Post-Baccalaureate Certificate Teaching ESL

Post-Baccalaureate Certificate Program for Initial Teacher Licensure in English as a Second Language (Pre-K-6 and 5-12)

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Start a versatile and exciting career.

The Post-Baccalaureate Certificate Program for Initial Teacher Licensure in English as a Second Language at Worcester State University provides you with the knowledge and practical experience to obtain your initial teacher license in ESL in Massachusetts—and prepares you to teach English Language Learners in today’s diverse schools.

With classes available in the late afternoons and evenings as well as online, this convenient program is designed for working professionals like you—and with the option to complete the program either part time or full time, you can advance your career on your schedule.

You will gain valuable insight from professors who are experienced practitioners in the field. What’s more, you will take part in a hands-on practicum experience, for which you will work with elementary- or secondary-level ESL students in one of the region’s public schools—and you will participate in a seminar that addresses best ESL practices.

As you progress through our program, you will record your achievements in a portfolio of work that not only demonstrates your mastery of all program competencies, but also showcases your professional development. Graduates of our program are sought after by employers, and they go on to pursue rewarding teaching careers in schools across the state. Most continue their studies toward professional teacher licensure, and all credits earned through this program transfer to Worcester State’s Master of Education program in ESL.

View the Catalog

Explore sample courses in this program.
ES-933 Global Perspectives in Cultural Diversity
This course provides appreciation of increasing diversity in schools and examines how language is used to regulate power relations among social groups.
3 credits
ES-932 Teaching Adult ESL and SIFE
The course is designed to enhance teacher effectiveness in the adult ESL classroom, taking into consideration students’ unique circumstances.
3 credits
ES-929 Assessing and Teaching English Language Learners With Disabilities
The course considers differences between typical and atypical second language acquisition.
3 credits
ES-924 Linguistics for Teachers of English Language Learners
The course focuses on scientific study of English using current theory, research, and practice for the understanding and teaching of English Language Learners.
3 credits
CD-910 Speech/Language Development, Differences, and Diversity
Students gain an in-depth understanding of speech/language development, knowledge of cultural differences, and the disorders of speech/language.
3 credits
ED-978 Contemporary Issues in the Teaching of Bilingual and English Language Learners
The course focuses on language policies for educating ELLs, including bilingual, national language models, heritage languages, and multicultural education as managed in multilingual nations.
3 credits
ES-928 Second Language Acquisition
Examines recent research and theories of second-language acquisition and bilingualism in order to prepare teachers for the challenges of educating a linguistically and culturally diverse population. Focuses on intrinsic and extrinsic factors that impact second language learning and the bilingual student. Explores academic learning behaviors of second language learners and bilingual students as well as struggles presented in the classroom. Attention is paid to teaching strategies proven to be successful for second language learners and bilingual students. Emphasis is given to grammatical and linguistic rules that apply to first and second language as well as the culturally significant issues that arise from positive and negative linguistic transfer. Participants will be able to discriminate between individuals with a language difference versus individuals diagnosed with a language disorder.
3 credits
ES-914 Methods and Materials for Teaching English Language Skills to the ELL
The course analyzes language learning processes for English language learners and appropriate methods for teaching English language skills.
3 credits
ED-986 Literacy Instruction for the English Language Learner (ELL)
The course focuses on current approaches and theories of second language literacy and integrates reading and writing in classroom environments.
3 credits
ED-955 Assessing English Language Learners
The course focuses on second language acquisition, and linguistic principles guide the review of standardized instruments, dynamic assessment strategies, standards-referenced assessment, and teacher design approaches.
3 credits
ES-930 Sheltered Instruction and Assessment in the Immersion Classroom
The course examines theories, principles, and practices that assist English language learners in achieving academic proficiency while developing English skills.
3 credits

Admission Requirements

The following information and materials must be submitted to the Department of Graduate and Continuing Education:

  • Completed graduate application, including fee and essay
  • Official transcripts (transcripts from outside the United States must be officially translated and evaluated)
  • 2 current letters of recommendation
  • Passing scores on the Communication and Literacy Skills Massachusetts Test for Educator Licensure (MTEL)
  • Results of a language proficiency assessment, if applicable

In addition, candidates also are required to demonstrate evidence of:

  • A course in human, child, or adolescent development at the undergraduate level
  • Documentation of fluency at an intermediate level in a language other than English from a college or university or foreign secondary school, through the successful completion of foreign language courses deemed appropriate by the foreign language program in the Languages and Literature Department or through the proficiency level determined by the university’s language proficiency assessment

A passing score report from the ELL or ESL content MTEL is required prior to beginning the practicum.

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