this course participant.  In fact, you should let people know that, at the conclusion of the course after the exam has been taken, participants will have the knowledge base needed to immediately begin coaching clients.  That is NOT to over-simplify the P-ESL content.  Rather, the presentation of the course content is such that it is clear, well detailed and concise.

Charles T., 2022 ILP Academy Member and Certified P-ESL Instructor

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“I am very glad I finally found a course that integrates so well theory and practice! “

Diana P., 2015 ILP Academy Member and Certified P-ESL Instructor

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“Thank you all for your hard work! I enjoyed the course very much and look forward to putting this method into practice.”

Bodhi M., 2014 Academy Member and Certified P-ESL Instructor

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“I can’t believe a week has gone by already since my colleague and I completed the training.  We’ve already started the process of engaging students.”

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“I am in awe of your willingness to offer support and guidance to the rest of us based on your own experiences. What you shared was extremely valuable. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.”

Lisa, Certified, 2016 workshop attendee and P-ESL Instructor

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Our Mission

We believe talented speech-language pathologists and ESL instructors deserve more opportunities to use their expertise.

We believe international professionals deserve access to highly qualified pronunciation specialists.

The Institute of Language & Phonology exists to bring those two groups together through research-based training, practical tools, and a proven instructional system that has helped instructors build meaningful careers while helping clients communicate with greater clarity and confidence.

If you’re ready to expand what’s possible in your career, we’d be honored to help you take the next step.

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The Expertise of the ILP

Training provided by The Institute of Language & Phonology is powered by:

• a start-to-finish approach showing you how to address each step of every process – from program development to acquiring new clients to delivering measurable results and exceeding client expectations
• instructors who bring both head and heart to the game — our professionals are insightful, experienced, and effective – we practice what we teach;
• practical insights based on the latest research — our core is academic and research-based, but our results-oriented approach is not reluctant when it comes to generating income and building a business around your valuable skills. It’s the reason most certified instructors seek this training.

Our team consists of expert consultants, master trainers, skilled coaches, and insightful researchers. Our clients and students represent universities, hospitals, corporations, privately-owned small businesses and independent solo-preneurs around the world committed to offering world-class services to a diverse marketplace.

Joe Comeau

In 1994, Joe graduated from St. John’s University in Jamaica, New York, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication Arts, and continued his education with a Master of Science in Education and Communication Disorders degree from The College of Saint Rose in Albany, New York. Joe was awarded the Certificate of Clinical Competence from ASHA in 1998 and is a licensed speech pathologist in North Carolina.

Joe has been in the field of accent and pronunciation instruction since 2001, when he purchased his first client training materials and acquired his first paying client using the P-ESL method. From there he created his own professional consulting and training business. In 2008, he was appointed Director of the Institute of Language and Phonology – Training Division, succeeding the 20-year leadership span of Dr. Compton, and the three-year training leadership of former Director Shelly Wallace.

Joe has delivered professional training and coaching services to corporate and individual clients around the country. Joe uses the results of his practice-building, networking, and marketing techniques as a guide in instructing other speech professionals desiring growth in their practices.

In addition to accent modification, Joe has also presented coaching programs that helped participants speak with a compelling presence, use their voice to command any size audience, and give organized presentations that truly capture the attention of the audience.

Lori Edwards

In 2008, Lori approached Dr. Compton with an unsolicited and forward-thinking proposition: make the P-ESL method and materials available to anyone, anywhere using the latest web-based technologies. After years of attempting to offer her services in a rural setting with a limited marketplace, Lori envisioned the ability to assess and train clients via her computer, maintaining the same evidence-based effectiveness that has always been an integral part of the P-ESL method. She knew there was a robust marketplace for her services, and she was committed to developing her skill set, but she also knew that those opportunities lay beyond the boundaries of her home town in Cottonwood, AZ. After teaming up with a talented programmer who designed the first web-based prototype for web-based P-ESL assessments, she contacted Dr. Compton to discuss her vision. The rest is everything that ComptonPESLOnline.com (the online hub for web-based P-ESL assessment) has evolved into. The number of instructors using ComptonPESLOnline.com to grow their independent businesses and expand the reach of their professional services now outnumbers the use of the original printed format of Dr. Compton’s Phonological Assessment of Foreign Accent.

