Certificate
Part-Time or Full-Time
Fall, Summer
Online
About the ESL Endorsement Certificate at Loyola
The English as a Second Language (ESL) Endorsement Certificate program is designed to acknowledge the crucial need for educators to possess specialized skills in serving and supporting the increasing population of students identified as English learners, commonly known as emergent bilinguals. Recognizing this imperative, the School of Education takes pride in providing various pathways to obtain English as a Second Language (ESL) and bilingual endorsements in Illinois, as well as in states with reciprocity agreements.
Program Structure
The English as a Second Language (ESL) Endorsement Certificate program is entirely asynchronous and online, ensuring flexibility for participants. Each course is crafted to be personalized and project-based, allowing educators to tailor their learning experience to their needs and interests. This approach accommodates the busy schedules of teachers while upholding a high standard of curriculum and instruction delivered by experts in the field of multilingual learners' education.
Why Choose Loyola for Your English as a Second Language (ESL) Endorsement Certificate?
Loyola's English as a Second Language (ESL) Endorsement Certificate program is led by former school leaders with a history of transformative leadership in their schools and districts.
- Nationwide Accessibility: Expand Your Teaching Credentials with Ease
- A faculty of experienced, supportive educators
- An education you can apply immediately
- A flexible, convenient online program
- An emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion
The primary target audience for this program comprises educators working in early childhood through high school settings, as the ESL endorsement complements an existing teaching license. Our program offers flexibility for participants nationwide, facilitated by Illinois' reciprocity agreements with 45 states, ensuring that the ESL endorsement seamlessly transfers to meet their respective state requirements.
You will learn from experienced school leaders who have been where you want to go. As coaches, they will support and guide you to success throughout the certificate program.
You can immediately apply the knowledge and skills you gain through your certificate coursework and training to your current educational position.
You can complete your studies without sacrificing your work, family, and other life commitments through this fully asynchronous and online endorsement certificate.
You will deepen your preparation for becoming a justice-focused school leader through a school that integrates diversity, equity, and inclusion into the learning experience.
Meet the Faculty
Loyola is proud to have talented and nationally-recognized scholar-teachers as part of our diverse community of exceptional faculty, students and staff. Loyola faculty are known for their commitment to teaching, the dissemination of knowledge through innovative and interdisciplinary scholarly research, and a commitment to social justice and cura personalis, or care for the whole person. Visit the School of Education faculty and staff directory to learn more about the teachers and mentors involved with the English as a Second Language (ESL) Endorsement Certificate program.
FacultyESL Endorsement Certificate: Career Connections
This program provides educators with the opportunity to obtain both a Master's degree and an endorsement in English as a Second Language (ESL). With this endorsement, teachers gain the ability to instruct multilingual learners, commonly referred to as English learners, across diverse educational settings such as ESL classrooms, sheltered content classrooms, and inclusive general education classrooms. While some graduates choose to remain in classroom settings to further support multilingual learners, others pursue leadership positions within schools and districts. These roles may include EL instructional coach, network EL expert and consultant, district EL/bilingual coordinator, district curriculum coordinator, and district student support services liaison.
Because Loyola is a member of the Jesuit network of 27 colleges and universities nationwide, our graduates can access career advising services, resume and interviewing assistance, career fairs and events, and employment listings in our Career Services center, as well as at career centers at other U.S. Jesuit colleges and universities.
Job Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook is a good place to start exploring the job outlook and pay potential for specific careers and fields that interest you.
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Curriculum and Program Outcomes
While courses for the English as a Second Language (ESL) Endorsement Certificate program may vary from semester to semester, Loyola’s extensive Academic Catalog will always house the official listing of courses, programs of study, academic policies, degree requirements, and specialization or concentration options.
Additionally, this resource will provide English as a Second Language (ESL) Endorsement Certificate learning outcomes, showcasing the commitment to specific skills and growth graduates can expect to achieve following completion of the program.
2023-2024 Catalog
Browse Academic CatalogESL Endorsement Certificate Results and Skills
By earning your English as a Second Language (ESL) Endorsement Certificate at Loyola University Chicago, you will develop a wide range of skills, including the ability to:
- Emphasizes personalized, project-based learning integrated into real-world practice
- Recognizes and integrates existing knowledge while emphasizing practical application
- Addresses practical challenges through diverse lenses specific to each course
- Incorporates authentic projects relevant to practice instead of extensive papers or busywork
- Offers flexibility in scheduling, allowing teachers to focus on one area of expertise at a time
- Provides options for adding a single course for bilingual endorsement or four courses for a Master's degree
Costs, Scholarships, and Aid
Loyola University Chicago is committed to making your graduate and professional studies a reality. Our Cost & Financial Aid page can help better inform you about the costs and potential funding opportunities through scholarships, loans, and aid for graduate and professional education.
If you are a current Loyola undergraduate or recent alum, you may be eligible for a Returning Rambler discount. Learn more and see if you qualify on our Returning Rambler Scholarship page.
Tuition and Costs
The estimated tuition and fees for the English as a Second Language (ESL) Endorsement Certificate totals $18450.00, or 18 credit hours at a cost of $1,025.00 per credit hour. Please note that tuition and fees for all of Loyola's academic programs are subject to change.
For more detailed information about tuition and fees, and a breakdown of how these costs are calculated on a yearly basis, please visit Tuition and Fees from the Office of the Bursar.
School of Education Financial Aid & Scholarships
Visit the School of Education Scholarships page for detailed information about eligible scholarships.
More information about financial aid opportunities can be found on the Financial Aid Office website.
Appointments and Events
Whether you’re just beginning your search, in the midst of the application process, or eager to explore our graduate and professional programs, our admissions staff is here to assist you every step of the way.
Schedule an AppointmentThe School of Education offers graduate open houses, information sessions, individual appointments, open Zoom and text sessions, and a multitude of other ways to get to know us better.
View all EventsVisit and Connect With Us
With our visit opportunities, you can tour our beautiful Chicago campuses and learn more about Loyola's ties to one of the most prestigious cities in the world.
Application Process
Application Deadlines
The available start terms and corresponding application deadlines for the English as a Second Language (ESL) Endorsement Certificate are listed below. Please keep in mind that both the application and the required materials must be submitted by the specified deadline.
Summer & Fall: May 10
Application Requirements
Application requirements for the English as a Second Language (ESL) Endorsement Certificate include:
Official Transcripts
3.0 Minimum GPA
Resume/CV
Statement of Purpose
Statement of Purpose Details
Your statement should be 1-3 pages and describe your academic and research interests, professional goals, and life experiences that have influenced your view of social justice in education.
Official Documents
Official transcripts are those that are sent directly by the college/university to Loyola University Chicago. Transcripts sent by the student to Loyola are considered unofficial documents, and while they may be utilized for initial review of your application, official transcripts are still required. Official documents should be sent by the institution to gradapp@luc.edu.
International Applicant Requirements
An official English language proficiency exam is required for international applicants whose native language is not English. If you have non-U.S. educational credentials, you are required to submit an official transcript evaluation. The transcript evaluation cannot be waived.
Please visit our International Applicant Requirements page for specific information regarding the application process for international students.
Start Your Application
Applying online to the English as a Second Language (ESL) Endorsement Certificate program is a swift, uncomplicated, and cost-free process. After submission, you can proceed to send and upload any additional requirements.
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Masters | Part-Time or Full-Time | On-Campus, Online | Summer I
Classrooms and communities are more diverse than ever and educators committed to celebrating that diversity are needed. Approaching bilingual education by centering on student strengths rather than deficits, this program enables you to promote equity in your classroom, school, and community.
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