Post-Baccalaureate Certificate – English as a Second Language

Coursework prepares future educators to support multilingual learners through a strong foundation in second language acquisition, bilingual education and effective ESL instruction. Students learn to design culturally responsive curriculum, integrate language and content instruction, and use evidence-based strategies to meet the diverse linguistic and academic needs of English learners. The program also emphasizes equitable assessment, family engagement and inclusive practices that help English learners thrive in PreK–12 classrooms.

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.

Application materials include your unofficial transcript(s), personal statements, a resume/CV, and a recommendation. We encourage prospective students to begin an application, as the portal provides a clear overview of all application requirements, including the personal statement prompt.

Looking for the application deadline? See our Deadlines & Decisions page.

Current School of Education Students

Students enrolled in an initial licensure graduate program should select the “Certificate - W&M Current Student Election” option in the application portal. Current students fill out a simplified application, which requires an advisor recommendation.

Full-time educators currently working in a public or private PreK-12 institution in Virginia may
be eligible for a 25% discount on tuition for the Certificate in English as a Second Language. Participants must be Virginia Residents, can only take up to six credit hours per semester, and must be employed full-time in a Virginia PK-12 school. The discount can only be used toward part-time master’s and certificate programs.