The purpose of the Education Department English as a Second Language (ESL) program is to prepare teachers, administrators, and school service professionals who hold an Illinois Professional Educators License to meet the state endorsement requirements for the ESL Endorsement. The ESL certificate will prepare teachers to teach in multilingual classrooms with students for whom English is not their first language. The coursework in this certificate is specifically aligned to meet the linguistics, development, education, methods, and cultural content requirements of the state endorsements including electives and an ESL practicum experience. The Education Department believes that these endorsements are of particular importance as the number of ESL students in Illinois is projected to continue to rise, and there is a declared ESL teacher shortage.

Program Requirements

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
Required Program Core
EDUC 220	Theoretical Foundations of 2nd Language Acquisition and Learning	3
EDUC 221	Methods and Materials for Teaching ESL in PK-12	3
EDUC 223	Assessment of the Second Language Learner	3
EDUC 224	Cross Cultural Studies for Teaching Limited English Proficient Students	3
LING 102	Introduction To Linguistics	3
Required Work-Based Learning Courses
EDUC 225	Bilingual and ESL Practicum	3
Total Hours		18

Pathway

This is an example course sequence for students interested in pursuing English as a Second Language. This does not represent a contract, nor does it guarantee course availability. If this pathway is followed as outlined, you will earn a Basic Certificate (BC).

Semester-by-Semester Program Plan for Full-Time Students

All plans can be modified to fit the needs of part-time students by adding more semesters.

Plan of Study Grid

Semester 1		Hours
LING 102	Introduction To Linguistics	3
EDUC 220	Theoretical Foundations of 2nd Language Acquisition and Learning	3
EDUC 221	Methods and Materials for Teaching ESL in PK-12	3
EDUC 223	Assessment of the Second Language Learner	3
EDUC 224	Cross Cultural Studies for Teaching Limited English Proficient Students	3
	Hours	15
Semester 2
EDUC 225	Bilingual and ESL Practicum	3
	Hours	3
	Total Hours	18

Choose your courses with your College Advisor.