Endorsement in English for Speakers of Other Languages

Endorsement in ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) (Graduate Non-Degree)

Hours: 15 Online

About

Fort Hays State University designed the Endorsement in ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) (Graduate Non-Degree) program to equip students with theoretical knowledge and practical skills for effectively teaching English language learners (ELLs). The 15-credit program prepares students to pass the Praxis 5362 exam (a passing score on the Praxis 5362 is required to add the endorsement to a teaching license in most states). It provides real-world application opportunities through various coursework and practicum experiences.

With content focused on cultural diversity, linguistics, assessment, and teaching methods, students gain a comprehensive understanding essential for success in diverse K-12 educational environments. Each course integrates assignments and case studies that allow students to engage with actual classroom scenarios, ensuring they are well-prepared to meet the challenges of teaching ELLs.

Why pursue an Endorsement in ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) at Fort Hays State University?

Pursuing an Endorsement in ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) (Graduate Non-Degree) at Fort Hays State University offers a unique blend of theoretical and practical learning experiences tailored to the needs of educators working with English language learners.

Another significant advantage is the program's flexibility. All courses are asynchronous, and most are offered as 8-week sessions throughout the year, to be taken in any order. Additionally, the program's use of open educational resources (OER) means that students always learn from the most current materials without the high cost of traditional textbooks. The Endorsement in ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) (Graduate Non-Degree) commitment to affordability and relevance makes it an excellent choice for educators looking to specialize in teaching ELLs.

Who is this program for?

The Endorsement in ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) (Graduate Non-Degree) program at Fort Hays State University is ideal for diverse individuals passionate about teaching English language learners (ELLs) and looking to advance their professional skills. This program is tailored for those who already have advanced English proficiency, as it focuses on improving teaching expertise rather than increasing participants’ English proficiency. It is particularly well-suited for:

Current teachers seeking ESOL specialization
Aspiring ESOL educators
Educational administrators
Educators seeking to deepen their understanding of teaching students identified by various terms, including ESL (English as a Second Language), ENL (English as a New Language), ELL (English Language Learner), EL (English Learner), EAL (English as an Additional Language), EIL (English as an International Language), emergent bilingual, multilingual learner, dual language learner, plurilingual learner, culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) learner, and the now outdated term, limited English proficiency (LEP)
Professionals interested in cultural diversity and language teaching
Individuals looking to enhance their teaching credentials

Learning Outcomes

The Endorsement in ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) (Graduate Non-Degree) program at Fort Hays State University aims to produce exceptionally well-prepared educators to meet the needs of English language learners. The program's comprehensive curriculum ensures that graduates deeply understand linguistic and cultural diversity, assessment techniques, and contemporary teaching methods. Students will learn the impact of legal decisions and state and/or national legislation on current educational practices and will be able to use their knowledge to make informed recommendations for the educational needs of ELL students and their families. Specific courses emphasize the following:

Culturally Responsive Teaching Practices

Graduates will demonstrate the ability to design and implement instruction that reflects an understanding of cultural diversity and supports the academic success of English language learners (ELLs) in K–12 settings.

Linguistic Knowledge

Students will gain a robust foundation in linguistics, enabling them to understand the structure and function of language. Understanding is essential for effectively teaching English language learners and helping them navigate the complexities of language acquisition and usage.

Assessment Skills

The program emphasizes formal and informal assessment techniques, preparing graduates to evaluate ELL students' progress and proficiency accurately. It includes understanding the theoretical underpinnings of various assessments and being able to apply and interpret these tools in practical educational settings.

Teaching Methods

The program equips graduates with various teaching methods and materials tailored to the needs of ELLs. It includes historical and contemporary approaches to language teaching, allowing educators to choose and adapt methods that best suit their students' needs and learning contexts.

Real-World Applications

Each course within the program includes practical assignments and case studies that simulate actual teaching scenarios. These allow students to apply their theoretical knowledge in meaningful ways. An interactive approach helps students build a robust set of skills that are directly transferable to their teaching careers.

Experience is invaluable, allowing students to work with English language learners in diverse educational settings. By engaging in real-world teaching and research, students gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and strategies of teaching ELLs, making them highly effective and adaptable educators.

Stay Ahead of the Curve

The curriculum is updated continuously to reflect new research findings and best practices in the field. Using open educational resources (OER) facilitates a commitment to current knowledge by allowing the inclusion of the most recent and relevant materials without the constraints of traditional textbooks.

The program also emphasizes contemporary teaching methods and assessment techniques, equipping graduates with cutting-edge strategies to enhance student learning. By integrating these latest advancements into the curriculum, FHSU prepares its students to be innovative and effective educators in a rapidly evolving educational landscape.

Practical Activities

The program includes a variety of experiential learning opportunities, such as the ESOL 885 Practicum, where students spend 50 hours in PreK-12 classrooms. During this practicum, students observe and implement teaching strategies, conduct action research, and gain firsthand experience working with English language learners.

Additionally, each course in the program incorporates practical assignments and case studies focusing on real students and classroom situations. These activities help students develop a toolbox of resources and strategies for future teaching careers.

