Courses in the program meet the requirements for the Virginia Department of Education endorsement in English as a Second Language (ESL) PreK-12. Coursework can be completed in 18 months by enrolling in 2 classes per term.  Courses are delivered in a mix of face-to-face, digital teleconference, and online modes. 

Why ESL?

The number of non-English-speaking students continues to grow, creating a demand for ELL and ESL teachers.  English language learners account for almost 19 percent of all K-12 students in the U.S. today.  That number is estimated to increase to 40 percent by 2030. (Source, Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Who Should Enroll?

Courses are open to individuals who hold a current teaching license or provisional license in Virginia. Individuals seeking a provisional license through the Alternate Route to Teacher Licensure may concurrently take the required professional studies courses and complete coursework toward an initial endorsement in English as a Second Language PreK-12.

Individuals seeking endorsement must meet the following requirements.  Please visit the Virginia Department of Education for complete details. 
 
Graduated from an approved teacher preparation program in ESL
Or
Completed 24 semester hours of coursework in the following areas:

• Teaching of reading (6 semester hours)
• English linguistics (3 semester hours)
• Cross-cultural education (3 semester hours)
• Electives (3 semester hours)
• Methods of teaching ESL (3 semester hours)
• Modern foreign languages (6 semester hours)*

*Coursework can be at the undergraduate or graduate level. If an applicant’s primary language is other than English, all 6 hours must be in English.  Please note:  SCPS does not offer courses in foreign languages.