The online English as a Second Language (ESL) endorsement (P-12) is designed for certified Kentucky teachers seeking the expertise and credentials essential to meeting the unique needs of English language learners.
Offered by the College of Education and Human Development at the University of Louisville, the ESL endorsement addresses the growing demand for teachers with specialized training who are qualified to teach this diverse, yet distinct population. Gain knowledge in sociolinguistics, cross-cultural competency, cultural diversity and language acquisition and learn to make important connections between linguistic theory and classroom practice—and improve retention of the English language. If you are not a Kentucky certified teacher or you are not interested in teaching in the P-12 public school system, you may be interested in the TEIL graduate certificate.
*Check state authorizations for requirements in your state.
Teachers give their best to their students and UofL gives its best to teachers!
UofL offers a 25% Tuition Reduction for Teachers enrolling in approved teacher education programs.
Questions related to admission or certification may be sent to Betty Hampton, Director of Educator Preparation Student Services in the College of Education and Human Development at UofL.
The P-12 student population in the state of Kentucky speaks more than 94 different languages, according to the Kentucky Department of Education. This linguistic and cultural background variety across public school systems has led to a growing need for teachers with specialized training who are qualified to teach English as a second language (ESL). UofL’s ESL teaching endorsement strives to meet that demand by preparing you to understand and effectively meet the needs of this growing population within Kentucky classrooms.
| Application Deadline | Term | Start Date |
|---|---|---|
| August 1 | Fall | August |
| November 22 | Spring | January |
| April 1 | Summer | May/June |
Note: We recommend you work on and submit your complete application well in advance of the deadline, as obtaining transcripts and other materials may take more time.
Admission Requirements for the ESL Endorsement program – non-degreeGrad Application Directions
Additional Admission Requirements for the MEd in Teacher Leadership with the ESL Endorsement – degree seekingGrad Application Directions
This program is open to all eligible candidates regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age.
ESL Endorsement as Part of the Rank I Program
Candidates interested in pursuing the Rank I program with an ESL endorsement should contact Betty Hampton, Director of Educator Preparation Student Services in the College of Education and Human Development at UofL.
Out-of-State Applicants
Certified teachers outside Kentucky should be advised that we cannot guarantee the program will meet licensure, salary, advancement or other requirements in their state. As part of the admission process, we require a written statement confirming interest in the program for personal development and understanding that the program is designed to meet Kentucky certification requirements only. For more information, please contact betty.hampton@louisville.edu.
The online English as a Second Language endorsement is a 12 credit hour program consisting of 4 courses taken in the order shown below.
| Course List | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| EDAP 518 Survey of Linguistics for Educators (must take this course first in the sequence) | 3 |
| EDAP 535 Teaching English as an International Language OR EDAP 525 World Englishes | 3 |
| EDAP 530 Language Society & Power OR EDAP 642 Literacy Learning & Cultural Differences | 3 |
| EDAP 521 Teaching and Assessing English Language Learners (must take this course during your last semester in the ESL program) | 3 |
| Total | 12 |
In addition to the 4 endorsement courses, a 30 hour Field Experience is required and consists of 30 hours of documented observation with a Kentucky certified ESL endorsed teacher. Candidates must have also completed two semesters of a foreign language course.
Important: Admitted students are required to contact Dr. Elizabeth Patton (elizabeth.patton@louisville.edu), ESL endorsement Program Coordinator, prior to registering for ESL coursework.
EDAP 518 Survey of Linguistics for Educators
This course is a survey of both the theoretical and applied aspects of Linguistics. This is not an in-depth exploration of single-topic in the field of Linguistics but rather, a course designed to introduce students to the discipline of linguistics, especially those who are classroom educators. This course serves to introduce students to aspects of theoretical linguistics (phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics and pragmatics, L1 & L2 acquisition) and explore various aspects of applied linguistics (Sociolinguistics, Linguistic Anthropology, English Language Learners). This course will encourage students to think critically about language and its use and apply the theoretical aspects of linguistics in a way that informs best practices.
EDAP 535 Teaching English as an International Language
Prerequisite: EDAP 518 or permission of the ESL program coordinator. May take concurrently with EDAP 518. This course will introduce students to the theoretical construct and practical consideration of teaching English overseas. It necessarily assumes English language teaching is an activity infused with social and political implications. By providing a theoretical construct as the course platform, the course will explore the roles of teachers and learners, the context of curricula, and the choice of methodology to reflect the cultural values of teaching English in an international setting. This course will be added as an additional option to the ESL endorsement program sheet; not as an additional program requirement.
EDAP 525 World Englishes
Exploring the historical, social, and political contexts of the discipline of World Englishes. Topics such as language standardization, the internationalization of English, and challenges of teaching and testing of English as an international language will be discussed.
EDAP 530 Language, Society and Power
An ethnographic perspective to the study of language, investigating how it is used to create and maintain social institutions and rituals, and how it is differentiated across social class, language groups, genders and ethnicities.