What You’ll Learn:

Deep understanding of cultural diversity
Linguistics for ELL education
Assessment techniques for ELLs
Contemporary ESOL teaching methods
Action research and practical classroom applications

How You’ll Learn:

Interactive asynchronous online courses
Case studies and practical assignments
Real-world classroom observations
Updated open educational resources (OER) materials
Expert faculty guidance

Courses

Fundamental courses examine the impact of race, ethnicity, class, gender, and sexual orientation on education while thoroughly explaining the structure and function of language for teaching ELLs. They cover both formal and informal assessment techniques for evaluating ELL students, delve into historical and contemporary teaching methods, equip students with various instructional strategies, and provide hands-on teaching experience to apply coursework in real classroom settings. Below are a few of the courses in the Endorsement in ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) (Graduate Non-Degree) program:

AEP 880: Cultural Diversity

This course helps teachers better understand the needs of the majority and minority cultures in schools. It covers conflicts between traditional American culture and diverse cultures, teaching approaches, and techniques for fostering healthy self-concepts in diverse students.

ESOL 884: ESOL Methods and Materials

This course introduces contemporary methods and materials for teaching English to speakers of other languages in PreK-12 classrooms. It focuses on strategies for non-native speakers with limited English proficiency, emphasizing contextualized learning and the preparation of classroom activities and evaluation techniques.

ESOL 885: Practicum in ESOL

This course is designed to relate theory to practice in a realistic fashion. The student is placed in a situation to obtain experiences relating directly or indirectly to the area being studied.

Discover the full Endorsement in ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) (Graduate Non-Degree) course listing by visiting the Academic Catalog.

Career Prospects

Fort Hays State University's Endorsement in ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) (Graduate Non-Degree) program graduates will find various career opportunities in education and beyond. The comprehensive preparation provided by the program ensures that graduates are well-equipped to take on various roles that require expertise in teaching English language learners.

ESOL Teacher

Graduates can work as ESOL teachers in K-12 or adult education settings, helping English language learners achieve language proficiency and academic success. These educators play a crucial role in fostering an inclusive learning environment and supporting their students' linguistic and cultural needs.

ESOL Program Coordinator

In this role, graduates can develop and manage ESOL programs within educational institutions. Responsibilities include designing curriculum, training teachers, and overseeing the implementation of effective teaching strategies for English language learners.

Educational Consultant

Graduates can work as educational consultants, advising schools and educational organizations on best practices for teaching English language learners and integrating cultural diversity into their programs. Consultants may conduct needs assessments, develop instructional materials, and provide ongoing support to ensure effective implementation of ESOL strategies.

Curriculum Developer

Curriculum developers focus on creating instructional materials and designing curricula tailored to the needs of English language learners. The role requires a deep understanding of language acquisition, teaching methods, and assessment techniques to develop resources that enhance learning outcomes for ELL students.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must meet several criteria to prepare for the rigorous coursework and practical experiences necessary for admission to the Endorsement in ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) (Graduate Non-Degree) program at Fort Hays State University.

Graduate School Admission

Applicants must first gain admission to the FHSU Graduate School by submitting transcripts, completing the application form, and meeting the minimum GPA requirement of 3.0 in their last 60 undergraduate credit hours.

Program-specific Requirements

Admission to the Endorsement in ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) (Graduate Non-Degree) program may require additional documentation, such as a personal statement outlining professional aspirations and goals related to ESOL education. The statement should highlight relevant experiences and motivations for pursuing the endorsement. The course is taught in English and requires advanced proficiency in speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Knowledge of any language other than English is not required.

Letters of Recommendation

Applicants must provide at least two letters of recommendation, typically from academic or professional sources, that can attest to the applicant's readiness for graduate-level work and their potential as an ESOL educator.

The Best Value in Higher Education Anywhere

Fort Hays State University prides itself on quality education at an affordable price. Students in this program can expect to pay approximately $3,047.58* (online) per semester.

*Estimated cost based on 9 credit hours at the FHSU Online Graduate tuition rate ($338.62/credit hour) for online courses. Actual price may vary depending on course load and location. Tuition and Fees are subject to change as they are approved by the Kansas Board of Regents each year.

Ready for the next step?

Our faculty would be excited to talk to you about how our department programs can help you explore your interests and prepare you for a variety of rewarding careers.

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Related Programs

Fort Hays State University offers several related programs that can complement or expand upon the Endorsement in ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) (Graduate Non-Degree) program. These include:

FAQ

What is the duration of the Endorsement in ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) (Graduate Non-Degree) program?

The program is designed to be completed in approximately one year, with three of the five courses offered as eight-week sessions, even during the summer.

Are there online options for completing the Endorsement in ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) (Graduate Non-Degree) program?

Yes, the program is fully online with asynchronous classes, allowing working professionals to complete coursework during evenings and weekends from any location with an internet connection.

Can credits from the Endorsement in ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) (Graduate Non-Degree) program be applied toward a master's degree?

You can complete additional coursework to transition the endorsement into a master's degree and further advance your education.

What kind of support can I expect as a student in the ESOL program?

FHSU provides robust support, including access to faculty advisors, online resources, and a dedicated community of educators to assist students throughout their studies.

Information about the Department of Advanced Education Programs

FHSU’s Department of Advanced Education Programs (AEP) is one of the most diverse and comprehensive departments, offering a wide range of programs designed to fit the unique needs of educators at every stage of their careers. Whether you aim to enhance your teaching skills, pursue a role as a building principal or community counselor, add an endorsement, or renew your license, our department is dedicated to helping you succeed in your aspirations.

AEP aims to be the leader in preparing inclusive educational and community professionals to unlock innovative potential in a rapidly advancing world, by preparing global leaders who serve in these settings. Our programs focus on the interaction among innovative technologies, relevant content, diversity, and best practices.

Accreditations

English for Speakers of Other Languages

Master's
Endorsement

Online

FHSU English for Speakers of Other Languages