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Certificate in Teaching English Learners

As the fastest-growing student population, English learners need relevant curriculum and appropriate instruction. The online Certificate in Teaching English Learners program prepares you to face the challenges and opportunities of teaching these students by enhancing your knowledge of language development, cultural factors, ethics and linguistic diversity issues.

This certificate is approved by the Indiana Department of Education for adding the English Learners content area to your existing Indiana teaching license. The program is approved by the Ohio Department of Higher Education as leading to the Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) K-12 endorsement.

Related Programs

Program Details

Teachers of English Learners (EL) are expected to have a broad and comprehensive understanding of the knowledge and skills needed for this educator license, and to use that knowledge to help students prepare for the challenges and opportunities of the twenty-first century. This requires the ability to identify, comprehend, analyze, synthesize, and evaluate the basic principles, fundamental concepts, and essential content defined in these standards, and to apply that knowledge to the tasks of planning and delivering effective instruction and assessment.

Program Outcomes

Design and implement appropriate curriculum and instructional practices to enhance knowledge and awareness of language development and acquisition, cultural factors, ethics, and linguistic variation issues. (AO3)
Employ academic theories, standards, and frameworks to direct the selection and integration of content and research-based instructional strategies to support learning English within a discipline. (AO1)
Promote the development of language acquisition skills by utilizing assessment instruments, incorporating technology, critically evaluating materials, and targeting specific learning outcomes. (AO4)
Establish a culturally relevant environment by incorporating evidence-based instructional practices and resources, materials, and technology, and through the influence of social interaction. (AO2)
Construct a framework for establishing and maintaining partnerships between the school, family, and community by advocating for academic and social growth for English learners within civic and global settings. (AO3)
Research issues faced by new language learners by analyzing and evaluating instructional practices to better understand their academic and social needs. (AO1)
Support continuous learning while fostering leadership skills through intentionally designed opportunities to engage in professional development. (AO5)

Courses

Here are the courses you’ll take when working towards this program. If no focus of study option is selected, you can choose any 3 courses from the study options below.
Visit the College Catalog to see all courses.

This program consists of

16 credits

Core Courses

BE5013 - 3 SEMESTER CREDITS

Foundations of ESL and Bilingual Education

An essential course for all educators, this course provides students with an understanding of the historical, political, social, cultural, and educational concepts and issues that affect linguistically and culturally varied students in the educational system. A review of local, state, and federal policies regarding entitlement and appropriate school services for English language learners, and important program models are analyzed. Current theories of Second Language Acquisition (SLA), bilingualism, and socio-cultural theories are explored for their pedagogical implications and specific program models within and outside the U.S. are examined for their contributions to student academic achievement.

BE5023 - 3 SEMESTER CREDITS

Assessment of ESL and Bilingual Students

Students in this course explore issues of assessment of second language learners within the larger framework of historical, social, cultural, and political contexts. Utilizing a variety of theoretical models related to second language acquisition and academic achievement, students 1) analyze the differences among second language students 2) discuss assessment practices, and 3) evaluate existing instruments for second language learners. Students examine and review relevant state standards for content matter learning and language proficiency, and examine how those are assessed in mandated, large-scale assessment and in classroom assessment (traditional and alternative).

BE5033 - 3 SEMESTER CREDITS

Methods and Materials for Teaching English as a Second Language

This course provides teachers methods for providing language and content instruction to second language learners. Students consider historical and current English as a second language (ESL) program models and second language acquisition theories, pedagogy, and methodology. Relevant federal, state, and local learning and assessment standards are reviewed and applied to their teaching. Students are guided in creating and presenting teaching units and lessons based on various methods, approaches, and techniques. Students discuss the selection, use, and evaluation of books, multimedia, technology, and other materials. Students examine the application of relevant learning and assessment standards to their teaching of second language learners.

