Here, you impact the lives of English language learners.
In the 2016 – 17 academic year, English language learners made up 10.7% of post-secondary students—a number that continues to increase despite an overall decrease in the student population. Governors State’s Post-B.A. Certificate in BIL and/or ESL gives you the required endorsement to instruct English learners in the domestic classroom or the versatility to teach English skills abroad.
Through an endorsement in BIL or ESL, you can increase your cultural knowledge of English Language Learners, develop skills to solve challenges in bilingual and ESL classrooms, and take advantage of resume-enhancing opportunities. By relating theory to practice, the certification emphasizes your development as a reflective practitioner committed to lifelong learning and high standards for all your students.
Reach your career goals.
As a licensed professional educator, your commitment to students is clear. Obtaining a certificate in Bilingual or ESL Education increases the scope of your impact as you are enabled to reach students in the pursuit of English language skills both in the U.S. and abroad.
Why get a Certificate in Bilingual/English as a Second Language Education?
A 2017 study by the Illinois Association of Regional Superintendents of Schools (IARSS) found BIL/ESL educator positions are among the most difficult to fill. Your certification will give you the skills and credential necessary to apply for these highly sought-after positions.
Data collected in 2017 reflected the national median salary for ESL teachers to be $55,140 with an average range of $39,610 – $66,800 (Bureau of Labor Statistics). Chicago’s median salary for ESL teachers is $68,160.
Delivery Format
Governors State’s Certificate in ESL (18 credit hours) is offered in a hybrid format.
To achieve the 21-credit hour BIL endorsement, which includes the 18 hours required for the ESL, you will also be required to complete the following:
- 100 clock hours (or 3 months teaching experience) in a bilingual setting
- Appropriate Target Language Proficiency or English Language Proficiency test (if applicable)
View the Complete Certificate Requirements in the Academic Catalog