Combined Bilingual and ESL Endorsement Online
Gain the ESL and Bilingual Skills Schools Want
100% Online Coursework
As Few as Eight Months
24 Credit Hours
$665 Per Credit
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Enhance Your Resume with In-Demand Endorsements
Help English language learners (ELLs) acquire key language skills and prepare to add two sought-after endorsements to your teaching license with the Combined Bilingual and English as a Second Language Endorsement online program from North Park.
Through online coursework and on-ground field experiences, this classroom-ready program will deepen your understanding of sociolinguistics, multiculturalism, and second language acquisition. You must be fluent in an ISBE-approved language to apply.
Endorsement Details
- Small class sizes
- No GRE required
- Multiple start dates per year
- Supportive, experienced faculty
Online Courses
Eight Total Courses
Hands-on Practicum
The online Bilingual/ESL Endorsement program is comprised of eight courses totaling 24 credit hours. Six courses are required for the English as a Second Language Endorsement, and two additional courses are needed for the Bilingual Endorsement. In addition to 100% online coursework, you will also observe and assist a bilingual and/or ESL classroom through two in-person teaching practicums.
Graduate prepared to add both the bilingual and the ESL endorsements to your Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL). This online program does not offer any language courses, as it is for individuals currently fluent in an ISBE-approved language.
Required Combined Bilingual/ESL Endorsement Courses
Introduction to the basic principles of linguistics, the study of human language. Origins of language, what it means to know a language, comparisons of the difficulty levels of different languages, how children acquire language, and common threads that may connect languages will be explored.
This course examines various aspects of the relationship between language and society. Culture, sex differences, communities, dialects, and speech will be examined.
Philosophical and theoretical considerations for teaching a second language. An explanation of theories as well as comparisons among the different theories of teaching a second language will be explored. The student will build a personal framework for teaching a second language. Kindergarten through high school student populations will be the focus of attention, including design and sequencing of ESL courses.
Assessment techniques of ESL students and bilingual students. Different types of assessment instruments, the theoretical viewpoints of these instruments and testing procedures in general will be discussed. Assessment of all levels of proficiency and grade levels will be considered.
Introduction to the various methods of teaching a second language in K-12 based on the philosophies and theories presented in 5603. Strategies used when working with ESL or second language students and exposure to the issues of multicultural diversity and socioeconomic diversity.
This course provides the current research and theories forming the foundation of bilingual education. It examines and reviews the historical, legal, philosophical, theoretical, pedagogical, and political issues concerning bilingual education programs in the United States. It also analyzes the linguistic, psychological, social, and cultural underpinnings of current practices in the field and cultivates multicultural perspectives.
This course introduces various models, philosophies, and theoretical underpinnings of bilingual education for language minority students. It provides and prepares the participants with the theoretical basis, methods and techniques needed for effective teaching in bilingual/bicultural classrooms.
The purpose of this course is to observe and assist a teacher in an ESL school setting for a minimum total of 100 clock hours. The requirements for this course may also be met through verification of three months of teaching experience with ESL students. Only those who have verification by a principal or other administrators of three months of teaching ESL students prior to entering the program may take this for no credit. To be taken at the end of the five-course ESL sequence.
Program Outcomes for the Bilingual ESL Endorsement
- Demonstrate substantial pedagogical knowledge and skills regarding teaching English language learners (ELLs).
- Identify schoolwide approaches in addressing the needs of ELLs and their families, which includes schoolwide culture and climate for all students; school visions and missions; culturally responsive and language-inclusive classrooms; and schoolwide practices.
- Recognize the internal and external factors that affect second language acquisition including misinformation.
- Interpret the different types of assessment used for measuring and assessing language proficiency and academic achievement of ELLs in various content areas.
- Create, evaluate, and apply English language teaching material while modifying content area assignments according to each student’s stage of second-language acquisition.
It’s Always a Good Time to Apply to North Park
Application Deadline 08/26/2025
Start Date 09/08/2025
This online ESL bilingual endorsement Illinois program is designed for current or soon-to-be teachers. Both undergraduate and graduate students can apply with or without a teaching license, though graduate students must have previously earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
With NPU’s multiple start dates per year, you can choose the one that makes sense for your schedule. Skip the application fee and don’t worry about taking the GRE—you’re ready to apply now.
AdmissionsAffordable Tuition
$665 Cost per Credit
24 Total Credits
NPU values its community and its educators, which is why tuition for this online program is budget-friendly and charged per credit hour. Plus, you can continue working full time while earning this career-advancing degree.
Tuition & Aid