Mark Edwards

Mark is the other half of the technological/clinical team that approached Dr. Compton with their plans to bring P-ESL to the web-based world.  With Lori’s clinical guidance and input, he designed the Online Assessment from the ground up. Shortly after that, he applied his technical skills to the development of the P-ESL Online Practice Lab (www.ajcomptonpesl.com), bringing the entire program online and enabling instructors to deliver comprehensive training programs in an exclusive web-based format.

These web-based tools can now be used by any Certified P-ESL Instructor who wants to take advantage of the speed and convenience of web-based assessment and instruction.  Mark and Lori Edwards remain committed to making these tools a valuable and indispensable resource for accent reduction specialists with continuous developments and enhancements. Contact the ILP Design and Technology team at info@comptonpeslonline.com.

Dr. Arthur J. Compton

Creator of the P-ESL Method of Accent Modification and CEO of the non-profit ILP Research Division, and a true pioneer in the field.

Dr. Arthur J. Compton founded the Institute of Language and Phonology in San Francisco, which by 1976 launched a publishing arm, Carousel House Press. He subsequently began developing his renowned Compton P-ESL accent modification program in 1978. 

Dr. Compton’s impressive background includes teaching at the University of California, Berkeley and California State University, Hayward. Dr. Compton’s experience in education also includes an associate professorship at the University of Iowa, where he developed academic programs in Psycholinguistics and Child Language.

Since the early 1980’s, Dr. Compton has developed numerous tools to test the linguistic skills of children and adults and has enjoyed having much of his work reviewed and published in academia. Dr. Compton received the Editor’s Award from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association for his phonological research with children. Dr. Compton’s San Francisco-based practice focuses on developments in accent modification and child phonology assessment. Sculptor, artist, published poet, and classic automobile buff, Dr. Compton has a Bachelor degree in speech pathology and a Doctorate of Linguistics from Ohio State University.

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Then, in 2001, I discovered Dr. Arthur Compton’s P-ESL Method. It had already been established, but that’s when I took my first steps in getting certified. Everything changed.

Instead of relying on trial and error, I had a structured, research-based system for assessing pronunciation, selecting treatment targets, and guiding clients through a logical progression that consistently improved intelligibility. Not only did my confidence as an instructor grow, but so did my accent coaching practice.

A few years later, in 2008, I learned that Dr. Compton was looking for someone to continue teaching the P-ESL Method through live workshops and professional training. I was honored to accept that opportunity and continue the work he had begun.

Since then, I’ve trained thousands of speech-language pathologists, ESL instructors, and communication professionals to use the same proven system—not only to achieve better outcomes with their clients, but also to create new professional opportunities for themselves.

Some have added pronunciation training to an existing private practice. Others have launched successful online accent coaching businesses. Many simply wanted a flexible way to generate additional income while doing work they genuinely enjoy.

That’s what continues to motivate me today.

The P-ESL Method isn’t just about teaching pronunciation. It’s about giving talented professionals a proven framework they can use with confidence—and opening the door to a specialized service that’s in demand around the world.

If you’re ready to shift your focus and make the most of every 24 hours, now’s the time to explore how you can start accomplishing new, exciting goals. Like many seasoned SLPs, after spending over a decade in various clinical settings, I found myself craving something fresh, something more engaging, something that reignited my passion for speech-language pathology.

If you’re convinced that your current commitments don’t leave time for anything new, that’s going to be true—until you change your mindset. I’ve heard countless SLPs and professionals express interest in offering accent and pronunciation training to motivated adults, but they often feel stuck, unable to carve out the time. The truth is, once you change how you view time and manage it, new doors will open.

