ESL/TESOL/Bilingual Teacher Education Programs

(found programs from 683 schools)

go to school listings

Below is a directory (broken down by state) of all of the ESL/TESOL/Bilingual Teacher Education programs we could find, from over 1,700 accredited colleges and universities across the US.

Introduction to English as a Second Language Teaching Careers

According to the National Clearinghouse for English Language Acquisition (NCELA) there were approximately 5.3 million students with limited English language skills enrolled in the nation's schools as of the 2007-2008 school year. Schools are required by law to provide services that help these students learn English while making appropriate academic progress. English as a Second Language teachers fill this role. Below is an interview with Linda New Levine, chair for TESOL's Professional Development Committee, which discusses the teaching of ESL as a career.





English as a Second Language Teaching Job Description

ESL teachers instruct students whose first language is not English. The goal is to teach English language learners to read, speak, and write English, so they can achieve grade level proficiency in their regular classrooms. ESL teachers must be highly knowledgeable in the content and structure of the English language as well as the methodology for teaching English to non-native speakers. Unlike foreign language teachers, ESL teachers may have a class in which a variety of native languages are spoken. According to the American Federation of Teachers, the five most common languages spoken by English language learners are Spanish, Vietnamese, Hmong, Chinese, and Korean.

ESL teachers may work with students one-on-one or in small groups, and in the regular classroom, or in pull out programs. They conduct diagnostic evaluations to determine students' levels of language proficiency. From there, ESL teachers develop an instructional plan appropriate to each student's needs. They track student progress and communicate with other members of the educational team to ensure appropriate progress is being made in the regular classroom. ESL teachers usually serve as the primary link between English language learners and their parents.

English as a Second Language Teaching Requirements

Educational and licensing requirements for ESL teachers vary from state to state and even from school to school. Check with your state department of education for exact requirements.

Another resource is the Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) website. TESOL maintains a directory of ESL degree/certificate programs in the U.S. and Canada. At a minimum, public school ESL teachers must hold a bachelor's degree and be licensed by the state in which they work. Common degree programs include English, linguistics, and education with an ESL endorsement. A number of colleges and universities offer a master's degree program in Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL).

English as a Second Language Teaching Career Outlook

A 2008 survey by The American Association for Employment in Education reports some shortage of ESL teachers in most areas of the country so job prospects should be bright for qualified candidates. ESL teachers also are in high demand abroad.

The median salary for K-12 teachers in 2008 ranged from $47,000 to $51,000 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

English as a Second Language Teaching Trends

Collaborative teaching is an increasingly popular way to deliver ESL instruction according to Judie Haynes, an author and ESL teacher who runs the website Everything ESL. In collaborative teaching, the regular classroom teacher and the ESL teacher work side-by-side in the general education classroom sharing equal responsibility for instructional planning and delivery. One of the advantages of this model is a lower student-to-teacher ratio. In addition, English language learners are not separated from their classmates.

Online ESL Education Programs

According to the Department of Education, states with significant immigrant populations, such as Texas and Florida, are critically short when it comes to ESL teachers. Whether you are already a certified teacher or you are seeking to become one, there are all types of online programs in ESL available: master's degrees, doctorate degrees, and even certificates and endorsements.

Online programs in ESL education generally involve second language acquisition, pedagogical practices, teaching language skills, assessment methods for ESL students and multicultural communication. Program completion depends largely on individual students, but generally master's degrees, doctorate degrees and certificates may take 18 months to two years to complete, while endorsements can take one to two years.

Online programs may be a good fit for individuals who require minimal guidance to complete assignments. Those who need greater discipline and structure should consider enrolling in traditional on-campus programs instead.

Three online programs in ESL education worth considering are offered by Drexel University, Jones International University and University of the Southwest.

Drexel University offers the teaching English as a second language (TESL) certificate, an online program specifically for current teachers who wish to add to their existing credentials. This certificate prepares educators for state certification in ESL education, and credits may also transfer to Drexel's Master of Science degree in teaching, learning and curriculum: teacher certification track.

Jones International University's Master of Education in K-12 ESL education teacher licensure program is designed for students who already have a bachelor's degree in education. The program consists of 48 semester hours to meet the criteria of the ESL National Standards, allowing students to pursue ESL certification after graduation.

University of the Southwest offers a Master of Science in curriculum and instruction - teaching English as a second language program. Courses cover topics such as humanities for bilingual learners and language acquisition.


Useful Resources


Featured Online Programs:


Concordia University

Matching Program(s):
(for aspiring teachers and current teachers)
M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction: English Language DevelopmentM.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction: ESOL (K-Adult)

Drexel University

Matching Program(s):

Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) Certificate

Grand Canyon University

Matching Program(s):
(for current teachers only)
M.Ed. in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) (Does not lead to initial teacher licensure)

Lamar University

Accreditation:
NCATE accredited
Matching Program(s):
(for current teachers only)
Preparation Program for ESL Certification

The University of Texas at Arlington

Accreditation:
NCATE accredited
Matching Program(s):
(for aspiring teachers only)
M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction with Literacy Studies

Walden University

Matching Program(s):
(for current teachers only)
Master of Science (M.S.) in Adult Learning Teaching Adults English as Second Language

Western Governors University

Accreditation:
NCATE accredited, TEAC accredited
Matching Program(s):
(for current teachers only)
Endorsement Prep. Program ELL (PK-12)M.A. English Language Learning (PK-12)

WGU Indiana

Accreditation:
NCATE accredited
Matching Program(s):
(for current teachers only)
Endorsement Prep. Program ELL (PK-12)M.A. English Language Learning (K-12)

WGU Washington

Matching Program(s):
(for current teachers only)
Endorsement Prep. Program in ELL (PK-12)M.A. English Language Learning (PK-12)

Alabama



Alaska



Arizona



Arkansas



California



Colorado



Connecticut



Delaware



District Of Columbia



Florida



Georgia



Hawaii



Idaho



Illinois



Indiana



Iowa



Kansas



Kentucky



Louisiana



Maine



Maryland



Massachusetts



Michigan



Minnesota



Mississippi



Missouri



Montana



Nebraska



Nevada



New Hampshire



New Jersey



New Mexico



New York



North Carolina



North Dakota



Ohio



Oklahoma



Oregon



Pennsylvania



Puerto Rico



Rhode Island



South Carolina



South Dakota



Tennessee



Texas



Utah



Vermont



Virginia



Washington



West Virginia



Wisconsin



Wyoming




Are we missing any schools or programs? If so, please let us know! We appreciate your help in making this the best directory of Education Degree Programs on the web. You can send us an email at schools@educationdegree.com.