Program Overview

English as a Second Language

The English as a Second Language (ESL) certificate is designed to provide current K-12 teachers with an Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) endorsement in ESL upon successful completion of the program. The courses are offered in an online format as a graduate certificate from the Master of Arts in Education degree program. The goal of this program is to provide current K-12 teachers within the state of Illinois the necessary preparation to lead to ISBE endorsement to serve the ESL student population with excellence.

Program Requirements

After completing all required courses, candidates must take and pass the ISBE Educator Licensure exam in ESL to qualify for the endorsement. A passing grade in an EDL course is considered to be B (3.0) or above. A failing grade is given for work below that level. Grades of C awarded during the effective period of this catalog will be counted, provided that an equal or greater number of A credits are earned in EDL courses (grades of C- or lower will not be accepted).

Required Courses

• EDL 550: Theoretical Foundations of Teaching English as Second Language (4 hours)
• EDL 584: Assessment of ESL Students (4 hours)
• EDL 592: Linguistics (4 hours)
• EDL 593: Cross Cultural Studies for ESL (2 hours)
• EDL 594: Methods and Materials for ESL (4 hours)
• EDL 595: ESL Clinical Experience (2 hours)
  • This class may not be required for students who have met the clinical experience requirement of the Illinois State Board of Education for English as a Second Language Letter of Approval/Endorsement.
• Total Hours: 20

Program Overview

The English as a Second Language certificate program is designed to prepare current K-12 teachers to serve the ESL student population with excellence. The program consists of 20 hours of online coursework and leads to an ISBE endorsement in ESL. Upon completion of the program, candidates must pass the ISBE Educator Licensure exam in ESL to qualify for the endorsement.