BE5043 - 3 SEMESTER CREDITS

Cross-Cultural Studies for Teaching ELLs

With the increase of limited-English-proficient students in urban environments, this course examines the impact of culture on society and the educational system, and the importance of culture in addressing the needs of immigrant students. It explores the dynamic processes of acculturation and cultural conflict. Students examine the role of culture in the American educational system and how ethno-linguistic groups contribute to the dynamics of the classroom. Students examine behavioral expectations and learning styles of students from different backgrounds, how that changes the classroom dynamics, and how teacher expectations can affect perceptual judgments of students. Students learn how to design culturally relevant instruction to further the academic success of learners and learn ways to foster collaborative and dynamic learning environments.

ES5063 - 3 SEMESTER CREDITS

Linguistics for TESOL

Students in this course cover the following essential dimensions of linguistics and the acquisition of language: language and the brain, first and second language acquisition, major components of linguistics (phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and sociolinguistics), cognition and learning, and communicative competence. Emphasis is placed on implications for ESL and bilingual education teachers.

TEL5081 - 1 SEMESTER CREDIT

Certificate Capstone Experience in Teaching English Learners

The Capstone Experience is designed for candidates to demonstrate and document the impact of their knowledge and competencies gained throughout, and as a result of the Certificate in Teaching English Learners.

EBL5101 - 1 SEMESTER CREDIT

Internship Experience for ESL and Bilingual Education

The ESL/BL Internship is designed to guide aspiring ESL/BL teachers through structured and semi-structured, supervised experiences focused on teaching ESL/BL students.

College Catalog

Start Dates

With flexible start dates, you can begin your program when it's best for you.

July 13, 2026 Term

Jul 10, 2026

Application Due

Jul 10, 2026

Payment Due

Jul 13, 2026

Term Start

Jul 17, 2026

Unregister/Cancel Deadline

Aug 16, 2026

Term End

August 24, 2026 Term

Aug 21, 2026

Application Due

Aug 21, 2026

Payment Due

Aug 24, 2026

Term Start

Aug 28, 2026

Unregister/Cancel Deadline

Sep 27, 2026

Term End

September 14, 2026 Term

Sep 11, 2026

Application Due

Sep 11, 2026

Payment Due

Sep 14, 2026

Term Start

Sep 18, 2026

Unregister/Cancel Deadline

Oct 25, 2026

Term End

October 05, 2026 Term

Oct 02, 2026

Application Due

Oct 02, 2026

Payment Due

Oct 05, 2026

Term Start

Oct 09, 2026

Unregister/Cancel Deadline

Nov 08, 2026

Term End

Tuition

We believe in full transparency with our total cost of attendance. No hidden fees. No surprises along the way.

Total Cost of Certificate in Teaching English Learners

Total Tuition

semester credit x $ per credit

Fees

Total Program Cost

Find a plan that fits your budget.

View Payment Options

Return on Your Investment

Continuing your education is a big decision that involves an investment of your time and money. We recognize that, which is why we're committed to ensuring you experience a positive return on that investment.

You only pay the cost it takes for us to deliver your education, nothing more. By keeping our tuition low, we’ve helped our students see a $19.20 return in future higher earnings for every $1 they invested in their ACE education.¹

How to Pay for College

Because of our low tuition and total program cost, 87% of our students graduate debt-free.² Popular payment options include paying by course, paying by month or paying in full. Visit our payment options page to learn more.

$17,515

Average competitor total cost²

$9,655

Average ACE total cost^*

When we say low cost, we mean it

The proof is in the numbers. ACE’s commitment to keeping tuition and fees low means our price is a fraction of the cost of other comparable programs.

Why ACE?

Low-Cost, High Quality

You deserve a great return on your educational investment, and we deliver master's degrees at a total average cost of $10,000^*. We also award over $1.2M in scholarships and grants each year.

Tuition & ROI

$1.2M

in
scholarships

Quality You Expect

We are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Our faculty work in the industries where you work and are committed to your success, contributing to our 85% graduation rate.³ Our curriculum equips you with practical strategies you can apply right away, as well as skills to help you advance your career.

