Advance your career by earning your K-12 ESL Teacher Certification (NJDOE approved) and learn how to provide the most supportive instruction to our growing population of Multilingual Learners of English (MLE).

This five-class sequence enhances your classroom practice and furthers your scholarship as you explore the most contemporary, research-based teaching techniques and strategies to support language and literacy development in the kindergarten through 12th grade setting.

This certification program hosts engaging synchronous and asynchronous online classes that are taught by experts in the field of language and literacy learning. Educators are excited to be able to use ideas from classes the very next day.

Start the admissions process today to join our Spring Cohort beginning on January 13th.

About the Centenary University ESL Endorsement Program

Centenary University is approved by the New Jersey Department of Education enabling you to become a certified ESL teacher in kindergarten through 12th grade (NJ Endorsement Code #1475).

If you are pursuing your Master of Education in Literacy Instruction, your ESL credits can be applied toward your degree.

The program adheres to the most current research and is aligned with the global standards of TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) and the ILA (International Literacy Association).

Candidates will

• Develop an understanding by applying theory/research to in-service training and coordination of instruction for students or groups of students who are Multilingual Learners of English (MLE).
• Learn the skills necessary to be able to utilize and recommend methods and materials to be used in the school district’s program and contribute to the evaluation of student progress and school policies.
• Advocate for Multilingual Learners of English (MLE) in the school setting and their communities and create culturally inclusive learning spaces.

Program overview

This 5-course, 15-credit program covers:

• Introduction to the foundational theories and research of linguistics and the structure of English
• Exploration of current theories and research in second language acquisition and the role of language teaching in second language learning
• Learning how to assess language proficiency and provide effective instruction through research-based methodologies and strategies
• Development of a learner’s literacy skills through both language instruction and content-area instruction
• Application of knowledge of the interconnectedness of language, culture, identity, and education to deliver culturally responsive instruction and advocate for Multilingual Learners of English and their families in schools and communities
• Completion of required fieldwork in the form of observations.

The program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Designed for educators working full-time

We understand the demands on your time as a working professional. That is why we offer plenty of support and a program that makes it easy to balance your obligations. This online program is offered in a blended format of alternating weeks that are synchronous, meeting with your class remotely, and asynchronous, working on your own.

Who should earn this credential?

• Teachers in early education, elementary school, middle school, or high school
• Support staff and consultants who hold their CEAS or Standard Certificate
• Administrators at all levels

Apply today

We take the hassle out of higher education with concierge-style admissions and advising. You can contact us during your preps, lunch, evenings, and weekends. You will need to provide:

• Completed application
• Bachelor’s Degree
• Teaching Certification – Please send us a copy of your Standard Certificate or your Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing
• Original transcripts from all colleges and universities attended electronically delivered or mailed to:
  Centenary University – Graduate Admissions
  400 Jefferson Street
  Hackettstown, NJ 07840
• One letter of recommendation
• 500-word personal statement describing your motivation and goals for pursuing this program