English as a Second Language Certification

This non-degree certification program is designed for students who already hold a standard New Jersey Department of Education teaching certification and would like to attain the ESL endorsement.  Note: Those whose standard certification is in P-3 via alternate route and do not hold any other standard certification will need to complete additional classes as required by the NJDOE. Please inquire with the department for details.

Those who do not hold a standard NJ teaching certification and would like to pursue the standard ESL teaching certification as their initial teacher  certification will need to be enrolled in the ESL-Alternate Route program. Information on the ESL-Alternate Route program is available here

Admission requirements:
 

  • Online application

  • Essay of 250-500 words

  • Verification of current standard NJ certification(s)

  • Transcripts from all previous institutions attended

  • BA GPA of 3.0 or higher

Certification requirements:
 

  • Passing scores on the ACTFL Language Proficiency tests as mandated by NJDOE

  • OPI: Advanced Low or higher; WPT: Advanced Low or higher

Students Who Hold a Standard New Jersey Department of Education Teaching Certification

Students are strongly encouraged to take the courses listed below in the specified phases.

Fall Semester
MCC 627Historical and Cultural Background of Limited English Proficient Students3
MCC 635Effective Literacy Teaching for English Language Learners3
MCC 655Methods of Teaching ESL3
Spring Semester
MCC 603Applied Linguistics with Emphasis on Second Language Experience3
MCC 604Phonology and Structure of American English3
MCC 617Field Experience in Bilingual/Multicultural Education3
Total Credits18