Post-Baccalaureate Certificate – English as a Second Language
Schools need teachers prepared to educate linguistically diverse students. Enhance your initial licensure program by completing a post-baccalaureate certificate in English as a Second Language (ESL). Students enrolled in our initial licensure graduate programs (Elementary, Secondary or Special Education) may also pursue the ESL post-baccalaureate certificate.
The Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in English as a Second Language is a 12-credit post-baccalaureate certificate consisting of four courses. Only one course can be taken at the undergraduate level. Students must receive a bachelor's degree before applying to this program. It is designed to provide specific background, education, and skills to students preparing to be fully licensed teachers in elementary or secondary education to teach English as a second language. Students will learn the central role of language and the theory and practice that informs planning lessons, delivering instruction and administering ESL programs.
Licensure
Completion of the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in English as a Second Language will prepare students to take the Praxis Subject Assessment in English to Speakers of Other Languages (#5362), which is required to add the English as a Second Language PK-12 endorsement to a Virginia teaching license once the requirements for an initial teaching license are met. Certificate-seeking students who are currently licensed in the state of Virginia and have passed the Praxis Subject Assessment in English to Speakers of Other Languages can have their employing school division apply to add the ESL endorsement to their existing license through the Virginia Department of Education.
Program of Study
Application
Certificate only students should complete the online application for the program - Certificate - ESL Education.
Current School of Education graduate students should complete the online application for the program - Certificate - W&M Current Student Election.
Virginia PreK-12 Educator Discount Program
New program in Summer 2024
Both programs are eligible for the new educator discount for qualified applicants. Full-time educators, currently working in a public or private PreK-12 institution in Virginia may be eligible for a 25% discount.
Participants must be Virginia Residents, can only take up to 6 credit hours per semester, and must be employed full-time in a Virginia PK-12 school.
ESL and Bilingual Education Program Contact
[[kbarkoalva,Katherine Barko-Alva]]
Associate Professor of ESL/Bilingual Education and Program Director
(757) 221-6073
