ESL Endorsement

The English as a Second Language (ESL) K-12 endorsement at Drake University is available to both undergraduate and graduate students. This endorsement meets the 18-credit Iowa Board of Educational Examiner Examiners’ requirements and can be completed at your own pace.

The ESL endorsement focuses on the principles and practices of teaching English to students who are not proficient in English, focusing on knowing the students, differentiating instruction and assessment for them, and advocating on their behalf.  This endorsement prepares individuals to function as teachers and leaders in such programs.

BLUE English Language Learner Endorsement

The BLUE English Language Learner (ELL) endorsement is a partnership between the School of Education (SOE) and Des Moines Public Schools (DMPS). This endorsement is available to DMPS educators whether or not they are enrolled in the BLUE master's or EdD programs. The ELL endorsement will prepare educators to work with multilingual students in district settings. Courses are hybrid, with video chat meetings and asynchronous learning. 

As a federally recognized high need endorsement, the ELL coursework will help you gain the skillset and credentials to teach and advocate for multilingual  learners across K-12.

Program Contacts

Leah Shepard-Carey, PhD
Assistant Professor, Graduate Studies
leah.carey@drake.edu
515-271-3697

Shelley Fairbairn, PhD
Professor, Teaching and Learning
shelley.fairbairn@drake.edu
1-800-44-DRAKE, x1954
515-271-1954

Learn More

• Financial Aid: Iowa teacher shortage areas are designated annually by the Iowa Department of Education. Teachers in shortage areas may be eligible for college student forgivable loans through both state and federal programs. English as a Second Language has been identified as a shortage area. Information regarding application for forgivable loans is available at the Teach Iowa Scholar Program website.  
• Tuition and Fees