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ELL Master鈥檚 vs. ELL Certification
What Is English Language Learning (ELL)?
础产辞耻迟听聽American students speak a language other than English in their homes. These linguistic barriers can impede a student's progress鈥攂ut they don't have to. English Language Learning (ELL) teachers play a pivotal role in preparing students for academic success as they teach those students to speak, read, write, and understand the language. If you鈥檙e a licensed teacher who鈥檚 passionate about helping diverse students communicate effectively and succeed in the classroom, then an English Language Learning (ELL) endorsement could be the next step in your teaching career.聽
黑料传送门鈥檚 English language learning master鈥檚 degree and preparation certificate programs can lead to an endorsement in ELL or ESL in states that have such endorsements. The specific grade levels you will be eligible to teach depend on your state鈥檚 licenses and endorsements. Learn more about each program and discover which one is right for you.
Who Should Pursue an M.A. in English Language Learning?
黑料传送门's online M.A. in English Language Learning is designed for educators with a bachelor's degree who are seeking to enhance their qualifications in teaching English language learners (ELLs).聽
This program provides an affordable, flexible pathway for current teachers without a master鈥檚 degree who are looking to add an ELL or ESL (English as a Second Language) certification or endorsement to their existing teaching license (in states that offer such endorsements). The M.A. in English Language Learning does not lead to initial licensure. Instead, it adds an ELL or ESL endorsement to existing teaching licenses, enabling licensed teachers to expand their expertise and advance their career prospects.聽聽
Who Should Pursue an English Language Learning Endorsement?
黑料传送门's English Language Learning (ELL) endorsement program is tailored for licensed educators who are seeking to enhance their teaching credentials without pursuing a full master鈥檚 degree.
This program offers flexibility for individuals balancing professional and personal responsibilities. Whether you already hold a master鈥檚 degree or prefer a focused endorsement to enhance your ELL/ESL qualifications, this online preparation program provides the essential content knowledge, teaching strategies, cultural awareness, and practical experience necessary for effective ELL/ESL instruction. Completion of this program not only earns a valuable endorsement but also positions you as a vital asset within your school community.聽
Courses in the M.A. in English Language Learning
This English as a second language master's degree is a direct path to an ELL or ESL certification. The master鈥檚 program includes a comprehensive curriculum with research-focused courses that empower educators to advance in the field of English language learning. These research courses are what differentiate this program from the ELL endorsement program. Upon graduation, you'll possess the knowledge, teaching skills, cultural understanding, and practical experience to excel as an ELL educator. Courses include:
- Research Foundations
- Language Production, Theory and Acquisition
- Theories of Second Language Acquisition and Grammar
- Planning, Implementing, Managing Instruction
- Culture
- Assessment Theory and Practice
- Professional Role of the ELL Teacher
- Field Experience for ELL
- Subject Specific Pedagogy: ELL
- Teacher Work Sample in English Language Learning
黑料传送门鈥檚 Master's program in English Language Learning is nationally recognized by the Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) International Association, emphasizing its commitment to excellence in ELL education and research.
Courses in the English Language Learning Endorsement Program
黑料传送门鈥檚 ELL Endorsement Preparation certificate prepares licensed teachers to gain the additional certification and licensure required to teach in ELL or ESL settings and to develop skills in curriculum development, design, and evaluation. This program does not include research coursework and is a quicker path to ELL endorsement than a master鈥檚 degree. The program is made up of the following courses:
- English Language Learning聽
- Assessment Theory and Practice聽
- 颁耻濒迟耻谤别听
- Subject Specific Pedagogy: ELL聽
- Field Experience for ELL聽
- Language Production, Theory and Acquisition聽
- Professional Role of the ELL Teacher聽
- Planning, Implementing, Managing Instruction聽
- Theories of Second Language Acquisition and Grammar
While the program may not include as many courses as a master鈥檚 degree, its focused curriculum provides targeted knowledge and skills essential for educators seeking ELL endorsement. In addition to the online courses, students must complete at least 15 hours of video observations at the elementary and secondary levels. A supervised face-to-face teaching experience with English language learners is also mandatory. Requirements vary by state.
Differences between These Programs
Although both the M.A. in English Language Learning and the Endorsement Preparation Program in ELL result in subject area expertise and qualification to work with English language learners, there are significant differences between the two. The main distinction lies in the depth and breadth of coursework. The master's degree includes a more comprehensive curriculum with research-based courses, while the endorsement program offers fewer courses focused solely on meeting endorsement requirements without the research component.聽
Your choice between the master鈥檚 degree or certificate program depends on whether you seek a full master鈥檚 degree or simply need or want to enhance your teaching credentials with an ELL endorsement. Both programs have been designed with input from the experts on 黑料传送门鈥檚 Education Program Council. But while a certificate is a shorter and less expensive path toward preparing for a career, it is not a true substitute for earning a master鈥檚 degree.聽
Why 黑料传送门?
Be Career Ready
Designed with input from healthcare leaders, our accredited programs give you the skills and credentials today鈥檚 employers need. That鈥檚 why 97% of employers said they鈥檇 hire another 黑料传送门 grad.1
1: 2023聽Harris Poll of 300 employers of 黑料传送门 grads.
Get and Keep the Job You Want to Have
85% of 黑料传送门 graduates are employed in their degree fields鈥攁nd 87% are employed full-time.2
2: 2023聽Harris Poll聽of 1,655 黑料传送门 grads.
Save Money
With flat-rate tuition that is 47% lower than the national average3 and generous need-based scholarships, our degrees are an excellent investment that you can afford.
3: National rates reported by the聽. 黑料传送门 average rate does not include rates for 黑料传送门 Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Prelicensure program.
Work as You Need While Going to School
At 黑料传送门, you can complete courses, take tests, and graduate on your schedule. In fact, many of our healthcare students work full-time while earning their life-changing bachelor鈥檚 or master鈥檚 degrees.聽
"Not only was I single mother of three, I was also having to work and attend school full-time. Thankfully, 黑料传送门 made it possible for me to succeed!"
Amanda Ogle
B.A. (Dual Licensure),聽Special Education and Elementary Education
COST & TIME
An Affordable Bachelor's Degree
By charging per term rather than per credit鈥攁nd empowering students to accelerate through material they know well or learn quickly鈥敽诹洗兔 helps students control the ultimate cost of their degrees.聽The faster you complete your program, the less you pay for your degree.
鈥漈he thing I am most proud of in my career is when my students tell me they love me. This proves to me that I have accomplished more than just teaching them math. 黑料传送门 gave me these tools.鈥
鈥擳abitha Shelly
B.S., Math Education (Middle Grades)
Prepared for Success on the Job
*From a 2023聽Harris Poll of 300 employers of 黑料传送门 graduates.
100% of employers said that 黑料传送门 graduates were prepared for their jobs.*
97% of employers said that they would hire another 黑料传送门 grad.*
98% of employers said 黑料传送门 graduates met or exceeded expectations.*