Program Overview

Graduate Certificate in Leadership in English Language Acquisition and Development

About

The Graduate Certificate in Specialization of English Language Acquisition & Development (LELAD) in the Department of Early, Multilingual, & Special Education prepares educators to work in PK-12 to advocate for the specific sociocultural, academic, cognitive, and linguistic needs of English language learners.

The graduate certificate program in the Specialization of ELAD is composed of seven courses targeting a specific age range of English learners (i.e., ELs in PK-12), focusing on developing specialized knowledge in working with ELs. The program is particularly relevant to individuals who work with school-age ELs in U.S. public schools or are seeking a leadership role centered on EL education (e.g., ELL learning strategist, district-level position). The 18-credit program will provide educators with knowledge, strategies, and advocacy skills for this ELL populations. Hours earned for the certificate may be applied to the master’s degree program in English Language Learning. Hours earned in the master’s program in English Language Learning may not retroactively be used toward the certificate.

The certificate includes 7 courses related to assessment, second language acquisition, curriculum and instruction, linguistic theories, educational policy and advocacy that are important for designing instruction, interventions, assessments, and curricula for English learners. The coursework associated with this graduate certificate aligns with the learning expectations of and requirements for the ELAD endorsement through the Nevada Department of Education (See Nevada Academic Code [NAC] 391.237). Curriculum in the graduate certificate ELAD program is also centered on multiple domains of knowledge and align with the standards of the Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) for teacher preparation.

Accreditation

For information regarding accreditation at UNLV, please head over to Academic Program Accreditations.

Learning Outcomes

Scholars will be able to:

• Apply knowledge of language as a system (phonology, morphology, syntax, pragmatics, semantics) to develop learning experiences that support ELLs language and literacy development in all content areas (Language).
• Construct supportive learning environments for ELLs through application of major theories and research related to the role of culture in learning and language acquisition (Culture).
• Plan, implement, and manage high quality standards-based ESL and content instruction integrating evidence-based practices and technology to simultaneously develop content and language skills (Planning, Implementing, and Managing Instruction).
• Demonstrate knowledge of the selection, use, and interpretation of appropriate cognitive, academic, and linguistic assessments for ELLs (Assessment).
• Utilize historical perspectives, current policy, and advances in the research field to improve instructional practices and advocacy in the field of ELL education (Professionalism).

Requirements

Plan Description

The Graduate Certificate in Leadership in English Language Acquisition & Development (LELAD) is a 18-credit program designed to develop specialized knowledge in working with ELs in early childhood, elementary, and secondary schooling. The 18-credit program strands will provide educators with knowledge, strategies, and advocacy skills for EL populations, particularly focusing on policy and community engagement involving ELL education.

Courses are taught in hybrid form (e.g., online, face-to-face).

Plan Admission Requirements

• Completed admission application and fee
• Set of official transcripts from all previously attended colleges and universities
• A one-page (350 to 400 words) letter of intent should include (1) the English Language Learning or Bilingual Education focus area of interest, (2) professional and academic goals, and (3) discussion of experiences relative to the focus area of study. The letter should be uploaded on-line with the application forms through the Graduate College Grad Rebel Gateway application system.

Plan Requirements

Total Credits Required - 18

Course Requirements

• TESL 751 - Theory and Practice for Academic English Language Development
• TESL 752 - Methods and Curriculum for Teaching ELs
• TESL 754 - Assessment and Evaluation of ELs
• TESL 758 - Cultural and Linguistic Diversity (CLD) Program Leadership
• TESL 760 - Foundations in Education in Cultural and Linguistic Diversity (CLD)
• Students are required to complete 1-credit of TESL 757.
• TESL 757 - Policies, Critical Issues, and Best Practices for Pre-K, Elementary, and Secondary ELs Practicum
• Students are required to complete 2 credits of TESL 759.
• TESL 759 - Policies, Critical Issues, and Best Practices for Pre-K, Elementary, and Secondary ELs Seminar

Certificate Completion Requirements

Students may apply for graduation up to two semesters prior to completing their degree requirements. All required forms must be submitted to the graduate college via the Grad Rebel Gateway.

Documents/Downloads

• Plans of Study
• Syllabi
• Degree Worksheets
• Careers
• Graduate Handbooks
• Additional Downloads
• Related Links

Contacts

• Graduate Coordinator: Jenna Weglarz-Ward, Ph.D.
• Graduate Coordinator: Heather Van Ness, Ph.D.
• Graduate Coordinator: Alain Bengochea, Ph.D.
• Department of Early Childhood, Multilingual, and Special Education
• College of Education