English as a Second Language (ESL) Graduate Certificate Program

Program Overview

Western Michigan University's online ESL Graduate Certificate Program equips educators with the knowledge and skills to teach English as a Second Language in K-12 schools. The program covers linguistic principles, teaching methods, standards, and assessments, preparing graduates for the Michigan Department of Education's ESL endorsement. With a focus on meeting the needs of culturally and linguistically diverse students, the program empowers educators to effectively support English language learners.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The English as a Second Language (ESL) Graduate Certificate Program at Western Michigan University is designed to equip educators with the knowledge and skills necessary to meet the unique needs of English language learners in K-12 schools. Graduates of this certificate program will be eligible for the Michigan Department of Education's English as a Second Language endorsement upon completion of one additional course (TEL 6220). This program is offered fully online.

Objectives:

• Prepare educators to become K-12 English as a Second Language (ESL) teachers.
• Provide a comprehensive program to meet the needs of culturally- and linguistically-diverse students in K-12 settings based on current theory and research.
• Prepare educators to collaborate and engage in dialogue with content area and general education colleagues to better serve the academic and linguistic needs of English language learners.
• Equip educators with knowledge of effective instructional methodologies to address English learners' academic and linguistic needs.
• Develop educators who are able to analyze and modify instructional materials and assessments depending on students' English proficiency.

Outline:

Program Content:

• Introduction to ESL/Bilingual Education
• Linguistic Principles for ESL and Bilingual Education
• ESL Teaching Methods
• Standards and Assessments in ESL Education
• Advanced ESL Teaching Methods
• Advanced Standards and Assessments in ESL Education

Program Structure:

• The program consists of 21 credits of coursework for the graduate certificate and a total of 24 credits for the Michigan Department of Education's ESL endorsement.
• An overall program grade point average of 3.0 or better is required to continue in this certificate/endorsement program.

Course Schedule:

• The program is offered fully online.
• Course schedules vary depending on the semester.

Individual Modules:

• TEL 5150 Introduction to ESL/Bilingual Education: This course provides an overview of the field of ESL/bilingual education, including its history, theory, and practice.
• TEL 5200 Linguistic Principles for ESL and Bilingual Education: This course examines the linguistic principles that underlie ESL/bilingual education, including phonology, morphology, syntax, and semantics.
• TEL 6210 ESL Teaching Methods: This course provides an overview of the methods used to teach English as a second language, including communicative language teaching, task-based learning, and content-based instruction.
• TEL 6220 Standards and Assessments in ESL Education: This course examines the standards and assessments used in ESL education, including the WIDA English Language Development Standards and the Michigan Department of Education's ESL Endorsement Test.
• TEL 6310 Advanced ESL Teaching Methods: This course provides advanced training in ESL teaching methods, including the use of technology, differentiated instruction, and sheltered instruction.
• TEL 6320 Advanced Standards and Assessments in ESL Education: This course provides advanced training in the standards and assessments used in ESL education, including the development and use of authentic assessments.

Assessment:

• Students are assessed through a variety of methods, including exams, quizzes, papers, and presentations.
• The program requires an overall program grade point average of 3.0 or better to continue in the certificate/endorsement program.

Teaching:

• The program is taught by a team of experienced faculty who are experts in ESL education.
• The program uses a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, discussions, simulations, and group projects.
• The program offers a unique co-curricular designation known as the WMU Signature.
Pathways include: Teaching & Student Success, Leadership, Health & Wellbeing, Diversity, Inclusion, Equity & Justice, and more!

Careers:

• Graduates of the ESL Graduate Certificate Program are eligible for the Michigan Department of Education's English as a Second Language endorsement.
• Graduates are qualified to teach English as a second language in K-12 schools.
• Graduates may also work as ESL coaches or coordinators in schools or districts.