Teachers who earn a certificate or graduate degree in ESL will be prepared to meet the needs of the "fastest growing group of students in the United States today". Through ESL programs, teachers will learn ESL methodologies, techniques and strategies, assessment skills, and communication skils. Although a teacher doesn't have to be bilingual, she must have specific knowledge to effectively work with ELLs (English Language Learner).

No State requires ALL general education teachers to be ESL certified or endorsed. However, school districts that have particularly large ELL populations may require an ESL endorsement from general education teachers. >> Read more on ELLs and Meeting their Needs

ESL / ESOL - Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies (CAGS)
The pedagogy of language acquisition is of extreme importance in today's classrooms and businesses. This18 credit hour CAGS provides the knowledge base to build successful programs to enhance the learning of the English language, to assess skills of diverse students and to design instruction with bilingual materials. A practicum is possible for this level of study in English as a Second Language. (Note: Learners seeking ESL/ESOL certification should verify with appropriate state officials that this CAGS meets applicable certification requirements.) >> Request Info

Courses in the English as a Second Language/English for Speakers of Other Languages CAGS program include:

• Foundations of Instruction
• Evaluation of Diverse Learners
• Bilingual Instructional Methods
• Developing Curriculum for ESOL Learners
• Curriculum Development for ESL/Bilingual

ESL / ESOL - Master of Education
As the diversity of student populations change globally, teaching English as a second language is a skill in high demand. This program enhances skills in communicating with speakers of other languages and integrating techniques to successfully instruct students in English proficiency. (Note: Learners seeking ESL/ESOL certification should verify with appropriate state officials that this specialization meets applicable certification requirements.) >> Request Info

ESL / ESOL - Doctor of Education
The pedagogy of language acquisition is of extreme importance in today's classrooms and businesses. This specialization provides the knowledge base to build successful programs to enhance the learning of the English language, to assess skills of diverse students and to design instruction with bilingual materials. A practicum is possible for this level of study in English as a Second Language. (Note: Learners seeking ESL/ESOL certification should verify with appropriate state officials that this specialization meets applicable certification requirements.) >> Request Info

Western Governor's University Online

English Language Learners /
English as a Second Language
Endorsement Preparation for PK - 12 Teachers
WGU's online ELL endorsement preparation program isdesigned for currently licensed elementary and secondary school teachers who desire to be licensed to teach in ELL or ESL settings. With this endorsement, you will become highly qualified in ELL or ESL, increase your career opportunities, earn re-licensure points, and possibly become eligible for lane changes leading to increased salary.

The program is for licensed teachers with bachelor’s degrees who are interested in ELL or ESL instruction, community college teachers who work in ELL or ESL settings,district instructional personnel and curricula leaders, and "Emergency credentialed" ELL or ESL teachers who need the endorsements to be considered highly qualified.

The ELL/ESL Endorsement Program typically takes 12 to 18 months to complete. The program includes courses such as Language Production, Theory and Acquisition; Theories of Second Language Learning Acquisition and Grammar; Planning, Implementing, Managing Instruction.

Applied Linguistics - Master of Arts
UMass Online's Master's in Applied Linguistics is a 30-credit program focuses on the acquisition of English as a second or subsequent language, as well as cross-cultural relationships and interethnic communication. The program's interdisciplinary core curriculum includes courses in basic and contrastive linguistics, psycholinguistics, sociolinguistics and cross cultural perspectives, together with courses on teaching methodology for elementary, secondary, and adult education programs.

Students choose from two concentrations: English as a Second Language (ESL), Foreign Language Pedagogy (FL).

California Teachers of English Language Learners - Certificate
This certificate program is aligned directly to the Candidate Competency Standards and the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities for California Teachers of English Learners (CTEL). The curriculum is designed around the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities for California Teachers of English Learners (CTEL), and provides candidates with a depth of knowledge regarding current research-based theories and research in the specialized instruction of English language development (ELD).

UOP's CLAD certificate program is approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. Candidates who successfully complete the requirements will not need to take the State CLAD examination.

Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages - Master of Education
The Master of Education in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) is a program designed for already certified teachers or administrators with an interest in teaching ESL students in the classroom or serving as a district ESL coordinator. The format and courses of the regionally accredited program are tailored to the adult learner, who is a certified teacher or administrator, and to maximize strengths that the working educator possesses. Courses are taught by experts in their respective fields who share experience in areas of linguistics, second language acquisition, and curriculum development. Opportunities are provided to apply concepts, theories, and research throughout the program, but particularly in an unsupervised internship which guides students through observational and practice based experiences. Graduates of the program are prepared to become leaders in the ESL/TESOL initiatives districts must undertake in an ever increasing school climate of diversity.

Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) - Certificate
The PDE approved Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) Certificate program is an add-on certificate available to students that currently possess a K-12 teaching certificate and want to become instructors of English as a Second Language. Credits earned through this program may be applied toward the MS in the Science of Instruction. The 12-credit TESL certificate program covers the theory and practice of second language education, the structure and sound of English, the design and assessment of ESL course materials, as well as broader issues in intercultural learning. It does not require that the instructor speak another language. Credits earned through this program may be applied toward the MS in the Science of Instruction.

K-12 English as a Second Language - Master of Education
The MEd in K-12 ESL Education degree program is designed for licensed educators who are interested in pursuing an additional endorsement as a teacher of students who are learning English as a second language. Candidates find coursework designed to augment their professional knowledge, skills and aptitude. This degree program is ideal for an in-service teacher or a licensed applicant who is interested in linguistically diverse education; and who holds a bachelor's degree or higher from a four-year accepted institution of higher education.

• K-12 ESL - MEd (Teacher Licensure)
• K-12 ESL: Bilingual Education - MEd
• K-12 ESL: Bilingual Education - MEd (Teacher Licensure)