Teaching of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Certificate

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Valparaiso University offers an 18-credit graduate TESOL certificate. While the program is open to any degree seeking graduate student at Valparaiso University, this certificate would be most practical for students in programs with a language or international focus (e.g., International Commerce and Policy, English Studies and Communication, Master of Arts in Liberal Studies, etc.). In general, students in graduate degree programs may use up to 9 credits from their degree toward the TESOL certificate, but the actual number will depend on the specific degree program. For the Master of Arts in English Studies and Communication, for example, 9 credits of appropriate coursework may be applied toward the TESOL certificate.

The certificate is also open to non-degree graduate students, including international students and members of the Northwest Indiana community.

Enrolled VU TESOL students with at least 75 hours of ESL/EFL/ELL teaching, for which the teaching was not completed as part of the VU TESOL program, may submit a Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) portfolio of TESOL artifacts, including documentation of work experience, lesson plans, assessments, and analysis. This portfolio will be assessed by TESOL program faculty with the PLA portfolio rubric. Students who complete a PLA portfolio that earns a passing score will be awarded the equivalent of credit for ENGL 569 Tesol: Methods and Practices, Another Language: Methods and Practices . Interested students should consult with their TESOL adviser and obtain a copy of the TESOL PLA portfolio prompt and rubric from their advisor to consider whether this opportunity is appropriate in their case.

Admission Requirements

Students currently or previously enrolled in a graduate degree program at Valparaiso University need only submit the application for the TESOL certificate, updated transcripts, and evidence of prior experience learning a foreign language. All others must, in addition to the above, meet standard graduate admission requirements.

Certificate Requirements

Teacher Certification in TESOL/English Learners

In May 2012, the Indiana Department of Education approved Valparaiso University’s Graduate Certificate in TESOL for professional certification in English as a New Language. Teachers currently licensed in the state of Indiana can now complete this version of Valpo’s TESOL certificate, leading to the addition of the EL (English Learners) content area to their teaching license. The 19-hour P-12 EL/TESOL certificate can be completed on a part-time basis. To receive an Indiana P-12 EL license, prospective students must first either have or obtain a primary license in another licensable area. Required coursework includes the following courses:

Requirements

ENGL 533 - Intro to Linguistics for P12 Educators Credits: 3
ENGL 534 - Sociolinguistics: Lang Acrss Cultr P12 Credits: 3
ENGL 558 - Tesol: Theory and Methods for P-12 Educ Credits: 3
ENGL 559 - Tesol: Methods & Practices for P-12 Educ Credits: 3
ENGL 674 - Observation in P12 English Learner Ed Credits: 1
ENGL 675 - Practicum in P12 Engl Learner Education Credits: 3

One Elective Course From The Following Options (Based On Student Needs And Interests):

CVA 515 - Intercultural Communication, Communication Credits: 3
ED 520 - Educational Psychology Credits: 2
ED 528 - Foundations of Literacy Development Credits: 3
ED 567 - English Language Learning Methods Credits: 3
ENGL 502 - Introduction to Professional Writing Credits: 3
ENGL 511 - Introduction to Technical Writing Credits: 3
ENGL 512 - New Literacies, Technology, and Cultures, of Writing Credits: 3
ENGL 525 - Creative Nonfiction Credits: 3
ENGL 531 - Advanced Writing and Rhetoric Credits: 3
ENGL 541 - History of the English Language Credits: 3
ENGL 542 - Grammar, Style, & Editing Credits: 3
ENGL 580 - Topics in Writing Credits: 2
ENGL 588 - Internship in the Writing Center Credits: 3
ENGL 591 - Seminar in Professional Writing Credits: 3
ENGL 594 - Topics in Language Credits: 3
ENGL 602 - Computer Assisted Language Learning Call Credits: 3
ENGL 612 - ESL Curriculum and Assessment Credits: 3
ENGL 613 - ESL Grammar Credits: 3
ENGL 614 - Seminar in ESL Credits: 3
ENGL 686 - Internship Credits: 1

Total: 18 Cr.

Currently-licensed Indiana teachers who wish to add a professional certification in EL to their license through a Master’s degree program may do so by enrolling in the MA in TESOL .