Success Stories

85%

graduation
rate³

Flexibility You Need

Our virtual campus and convenient start dates provide you the flexibility you need to achieve your goals at a time and place that works with your busy schedule. Our student support services are available 24/7 and tutoring is included at no additional cost.

Support Services

24/7

student support
services

View Our Accreditations

See How ACE Stacks Up

Graduation and Satisfaction Rates

ACE Graduates with No Debt² vs. Master’s Degree Holders from Private, For-Profit Institutions⁴

87%

31%

ACE vs. Comparison Group for Better Than Expected Overall Student Satisfaction or Higher²

86%

82%

Stay Within Your Budget

Because we don’t have a physical campus, our students don’t need to pay infrastructure or facility fees. We also keep our operational costs low by not participating in Title IV federal funding. We pass all these savings along to our students.

Network Across the Globe

Due to our engaging online format, you’ll connect and learn from industry peers worldwide. And even though you’re learning online, you won’t feel alone thanks to student discussion boards and online forums.

Gain Today’s In-Demand Skills

Learn strategies and skills you can apply immediately and leverage for future career advancement. Employers of ACE graduates report a 96% satisfaction rate,³ while 98% of our students felt their professional skills were stronger after graduation.³

Learn From Custom-Built Curriculum

Every course is created by our in-house curriculum and production team working in tandem with our academic leaders. Plus, all courses follow a consistent structure. No outdated coursework, no surprises.

See how we're different

Student Success Stories

Alumni

M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction

Jazzmyne Townsend

Read Jazzmyne's story »

Admission Requirements

ACE General Admission Requirements

Complete and submit all application components including the admission application, the enrollment agreement and payment agreement.
Submit the nonrefundable application fee. *
Provide official transcripts from an institution that is accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education indicating successful completion of the level of education required for entry to the program. **
Secure electronic transcripts can be mailed to [email protected].

*The application fee is valid for one year from date of submission.

**Additional evidence may be required to fulfill state requirements, including but not limited to verification of professional experience, test scores, or an interview.

Program Admission Requirements

Bachelor's or Highest Post- Baccalaureate degree earned
Minimum grade point average cumulative 2.5 on a 4.0 scale for full admission
Minimum cumulative grade point average 2.0 on a 4.0 scale for provisional admission

International Transcript Requirements

All applicants must submit, to the Admissions Office, an official evaluation from a NACES-approved organization.

Transcripts that are international and/or not in English must be evaluated through a NACES-recommended agency.
Texas applicants for licensure programs may only submit evaluations from agencies approved by the Texas Education Agency.
International applicants must request the course-by-course evaluation. The evaluation report must show that the non-U.S. education is equivalent to the education/accreditation level required for the program.

English as a Second Language Applicants

All applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate competence in the English language as demonstrated in one of three ways:

Submission of an official transcript showing a degree from a United States secondary school or regionally accredited college/university.
Submission of an official minimum score on the paper or internet-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exams.
The minimum TOEFL score required for the internet-based version is 80, and the paper-based version requires a minimum TOEFL score of 20 for each of the three skills: Reading, Listening and Writing.
The minimum IELTS score required is 6.5. Note: IELTS is not acceptable for Texas programs leading to certification.
The testing agency must send test scores directly to American College of Education.
Applicants to the Texas Educational Leadership program whose first language is not English must submit a minimum scaled score of 24 for speaking, 22 for listening, 22 for reading and 21 for writing from the Internet-Based TOEFL (IBT) or evidence of an undergraduate or graduate degree earned at an institution of higher education in a country outside of the United States listed in Figure: 19 TAC §230.11(b)(5)(C).

¹Lightcast Study

²Internal research conducted November 2025

³Student Right to Know

⁴Education Data Initiative accessed on January 28, 2026

Let's Get Started

Our Enrollment Counselors are here to answer your questions and walk you through the enrollment process.

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