| Graduate Certificate in TESOL Frequently Asked Questions _________________________________________ K-12 ESL Endorsement Program Eastern Michigan University |
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1. Am I eligible for the Graduate Certificate in TESOL/K-12 ESL Endorsement program if I am not certified to teach in Michigan public schools?
No, this program is designed for certified K-12 teachers.
2. If I’m admitted to the Graduate Certificate in TESOL program, am I automatically in the K-12 ESL Endorsement Program?
Yes. The TESOL Graduate Certificate is an EMU program. Upon successful completion of the TESOL Graduate Certificate program and after passing the MTTC test, EMU will recommend you to the Michigan Department of Education for the ESL endorsement. In other words, you take TESOL graduate certificate courses at EMU but receive your ESL endorsement from the State.
3. How do I get the ESL endorsement from the Michigan Department of Education?
Upon finishing the Graduate Certificate in TESOL program, you should apply to graduate from that program at EMU. By graduating, officially finishing the program, all the TESOL courses you will have taken are transferable for life. This means that if at a later time you decide to pursue an MA in TESOL at EMU, all the courses you have taken can be counted towards the MA degree in TESOL.
4. I’m a certified teacher, currently teaching ESL in Michigan public schools. My school district requires that I get the ESL endorsement in order to keep my job. I’m also interested in getting an MA in TESOL. Can I do both at the same time?
Yes. The K-12 ESL Endorsement program requires 21 credits, all of which can be transferred to the MA in TESOL, which requires 33 credit hours. If you are planning on doing both, be sure to talk to the TESOL Advisor so that you take all the courses that are required for both programs in the most economical sequence. This usually means completing the Graduate Certificate before completing the MA in TESOL.
5. How many courses are required for the Graduate Certificate in TESOL/K-12 ESL Endorsement program?
In alignment with the Michigan State Standards for K-12 ESL Teacher Education Programs, the ESL endorsement program at EMU consists of 10 courses (a total of 21 credit hours), organized around five domains: language, culture, instruction, assessment, and professionalism.
6. How long does it to take to finish the coursework?
If you study each consecutive term at the EMU Center in Livonia, it will take 28 months for you to finish the coursework. Talk to the TESOL advisor to ensure that you can finish the coursework in the shortest possible time.
7. Do I have to speak another language in order to be eligible for the ESL Endorsement program?
The MDE requires you to have knowledge of another language. This is an experience requirement; you don’t need to offer proof of proficiency in a foreign language. If English is your first language, you need to submit a college transcript showing that you have completed a year (or two semesters) of foreign language study and earned a grade of C or better. We offer conditional admission to those that have not yet studied a foreign language. Please note that you must meet the foreign language requirement before you apply for graduation in order for EMU to recommend you to the MDE for the ESL endorsement.
8. What is the deadline for applications?
The TESOL faculty reviews applications for the Graduate Certificate as soon as we receive them from the Admissions Office. Please note that it takes time for the Graduate School to verify the eligibility of your application and get it to the TESOL program for consideration. You are advised to send in your completed application well ahead of the term for which you seek admission.
8. Do I have a limited time in which to finish my coursework for the TESOL Graduate Certificate?
Yes. The time limit is 3 years from the beginning of the first course to the date of graduation.
9. How do I apply for the Graduate Certificate in TESOL/ESL Endorsement program at EMU?
To apply for admission, submit an application and all required papers to: EMU, Office of Admissions, P.O. Box 970, Ypsilanti, MI 48197-7621.
Application forms may be obtained from EMU's website: www.emich.edu (or http://www.emich.edu/admissions), by mail from the Admissions Office, or by phoning from inside the U.S.A. 734-487-3400 or 800/GO-TO-EMU.
Please remember that the program code for the Graduate Certificate in TESOL program is TSLC.
10. What are the steps for me to take to get the ESL endorsement from the State of Michigan?
The steps to get the ESL endorsement from the Michigan Department of Education are outlined on the attached page.
For more information, contact:
Dr. Jo Ann Aebersold, TESOL Advisor
Department of World Languages
346 Alexander
Eastern Michigan University
Ypsilanti, MI 48197
E-mail: jaebersol@emich.edu
Phone: 734.487.4081