ESL/ELL Additional License

Graduate & Professional

This English Language Learners (ELL) coursework provides students with the core competencies they need to be able to work effectively with culturally and linguistically diverse students - including emergent bilinguals (English language learners). The coursework will prepare you to apply independently to Massachusetts for an additional license in English Language Learners.

Program Overview

The English language learners programs include courses on second language acquisition theory, English language teaching methods and how to apply this knowledge to content learning. Students will learn about the structure, meaning and context of language, and how to develop effective instructional plans and assessment. We also examine relevant social and cultural factors that impact culturally and linguistically diverse teaching and learning.

At the end of the program, students will be able to apply knowledge, analyze and evaluate:

  • linguistic and sociolinguistic concepts, processes and stages of language acquisition
  • theory, research, and best practices for language instruction and development
  • assessing reading, writing, aural and oral language skills
  • socio-emotional and sociocultural factors that influence the teaching and learning of English language learners
  • learners' social and academic language proficiency, as well as content-area learning

These courses may be taken in any order, at your own pace.

Mount Holyoke Experiences

What our students are saying

Stephani Lopez Rodriguez, MAT’19, smiling in front of a screen wearing a blue jacket and blue and cream scarf

“I want my students to feel that their cultures are represented and valued in the classroom.” – Stephani Lopez Rodriguez MAT’19

Stephani Lopez Rodriguez MAT’19

she/her/hers

Learn about Stephani's experience at Mount Holyoke

Contact Us

Mount Holyoke College has been on the forefront of providing a rigorous education to passionate changemakers who have gone on to break new ground in education, the sciences, the arts, public service and social justice movements for over 180 years.

Amy Asadoorian
  • Assistant Director of Communications, Outreach, and Admissions

Next Steps

Apply to Mount Holyoke

Mount Holyoke seeks intellectually curious applicants who understand the value of education and are driven by a love of learning. As a college that is gender diverse, the graduate programs are coed and we welcome applications from female, male, trans and non-binary students.

Funding your graduate education

Everyone’s financial situation is unique, and we offer scholarships, fellowships and partnership programs to help make an exceptional education accessible for everyone.