Illinois English as a Second Language and Bilingual Education Certificate

Master’s Level Certificate

Certificate Description

The graduate level Illinois Certificate in English as a Second Language and Bilingual Education is intended for Illinois educators interested in working with students who are bilingual and/or English Language Learners. By applying current research and best practices, educators learn strategies to support students as they learn English and master subject-specific content. Courses completed as part of this program may transfer to the M.Ed. Teaching English Learners or Teaching English Learners Certificate.

Certificate Outcomes

1. Apply knowledge of language development and acquisition and cultural and linguistic diversity to implement curriculum and instruction for English learners.
2. Utilize academic standards to guide the selection of content and research-based instructional strategies to deliver the content.
3. Develop assessment instruments, select materials, and monitor learning outcomes to enhance the academic development of English learners.
4. Establish a culturally relevant environment by incorporating evidenced-based instructional resources, materials, and technology.
5. Engage in ongoing learning and leadership communities to analyze data and instructional practices and conduct research to enhance understanding of new language learners and their academic and social needs.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Illinois Certificate in English as a Second Language and Bilingual education is to provide educators with a working knowledge of the theories of language acquisition, the cultural implications of second language acquisition, the strategies that promote cultural understanding, and the best practices in order to meet the needs of English language learners in diverse educational settings.