ESL/ELL Additional License

Our English Language Learners (ELL) coursework provides students with the core competencies they need to be able to apply independently to Massachusetts for a license in English Language Learners.

These courses are specifically designed to provide opportunities for current students pursuing initial licensure or teachers with the appropriate licensure to earn and independently apply for an Additional License in ELL.  These courses are taken individually as part of the regular January or summer session PaGE (Professional and Graduate Education) course offerings.  They may be taken in any order, at your own pace.

How to Apply 

Tuition: Cost is $680 per credit.  Scholarships are available.

In order to apply for your additional license, you need to complete all of the courses in this module and complete a State Competency Review, indicating how you have acquired subject matter knowledge for your particular license area, according to the Regulations for Educator Licensure and Preparation Program Approval 603 CMR 7.00.  To complete your review, you will also need to pass certain Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL).

Required MTELs

PreK - Grade 8 

Communication and Literacy

Foundations of Reading or Reading specialist subject matter

General Curriculum multi-subject subtest

Elementary Mathematics or General Curriculum mathematics subtest

English as Second Language

Grades 5-12 

Communications and Literacy

Teaching subject test

English as Second Language

Course Descriptions

Internship in an ELL Classroom
1 credit
Fall

A teacher candidate (TC) pursuing a Massachusetts initial license in one field, or a teacher holding a Massachusetts initial or professional license in one field may earn an additional ELL license of the same type and at the same level by completing a program that includes an internship of at least 150 hours. 

X.Educ 463: Teaching English Language Learners SEI endorsed course
4 credits
Fall or Spring

This courses addresses core competencies outlined in the Massachusetts Department of Education English Language Learner certificate requirement. Readings in language acquisition theory, language learning and teaching, effective lesson design and assessment, Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol and knowledge of intercultural learners are covered. Students will have experience developing and adapting lessons and curriculum to address the needs of students in their pre-practicum settings.

-OR-

X.ELL 463: Teaching English Language Learners: Sheltered English Immersion Endorsement (Stand-alone course)
3 credits
Summer 

This course is offered for teachers seeking SEI endorsement. It serves as the ReTELL course that provides an overview of pragmatic pedagogical strategies for including English Language Learners in content area classroom instruction. Readings in language acquisition theory, language learning and teaching, effective lesson design and assessment, Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol and knowledge of intercultural learners are covered. Students will have experience developing and adapting lessons and curriculum to address the needs of students in their pre-practicum settings. 

X.ELL 418: Second Language Acquisition and Classroom Practice (Online)
2 credits
Summer 

This course would a) introduce students to theories of second language acquisition (cognitive, social, and linguistic influences) and how these inform teaching practices, and b) introduce teaching methods and approaches to teaching ELLs so students can begin to make informed context-sensitive decisions about language teaching methods, techniques, lesson planning, materials, classroom management, etc.

X.ELL 416: Language Assessment and Classroom Practice (Online)
2 credits
January

Brief introduction to theory and practice in assessing students' academic English proficiency. Students will learn about purposes of and types of language assessments (e.g., large-scale standardized tests like WIDA ACCESS, alternative assessments like portfolios, formative assessments) and practice designing oral language assessment tasks and using rubrics to evaluate student writing.