The Teacher of English as a Second Language certificate develops your ability to assess and teach second language learners across speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Candidates must hold, or be in the process of obtaining, a New Jersey instructional certificate to be eligible for the ESL endorsement. You’ll examine the principles of second language acquisition, learn how to evaluate and use English language teaching materials, and explore how languages function historically, socially, and culturally.

Coursework includes linguistics, developmental literacy, instructional methods, and the structure of American English. You’ll create engaging, culturally responsive learning environments while gaining in-depth knowledge of how English is structured and used in context. Each course aligns with the New Jersey Professional Standards for Teachers (NJPST) and supports your growth as an educator of multilingual learners.

By the end of the program, you’ll be prepared to assess and instruct multilingual learners with confidence, using research-based strategies across all domains of language. You’ll be able to evaluate and create effective teaching materials, develop students’ literacy skills, and apply a deep understanding of how English functions in educational settings. You’ll demonstrate your readiness for the ESL endorsement by achieving a rating of “Advanced Low” or higher on both the Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) and the Writing Proficiency Test (WPT). Candidates who pass the Department-approved basic skills test are exempt from the WPT requirement.

Program Overview

Admissions Requirements

Application Deadlines

Preference is given to those submitted before the deadline for both decisions and funding opportunities. Applications received after the deadlines will be considered based on available space and budgetary constraints.

Reach Out to Us

Let’s begin a conversation about your academic and professional goals. If you have questions regarding the curriculum, faculty, admission criteria, or committee, please feel free to contact the Graduate Program Director. For administrative inquiries concerning the application process, campus, tuition, and fees, reach out to the Graduate School. We are dedicated to assisting you from application to graduation day.