There’s already a thriving community of professionals out there doing exactly what you want to do, and the marketplace is only expanding. By browsing the ILP Trainer Directory, you can connect with others who’ve taken the leap, share your thoughts, and get your questions answered.

And if you’re ready to take the plunge, there’s a robust network waiting for you inside The ILP Academy. Since 2008, I’ve been teaching the P-ESL method, and in 2012, we launched ILP Academy online. Initially, it was by invitation-only, offered for peer review. Now, ILP Academy has been providing P-ESL Certification online for over a decade, with thousands of certified instructors who’ve completed the training.

Here’s the best part—you don’t have to be an SLP to succeed in this field (though it certainly gives you an edge). While the P-ESL method was designed by SLPs, it’s not limited to them. Accent modification and pronunciation instruction isn’t regulated by state or national licensing boards, which means that ESL teachers, linguistics instructors, voice coaches, and even foreign language teachers can all benefit from this powerful training.

Our courses are open to any professional with at least three years of experience in communication disorders, ESL, linguistics, voice coaching, or related fields—or to those enrolled in graduate-level programs in Communication Disorders. You’ll get instant access to a growing collection of ILP Academy courses designed to teach you the entire process of helping clients achieve clearer, more confident American English pronunciation. And once you complete the certification, you’ll be fully equipped to offer these services in person or via web-conferencing.

Accent modification for foreign-born ESL speakers is in high demand, especially among professionals in leadership, management, and entrepreneurial roles. These will be your future clients!

The PESL method has been trusted for over three decades as the go-to approach for accent and pronunciation instructors. It’s used by independent trainers, university speech clinics, and English teachers worldwide because it offers a reliable, systematic framework.

It all starts with a personalized assessment. Using a detailed evaluation, you’ll identify the specific sounds and patterns that give your client a “heavy” or noticeable accent in American English. From there, you’ll create a roadmap—an individualized training plan tailored to their unique needs.

You can work one-on-one or combine the assessments of multiple learners for group instruction. With the step-by-step system we provide, you can run group classes with learners from any language background – whether their first language is Russian, Chinese, Spanish, or Hindi… or any other. Every student follows their own personalized program, even in group settings.

Using the proven P-ESL Method, you’ll be equipped to help clients achieve meaningful improvements in everyday spoken communication. Many clients experience noticeable progress in as little as 90 days, and long-term research has demonstrated minimum average improvements of 50% in speech clarity, making it easier for others to understand them. As communication becomes clearer, clients often experience greater confidence in professional and social settings, fewer requests to repeat themselves, and more natural, successful conversations.

These minimum improvements are typically achieved by clients who consistently attend instructional sessions and actively participate with their instructor – in other words, those who simply show up. Clients who complete their weekly practice assignments, remain accountable through the web-based Client Practice platform, and apply the strategies taught during instruction often achieve results that exceed the minimum improvements reported in the research. These are not exaggerated claims – but information based on research involving hundreds of learners from over 100 different language backgrounds.

The ultimate result is more than better pronunciation – it’s clearer communication, stronger professional presence, and greater confidence every time they speak. The highly motivated professionals you’ll work with know the importance of clear communication, and their commitment ensures lasting success. They will likely strive for more than just the minimum.

English is the global language of business, and leaders, entrepreneurs, and executives around the world are eager to improve their communication skills to reach their goals. There’s a thriving market for pronunciation and accent instruction—and a relatively small pool of trained professionals like you ready to deliver it. And we haven’t even touched on the possibilities of web-based training.

Every component of the P-ESL system can be delivered online by a certified instructor. Yes, you’ll need to get comfortable with technology and web-conferencing platforms, but the rewards of expanding your reach and offering your expertise to clients anywhere in the world are well worth it.

Prefer in-person training? ILP Academy courses prepare you to offer online or on–site instruction. Whether you picture yourself working in a studio, classroom, or office, or teaching clients virtually from anywhere, we provide you with the tools you need to succeed.

With P-ESL certification, you can start making an impact, growing your business, and helping clients achieve their communication goals—whereve