ESL Certification - School of Education

The English as a Second Language Education program is for undergraduate students who are interested in teaching with a PK-12 ESL certification.

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Program Type

Major

Program Format

On Campus

A PK-12 English as a Second Language License Will Provide You With:

Strategies and methods to support the linguistic and academic needs of ALL of your students.
The tools necessary to modify/adapt your lessons and activities to ensure that ALL students can participate.
An opportunity to develop/strengthen cultural competence to help you understand and support ALL of your students.
Tools and resources to become an advocate for English learning students and their families.

Members of the Hmong Student Association happily and enthusiastically pose for a group photo — Through UWM’s Hmong Diaspora Studies Certificate Program, first generation student Yang Pao Cheng learned more about his culture and found a home with the Hmong Student Association.

Who Is a PK-12 English as a Second Language Teacher?

An ESL teacher is a trained individual who can assist students who do not use English as their primary language to gain proficiency in the English language.
An ESL teacher works with students of all ages and in a variety of subjects to develop their skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing in English.
As an ESL teacher, you will join a network of dedicated teachers improving access to quality education for students for whom English is not their first language.

Why PK-12 ESL Certification?

English language learners are among the fastest-growing groups in U.S. schools. According to the National Education Association, 1 in 4 children in classrooms across the United States will be an English language learner by 2025.
Several states, including Wisconsin, report a shortage of teachers qualified to serve language learners (U.S. Department of Education, 2018). This is where you come in!
As an ESL teacher, you are able to make a difference. ESL teachers play a key role in connecting the world and opening doors of opportunity to children and families.

Career Opportunities

This teacher certification allows program completers to work as a PK-12 English as a Second Language teacher/specialist.

This ESL certification is also a preferred credential for individuals who are considering teaching English abroad.

Multiliteracies, Languages, and Cultures Resource Library (MLC)

The MLC Resource Library provides interdisciplinary teaching materials for teacher candidates, practicing teachers, graduate students and faculty of the School of Education who are MLC related. Those seeking instructional materials for student teachings, field placements or course assignments are able to access this library.

For more information, visit the Multiliteracies, Languages, and Cultures Resource Library (MLC) webpage.

In this ESL certification program, candidates will explore the following topics:

Linguistics and grammar
Biliteracy
Theories of language acquisition
Politics of language acquisition
Teaching strategies to support English learners
Advocacy

In addition, candidates will have the opportunity to work with ESL students in multiple and diverse field placements.

Program Requirements

View Requirements

Post-Baccalaureate Program

Students who already hold a bachelor’s degree can earn their teaching certification by successfully completing our post-baccalaureate teaching certification program. It’s possible that coursework completed as part of your bachelor’s degree could be applied toward our program. Please complete the web form below to find out if any of your previous coursework can be used to fulfill certification requirements.

Request for Transcript Evaluation Form (for post-baccalaureate students only)

The program is designed to be completed at your own pace; students generally take between one to three courses per semester, with evening classes, virtual and summer courses as options. Learn more about the program options by visiting the Post-Baccalaureate Program webpage.

Graduate Program

Please contact Dr. Tatiana Joseph, program chair and assistant professor, for more information. This is a focus area in the Curriculum and Instruction MS Degree program. See C&I Master’s degree program.

Add On License & Extension License

Initial Certification

Admission Criteria

Undergraduate Students

A 2.5 minimum cumulative GPA in all UWM and transfer courses at the time of admission application.
A 2.75 minimum in any world language content courses.
A minimum of 48 credits (UWM and transfer credits) at the time of admission application.
Additional undergraduate requirements for admission — see academic advisor.
Applications must be received by April 30 (Summer), July 15 (Fall) and Dec. 15 (Spring).

Post-Baccalaureate Students

A minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5 on all coursework completed for undergraduate credit.
For additional information, see your academic advisor
Applications must be received by April 30 (Summer), July 15 (Fall) and Dec. 15 (Spring).

Graduate Students

Applications must be received by Dec. 15.

Application Process

Undergraduate Program

Please view the requirements and complete the application form linked below to apply. Applications must be received by April 30 for summer admission, July 15 for fall admission and Dec. 15 for spring admission.

Undergraduate Admission Application

Post-Baccalaureate Program

Follow the steps listed in the Early Childhood – Adolescence: English as a Second Language Application Instructions (PDF). Applications must be received by April 30 for summer admission, July 15 for fall admission and Dec. 15 for spring admission.