In today’s increasingly multilingual and multicultural schools, there is an ever-growing need for responsive teachers who nurture students’ ability to speak more than one language. English as a Second Language (ESL) educators know how students learn the English language and are passionate advocates for bilingual students.
The ESL endorsement program offers practicing licensed teachers the opportunity to support educational and social change for traditionally underserved students, families and communities. In just one year, students can complete all of the coursework required to obtain an Illinois state endorsement in ESL; in addition, students in the ESL endorsement program who are bilingual will have the option to take one additional class and a language proficiency exam to earn a Bilingual Education endorsement.
Program graduates work as ESL teachers in urban and suburban public and private schools, dual language schools and charter schools. As the immigrant and English Language Learner (ELL) population continues to grow, so will the need for quality ESL teachers.
Are you interested in enrolling in this program? View its admission requirements and application instructions here or contact the College of Education’s Office of Graduate Admissions at (773) 325-4405.
Licensure/Endorsement
The English as a Second Language Endorsement program leads to an ESL endorsement, which can be added to an Illinois teaching license (PEL).
Program Format
To accommodate working professionals, all classes in the ESL endorsement program meet in the evening at DePaul’s Lincoln Park Campus. In addition, the program’s schedule is flexible, allowing students to enroll full-time or part-time as their professional and personal schedules allow.
Program Requirements
The ESL Endorsement program includes 24 quarter hours of coursework in Bilingual/Bicultural Education and 100 hours of clinical experience.
This program is typically eligible for financial aid. Please see this document and consult your advisor in the COE.
Admission Requirements
To be eligible for the English as a Second Language (ESL) endorsement program, students must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and hold a valid teaching license.
To apply, please submit the following items to The Office of Graduate Admission:
- A completed application
- Online application fee
- One official transcript from all colleges and/or universities attended
- A copy of valid professional educator license
- A resume or curriculum vitae
- Two letters of recommendation from professors or employers
- Statement of purpose indicating professional development goals and related experience (750 words)
Course Requirements
28 Quarter Hours, Grade of C or Better Required
Must complete the coursework and field experience hours below:
Course List
| Course |
Title |
Quarter Hours |
| BBE 510 | SPECIAL TOPICS IN LANGUAGE EDUCATION AND CULTURE | 4 |
| BBE 570 | LANGUAGE, LITERACIES AND CULTURES | 4 |
| BBE 407 | EQUITY ISSUES IN ASSESSMENT OF LANGUAGE LEARNERS | 4 |
| BBE 425 | BILITERACY PRACTICES IN BILINGUAL EDUCATION AND ESL | 4 |
| BBE 560 | SECOND, WORLD AND HERITAGE LANGUAGE ACQUISITION | 4 |
| BBE 524 | METHODS OF TEACHING ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE | 4 |
| BBE 526 | THEORETICAL FOUNDATIONS OF TEACHING ESL AND WLE | 4 |
| BBE 97 | 100 FIELD EXPERIENCE HOURS IN ESL / BE DOCUMENTED (non-credit) | 0 |
Endorsement Application
Individuals must submit an application directly to the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) upon successful completion of the required coursework. All individuals must meet ISBE requirements at the time of application. Requirements are subject to change per the discretion of ISBE.
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