Teaching English as a Second Language

Teaching English as a Second Language

Certificate of Undergraduate Study (CUGS) in Teaching English as a Second Language

ESL is currently one of the critical shortage teaching areas in NJ and in most areas of the US, so there are currently numerous job opportunities available to candidates with this certification.

Become an effective, linguistically responsive educator. Currently, about 23% of students in the state of New Jersey speak a language other than English at home and over 80% of New Jersey school districts have English learners, making New Jersey one of the most linguistically diverse states in the U.S.

Gain the expertise and teaching certification to become an English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. This program is also a great option for students who plan to teach English abroad.

In order to apply for the NJ certification, students must pursue a certification in another area, such as Elementary Education, Early Childhood Education, Subject Matter Education, Health and Physical Education, Art or Music Education.

Program Coordinator & Advisor
Dr. Catherine Michener
michenerc@rowan.edu

Click here for the Program Guide

Who can apply?

  • Both matriculated and non-matriculated students
  • To be eligible for NJ K-12 certification, applicants must be matriculated in another teacher preparation program at Rowan
  • Must have a 3.0 GPA and must demonstrate advanced proficiency in English writing and speaking

How to apply:

See your advisor, the program coordinator, or Department Chair prior to registration in any CUGS courses. They will send an email with your name, Banner ID, major, and name of selected CUGS to ensure you have the proper program code to be able to register.

Program Curriculum and Requirements:

BLED 40.405

Current Policy and Practice in ESL and Bilingual Education

3 credits

BLED 40.412

Linguistic and Second Language Acquisition for Language Teachers

3 credits

BLED 40.415

Understanding Immigrant, Bilingual, and English Learner Students

3 credits

BLED 40.420

Planning, Teaching, and Assessment in ESL Classrooms

3 credits

BLED 40.422

Integrating Language, Literacy and Content in ESL & Bilingual Classrooms

3 credits

Total CUGS Credit Hours

15

Recommended Elective: ​ENGL 02301 American English Grammar

Required tests: If you are seeking the ESL teacher certification, appropriate language proficiency testing is required in English. Testing requirements vary. For testing requirements for this license, please see the following website: https://nj.gov/education/license/endorsements/1475CE.pdf

Please make sure to review the current Program Requirements/Advising Guide and Licensure Testing Requirements.