English as a Second Language Endorsement Online
Support English Language Learners and ESL Classrooms
100% Online Coursework
As Few as Six Months
18 Credit Hours
$665 Per Credit
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Upgrade Your Teaching Credentials with an ESL Endorsement
Meet the increasing demand for teachers with ESL expertise when you complete North Park’s English as a Second Language Endorsement online program.
Strengthen your ability to educate diverse learning communities, especially English language learners (ELLs), through accessible online courses and hands-on student teaching practicums. This high-value online program will help you meet the clinical field experience and credit hour requirements for adding the ESL endorsement to your Illinois teaching license.
Endorsement Details
- No application fee
- No GRE required
- Multiple start dates per year
- Supportive, experienced faculty
Flexible Online Learning
Six Total Courses
Small Class Sizes
Designed for busy teachers like you, North Park’s 100% online coursework is accelerated and asynchronous. Study on your schedule with 24/7 access to course materials through NPU’s learning management system, Canvas. You will also gain applicable skills to use in your teaching practice when you observe and assist in an ESL classroom for 100 clock hours or three months.
Upon finishing this English as a Second Language Endorsement online program, you will have completed the clinical experience and credit hour requirements needed to add the ESL endorsement to your Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL).
Required 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.
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
- 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
Whether you’re a teacher or working toward your license, this English as a Second Language Endorsement online program is designed for you. Both undergraduate and graduate students are encouraged to apply; graduate students must have previously earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. No teaching license is required.
North Park’s admission process is streamlined, so you can skip the application fee and all entrance exams. Apply now.
AdmissionsTuition
$665 Cost per Credit
18 Total Credits
Elevate your teaching career with a sought after and affordable online teaching endorsement recognized in Illinois that lets you to stick to your budget while increasing your earning potential.
Tuition & Aid