English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Endorsement
Applications are currently being accepted for the ESOL Endorsement and the ESOL Advanced Track. Contact Program Director Amber Tatge at atatge@lclark.edu with questions or for more information.
ESOL Endorsement
Designed for educators who hold an Oregon teaching license, this program is a 14-semester-hour course of study exploring the principles, theories, research, and practice relevant to the needs of students acquiring English as a second language. Candidates join colleagues and Lewis & Clark faculty to engage in small classes for dialogue, study, and field experiences that engage the full range of issues involved in teaching emerging bilingual students.
ESOL Advanced Track Endorsement Option for Lewis & Clark MAT Graduates
If you have graduated within the last five years from Lewis & Clark’s MAT program, you may apply to the ESOL Advanced Track Endorsement option. This option combines 4 semester hours of eligible coursework taken while in the MAT program with 10 semester hours of new coursework for an advanced program that delivers the same rigorous academic experience while honoring courses already completed. Eligible students must already have completed ESOL 501A/601A and ESOL 501C/601C or ESOL 535A and ESOL 535B and ESOL 540 while enrolled in Lewis & Clark’s MAT program.
Program Overview
Total credit hours: 14 (12 semester hours plus a 2 hour practicum)
Advanced track total credit hours: 14 (8 semester hours plus a 2 hour practicum and 4 semester hours applied from MAT coursework)
Program length: 1 - 2 years of part-time study
Program start date: September, January, or June
Program director: Amber Tatge →
This program has changed the way I teach. I am now more aware of my students’ individual needs. I use a variety of teaching strategies throughout the school day, and I have a greater focus on their home lives.
Program alumna, K-12 teacher
Graduates will be prepared to:
- Support the English language development of students through content and literature studies with an emphasis on direct language instruction.
- Develop and adapt content-specific curriculum for diverse classroom populations.
- Employ innovative teaching methodologies and strategies that respond to student needs in the mainstream classroom and beyond.
- Utilize assessment principles effectively.
- Partner with families to build strong ties between school and the diverse racial, cultural, and linguistic communities it serves.
- Lead their school community in establishing collaborative learning environments that support high levels of success for all students.
What to Expect
Lewis & Clark’s ESOL Endorsement Program is designed for the unique needs of practicing professionals. Coursework is offered in the evenings and summer in an online format, and, in some cases, on-site in a school district, utilizing a hybrid format (meeting in-person every other week). Classes are small and emphasize individual attention as well as the opportunity to learn and work collaboratively with fellow teachers and school leaders. All program components are tailored to give participants the opportunity to grapple with issues involving diversity, educational equity, and English-language learning.
Endorsement coursework may also be applied to the MEd in Curriculum and Instruction degree.
Applying to the Program
You can find admissions requirement information and an online application at the Graduate Admissions Office website.
Individuals interested in obtaining the ESOL endorsement and/or MEd degree may enroll for up to 6 semester hours of coursework prior to formal admission to the program. Educators taking courses for professional development who do not intend to complete the program may register with Special Student status for each class without formal admission to the Lewis & Clark Graduate School of Education and Counseling.
Bring a Cohort to your School District
Our program can hold virtual and/or in-person info sessions for teachers interested in the ESOL endorsement in your school district. If there are enough interested teachers, we can hold classes in your school district for reduced tuition. Please contact atatge@lclark.edu if you are interested in learning more.
Resources for Current Students
- Initiating Your Inservice Practicum [online form]
- Instructions to apply to TSPC for the ESOL endorsement
- Required Tests
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Inservice Request to Add Program Application (Students currently enrolled in an Inservice degree or endorsement program who would like to continue their Inservice studies in another endorsement program may be eligible for an abbreviated application process.)