EDAP 642 Literacy Learning and Cultural Differences
Explores the current knowledge base and theoretical frameworks used to explain differential achievement rates between students of diverse cultural, ethnic, and linguistic backgrounds.
EDAP 521 Teaching English Learners in the Classroom
A focus on strategies for working effectively with English learners and their families by teachers in P-12
Dr. Elizabeth Patton
elizabeth.patton@louisville.edu
502.852.8978
ESL Program Coordinator
Clinical Professor, Applied Linguistics
Betty Hampton
betty.hampton@louisville.edu
502.852.0411
Director, Graduate Student Services
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Can I receive federal aid while pursuing the teaching endorsement only - as a non-degree seeking student?
Unfortunately, federal aid is typically not available to students enrolled solely in the endorsement program as a non-degree seeking student. However, students enrolled in a master's degree program may be eligible to receive financial aid.
How does the ESL endorsement get attached to my teaching license after graduation?
In order to add the P-12 ESL Endorsement to your Kentucky teaching license, you have to pass the ESOL Praxis test. Students in our program consistently score a pass rate of over 90% on the ESOL Praxis exam. To find out more information or select the correct Praxis test for Kentucky, access the Kentucky Education Professional Standards Board (EPSB) Praxis Test website at http://www.ets.org/praxis/ky/requirements.
Upon completion of the testing requirement, teachers will submit a CA-1 form to the certification specialist at UofL for recommendation to the KY EPSB to add the ESL endorsement.
What types of positions will this endorsement prepare me for?
Teachers who receive Kentucky’s ESL endorsement certification are qualified to apply for ESL teaching positions in Kentucky public school districts, grades P-12.
I am not a Kentucky certified teacher. Can I still apply?
Yes, but we cannot guarantee the program will meet licensure, salary, advancement or other requirements in a state other than Kentucky. As part of the admission process, we will require a written statement from you, confirming interest in the program for personal development only.
While we certainly welcome out of state applicants to the ESL endorsement program, certified teachers residing in states other than Kentucky should contact the ESL Program Coordinator , Dr. Elizabeth Patton (elizabeth.patton@louisville.edu), to discuss further. For program availability and state authorization regulations in your state visit http://uofl.me/sarstates.
If you are not a certified teacher but are interested in working with English language learners outside of the K-12 public school system, you may be interested in our Teaching English as an International Language graduate certificate (TEIL).
Can I complete this program as part of my Rank I?
The Rank I program is flexible and the courses required for the endorsement may be used toward the Rank I. Please contact betty.hampton@louisville.edu for further information.
Can I complete this program as part of a master’s degree?
Yes. Kentucky certified teachers with a Rank III status (typically those who have completed a Bachelor’s level certification program) can use the endorsement courses as part of the Master of Education in Teacher Leadership, which leads to the Rank II in Kentucky.
I need to take two classes to renew my certification. Can I take two of these classes without enrolling in the full endorsement?
Yes. The ESL program is a non-degree program and ESL courses are available for professional development or personal growth.
I am a non-native English speaker. What are the requirements for admission in my case?
Kentucky certified teachers who are non-native speakers of English must have a strong command of the English language with excellent oral and written communication skills to participate and succeed in the program.
Students who are from countries where English is not the native language are required to submit scores from the TOEFL examination.
If international students hold a baccalaureate or advanced degree from an accredited institution in the U.S., then they are exempt from this requirement.
All classes in the ESL endorsement are taught at the graduate level, and all candidates must pass the ESOL PRAXIS exam to be eligible for certification in this area.
I want to travel abroad and teach English. Is this program right for me?
This program is an endorsement for those certified to teach in Kentucky P-12 classrooms. We offer a graduate certificate in Teaching English as an International Language that will give you the skills you need to travel abroad and teach English Language Learners.
I am a Kentucky certified teacher, but I have never taken a foreign language course. Do I need to complete any pre-requisites before I can apply to this program?
The program requires two semesters of foreign language instruction. These hours can be satisfied by satisfactory high school or college-level language coursework. Additionally, there may be other qualifying experiences (teaching in an international setting, living overseas, etc.) that can be applied toward this pre-requisite. Please contact the ESL Program Coordinator, Dr. Elizabeth Patton, for specific recommendations and an evaluation of your experience.
Does coursework emphasize teaching students of a specific native language (e.g. Spanish)?
No. Teaching English as a Second Language prepares certified Kentucky classroom teachers to teach students who are non-native speakers of English. It is not limited to teaching Spanish speakers.
Are there oral components to completing this endorsement? If so, how are those completed online?
No. There are no requirements of the program that cannot be completed through online instruction or courses.
Do I need to take the Teaching English as a Second Language (ESOL) Praxis exam upon completion of the endorsement?
Yes. Earning a passing score on the ESOL PRAXIS exam is a requirement for Kentucky certification.