English as a Second Language (ESL) Graduate Certificate Program
Graduate certificate
This graduate level certificate program is designed to prepare educators 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.
This program is designed to meet the needs of teachers who:
- Are interested in becoming ESL teachers (requires MDE ESL endorsement).
- Want to meet both the language and content needs of their English language learners.
- Want to teach in schools with a significant population of English language learners.
- Desire to become a district ESL coach or coordinator (requires MDE ESL endorsement).
Reasons to choose our program:
- Program completion leads to a Michigan ESL endorsement.
- Western Michigan University’s ESL certificate program prepares educators to become K-12 English as a Second Language (ESL) teachers.
- Provides a comprehensive program to meet the needs of culturally- and linguistically-diverse students in K-12 settings based on current theory and research.
- Prepares 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.
- Equips educators with knowledge of effective instructional methodologies to address English learners’ academic and linguistic needs.
- Develops educators who are able to analyze and modify instructional materials and assessments depending on students’ English proficiency.
- We are the only institution in the U.S. that includes an optional co-curricular designation known as the WMU Signature. Pathways include: Teaching & Student Success, Leadership, Health & Wellbeing, Diversity, Inclusion, Equity & Justice, and more!
Admission requirements
- Bachelor's degree, initial teacher certification and prior teaching experience.
- One page statement explaining applicant interest in this certificate/endorsement program.
- Meet university requirements for graduate level admission.
Program requirements
Students will complete a planned program of study consisting 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. The required courses for certificate/endorsement include:
Certificate/endorsement course titles and numbers | Credit hours |
---|---|
TEL 5150 Introduction to ESL/Bilingual Education | 3 |
TEL 5200 Linguistic Principles for ESL and Bilingual Education | 3 |
TEL 6210 ESL Teaching Methods | 4 |
TEL 6220 Standards and Assessments in ESL Education* | 3 |
TEL 6310 Advanced ESL Teaching Methods | 4 |
TEL 6320 Advanced Standards and Assessments in ESL Education | 4 |
*Required additional course for the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) endorsement.
Choose an elective from one of the following courses:
- LS 5100 Differences in Literacy, Language and Learning
- LS 6300 Teaching Reading in a Diverse Society
Questions?
For more information please contact Dr. Virginia David or Dr. Selena Protacio.
Please visit the Department of Special Education and Literacy Studies website for more information.