This endorsement program is for licensed teachers who teach or who would like to teach English to speakers of other languages (ESOL) and/or bilingual education. Designed for educators with full-time teaching loads, the eight courses (including a field-based practicum) are offered in the evening, through V-TEL (distance learning), and during the summer. You do not have to be proficient in a second language to teach ESOL. Teachers wishing to add the bilingual portion to the ESOL endorsement must demonstrate proficiency in a second language.

The program provides a strong foundation related to language acquisition, as well as linguistic structures and their functions. This foundation is enhanced by an understanding of the relationships between language and culture, as well as an awareness of and sensitivity to cultural issues. The history, growth, and current status of ESOL/Bilingual Education form a significant portion of the program, which also offers a strong foundation in effective teaching strategies and methodology. The practicum requirement provides a practical and experiential base to enhance the learning of students from Hispanic, Native American, and other language backgrounds. Visit the ESOL/Bilingual website at http://www.sou.edu/education/esol/index.html.