Endorsement Program in English as a Second Language [ESL] and Bilingual/Bicultural Education

Program Description: The English as a Second Language (ESL) and Bilingual/Bicultural non-degree endorsement program is designed for individuals who possess a New Jersey Standard teaching certificate or Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing (CEAS) in mathematics, science, social studies, or elementary education and who wish to earn the ESL and Bilingual/Bicultural endorsements. Candidates holding a New Jersey Certificate of Eligibility (CE) in ESL and Bilingual/Bicultural Education and who are employed as a teacher and enrolled in an alternate route educator preparation program may also apply. The program consists of six courses (18 credits) and does not, by itself, lead to an academic degree. Candidates with a CE must successfully complete both their 18-credit program and alternate route program prior to being recommended for the Bilingual/Bicultural endorsement. Candidates will be recommended for the ESL and Bilingual/Bicultural endorsements upon completion of the 18-credit program. All 18 credits in the endorsement program must be completed at Rutgers University. No transfer credits will be accepted.

The program does not lead to a degree and is usually completed exclusively through online courses. If students are interested in taking an endorsement course offered on the New Brunswick campus, they must obtain special permission from the instructor.

Students admitted to this non-degree program may apply to the Ed.M. in Language Education with Endorsement in ESL and Bilingual/Bicultural Education program prior to completing 12 credits and, upon acceptance, may complete both the certificate and the Master's degree. It is essential to apply early because taking the courses does not guarantee acceptance to the Master's program.

Applicants interested in obtaining their initial teaching certification should apply to the Ed.M. certification program in English as a Second Language rather than this program. Bilingual/Bicultural certification is not available as an initial certification program.

Education Requirements (18 credits):

Theoretical Foundations of Language Development (3 credits)

05:300:430 or 15:253:520  Principles of Language Learning: Second and World Language Acquisition (3)

Language and Linguistics (3 credits)

05:300:434 or 15:253:530  Foundations of Language (3)

Culturally Sustaining language Pedagogy and Practice (9 credits)

15:253:510 Language Learning in Content Areas (3)

15:253:522  Bilingual-Bicultural Education (3)

15:253:539  Methods for Teaching and Assessing English language Learners (3)

Historical and Cultural Backgrounds of Emerging Bilinguals (3 credits)

05:300:433 or 15:253:523  Language and Culture (3)