ESOL Program for Certified Teachers

The ESOL post-master’s certification program is designed for current teachers looking to add to their certification and teach English to speakers of other languages. This high-need certification is attainable in only 15 credits of coursework in an accessible evening and hybrid format.

English language learners (ELLs) currently account for nearly 10 percent of all students nationwide and is the most rapidly growing subgroup of public school students across the United States. This increasing number of children living in non-English-speaking households creates a demand for English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) public school teachers. New York State especially, is seeing a quickly rising demand for ESOL K-12 teachers. As part of this program, students will engage in ESOL-focused coursework offered by ESOL experts. The four courses required are offered over two semesters (evening & online), so the program can be completed efficiently. 

Program Highlights

  • In-demand certification
  • Work-friendly schedule
  • Most affordable private program in Rochester
  • Foundation in linguistics and second-language acquisition, along with classroom methodologies and curriculum-design skills
Main content

Program Details:

  • Program Standard Completion Time: 11 months Hybrid
  • Program Credits: 15
  • Cost Per Credit: $840
  • Accreditation: AAQEP
  • Next Start Date: Spring: January (Trad), Fall: August (Trad)

Linguistics & Grammar for Second Language Acquisition | EDUC 5308 | Evening Class

This course provides foundational knowledge into theories of language and cultural acquisition. This course surveys the various aspects of a scientific description of human language. The course includes direct instruction of English grammar and the system of rules that define the structure of the English language and provides an interdisciplinary exploration of the impact of linguistics in the field of education, including applied linguistics, second language acquisition, and language and culture.

3 credits

Methods of Instruction & Assessment for ESOL | EDUC 5382 | Online

This course provides foundational knowledge into theories of language and cultural acquisition and development while fostering understanding of evidence-based practices and strategies for planning, implementing, and assessing English language and content-area instruction. Special attention is given to how teachers can support their students in continuing the development of their first language and culture while providing them with tools to be successful in English dominant learning environments.

3 credits

Language & Literacy for ELLs I +OPE 25 hours | EDUC 5358 | Online

This course provides foundational knowledge in teaching the literacy skills of reading, writing speaking, and listening to ELLs as well as English native speakers in early childhood and childhood environments. Students will learn to identify strategies and modify resources to meet the varying needs of language learners. Throughout the course, attention will be given to how teachers can support students in continuing development in their first language and their culture while also providing the tools necessary to be successful in an English dominant learning environment.

3 credits

Language & Literacy Methods for ELLs II +OPE 25 hours | EDUC 5359 | Evening Class

This course provides foundational knowledge in literacy instruction and methods for ELLs in secondary settings, with focus on modifying resources to meet the varying needs of language learners in content and language instruction, and a particular focus on reading instruction in the content areas, and methods of teaching reading to adolescents. Special care is given to support students in the continuing development of their first language and culture while providing the tools to be successful in English dominant learning environments. 

3 credits

Practica in ESOL | EDUC 6406

Post-masters ESOL program students spend 20 days in a college-supervised learning experience in which the student teacher practices the skills being learned in the teacher education program through direct experiences with individual students, or with groups of students. These skills are practiced under the direct supervision of the certified teacher who has official responsibility for the students. Prerequisites: successful completion of all required EDU courses (earning minimum grade); overall GPA of 2.70 or better

3 credits

Admissions Requirements

  • NYS teaching certification
  • Master’s degree
  • 12 credits (4 college level classes) of a Language Other Than English
    • The 12 credits do not need to be in the same language
    • ASL is acceptable

How to Apply

  • Complete the online application
    • Professional resume
    • 1 professional recommendation
  • Request official transcripts from all previous undergraduate and graduate institutions
    • Transcript review to be completed by Roberts Academic Advisor

Start Dates

  • August 26, 2024
    Hybrid only
  • January 13, 2025
    Hybrid only

Tuition & Fees

The 2023-2024 cost per credit hour for this program is $840 per credit.

With 15 credit hours in the program, that's a total of $12,600 to complete the program!

Completion of a bachelor’s degree may require additional credits outside of what is provided in the program. Fees* vary by program and cost is subject to change each academic year.

Note: Roberts Wesleyan University reserves the right to change the fees above at any time without prior notice.

Contact for more info:

Stephen Robson
Assistant Director of Recruiting & Admissions, Adult & Graduate Enrollment
Call/Text: 585-902-2935
Email: Robson_Stephen@roberts.edu