This program will provide teachers with the knowledge and skills to effectively teach English Language Learners (ELLs) in the mainstream classroom and the ESL context. The program provides comprehensive instruction specific to ELLs in today’s classrooms, including second language acquisition theories and research, effective and innovative methods of instruction and assessment, and comprehensive knowledge about language, language policy, and more.

• Application Process
• Course Offerings
• Prerequisites
• Program Requirements
• Request Information
• Student Resources
• Tuition

Prerequisites   

To be eligible for the Illinois State Board of Education ESL approval, students must hold a Bachelor’s degree and an Illinois teaching certificate. Students without a middle grade endorsement on their certificate will need additional coursework. The approval qualifies teachers to work with ESL students for the grade range of their certificate. Students currently enrolled in a Loyola initial teacher certification program may also apply to this program.

Program Requirements   

The State of Illinois ESL Endorsement requires 18 semester hours (6 courses). Certificate program course requirements may be modified only by departmentally approved equivalents. A minimum of 15 credit hours must be taken at Loyola.

Technology Expectations

All students are provided Internet access to link electronically to classmates, faculty, and student services. In order to use these technological resources, all students must have the computer skills necessary to support academic work (i.e., word processing, PowerPoint) and to access e-mail and the internet.

Continuous Enrollment

Students in certification only programs are required to maintain the status of continuous enrollment during their program of studies. This means that during each semester of each academic year (excluding Summer Sessions), each student must enroll in at least one course. (See SOE Policy: Academic Standing – Continuous Enrollment)

A formal leave of absence may be granted upon request and the approval of the School of Education's Associate Dean of Student Academic Services.

State Requirements

Candidates in all programs leading to Illinois certification are required to pass a State Criminal Background Check. In addition, all policies and procedures for receiving Illinois certification must be met.

Courses

• CIEP 469 - Teaching and Learning in Urban Communities
• CIEP 471 - Theoretical Foundations of Teaching ESL/Bilingual Education
• CIEP 472 - Methods and Materials of Teaching ESL
• CIEP 474 - Assessment of Bilingual/ELL Students
• CIEP 503 - Culturally Relevant Literature for Children and Adolescents
• CIEP 504 - Applied Linguistics for Teachers