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 skill set and credentials to teach and advocate for multilingual learners across K-12.

Programs that pair with this Endorsement

Drake University students enrolled in any of the initial teacher licensure programs can obtain the ESL endorsement.

ESL endorsement courses can also be use for elective credits in Drake’s two master’s degree programs for practicing teachers. Students can take up to six credits prior to admission into the program.

The ESL Endorsement (K-12) is available in combination with the following degree programs.

Coursework

Must complete 18 credits, as outlined below.

The six courses required for the endorsement are:

TESL 101/201/211: Introduction to Teaching English Learners
TESL 102/202/212: Intercultural Communication for Teachers
TESL 103/203/213: Issues and Assessment of English Language Learning
TESL 104/204/214: Strategies for Teaching English Learners
TESL 105/205/215: Teaching Reading and Writing to English Learners
TESL 106/206/216: Methods of Linguistic Differentiation for English Learners

Note that 100-level courses are for undergraduates and 200-level courses are for graduate students. If the course number has a zero in the middle (e.g., 101), it is taught in a blended format (partially online and partially face-to-face), while course numbers with a one in the middle are taught fully online. The same course objectives are addressed regardless of delivery format.

Ready to Apply?

Applications are reviewed on an on-going basis; therefore, it is requested that all materials be submitted approximately 8 weeks prior to the beginning of the intended start-term.
Upon the receipt of transcripts, an advisor will complete a transcript evaluation in order to determine any credit or course substitutions/transfers.
In order to begin the application process, please select the apply link below. This link will provide you application requirements. Questions regarding the application process can be forwarded to the Coordinator of Graduate Admission at soegradadmission@drake.edu or 515-271-2552.

Apply Now

Questions about this Endorsement?

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

Additional Information

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.
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