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Graduate Certificate in English as a Second Language (ESL) Teacher Training

Gain the essential skills to support English Language Learners with a graduate-level, non-licensure certificate from IWU. Our fully online program prepares you to excel in using assessment, differentiated instruction, and technology-rich practices to help your students thrive.

Why should I pursue English as Second Language Teacher Training at IWU?

Choosing to advance your skills at IWU means you gain graduate-level expertise with the flexibility of a fully online program designed for working educators. You will apply what you learn directly through field experiences integrated into your courses, all while being guided by expert faculty committed to your success. Our curriculum is built on a foundation of Christian principles, preparing you to serve with ethical leadership and compassion in diverse classrooms. This non-licensure certificate program provides a rigorous academic path to deepen your understanding of supporting English Language Learners within a strong, supportive learning community.

What will I learn in this ESL Teacher Training Graduate Certificate program?

In this program, you will learn to apply second language acquisition theories to create culturally responsive learning plans for P–12 English Language Learners. You will develop skills in using appropriate assessments and analyzing data to make instructional decisions that help diverse students succeed. The curriculum emphasizes the importance of collaborating with fellow educators, families, and school personnel to build strong support systems for every learner. Through supervised teaching experiences and reflective practice, you will grow as a professional and learn to apply Christ-like leadership to advocate for your students and their communities.

What Makes IWU Different?

Education Pioneer

IWU has provided education for more than 100 years.

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Tuition & Aid

21 Credit Hours

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$525/ Credit Hour

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Financial aid is available in the form of grants, loans, scholarships, veterans’ benefits, and employer reimbursement.

Financial Aid Tuition & Fees Info

Applicable fees for resources and services will be assessed throughout the program. Tuition and fees for prerequisites and required elective courses are in addition to the charges shown on the program cost sheet. Your tuition rate will remain the same as long as you remain continuously enrolled in the same program. The estimated cost of attendance is available on the financial aid webpage. Cost sheets may be requested from an enrollment counselor by calling 866.498.4968 or emailing iwuenroll@indwes.edu.

What You'll Study

Our practice-focused curriculum is aligned to TESOL standards to prepare you for effectively serving P–12 English Language Learners. Upon completion, you will be able to:

  • Explain the stages of language acquisition and development in diverse student populations.

  • Design culturally responsive instruction and learning plans using appropriate modern technologies.

  • Administer and interpret assessments to make data-driven decisions for your students.

  • Model ethical, Christ-like leadership while collaborating with colleagues and families.

Indiana Wesleyan University

Courses in this Program

These courses contain the program-specific knowledge. Upon completion, you should have the tools to conquer your new career with confidence. For a full list of courses and prerequisites required to complete your degree, please visit the course catalog. Click on a course below to view the description.

EDUT-563,EDEL-515,EDEL-545,EDEL-535,EDUT-573,EDUT-583,EDUT-520

After Graduation

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Potential Careers

  • ESL Instructor or Teacher
  • Program Coordinator in ESL

Work in Various Industries

  • Industry

Program FAQs

Indiana Wesleyan University’s ESL faculty bring expertise in linguistics, curriculum design, and multilingual education. Dr. Mirta Ramirez-Espinola specializes in curriculum and instruction, literacy, and educational leadership, with a passion for mentoring educators. Dr. Elisabeth Van Beek holds a doctorate in education with a focus on linguistics and TESOL and specializes in culturally responsive teaching for multilingual learners. Dr. Kelsey Carroll focuses on instructional design and online learning, with expertise in developing effective ESL curriculum for adult learners. Faculty bring both academic research and real-world teaching experience into the classroom.
The program emphasizes research-based frameworks such as SIOP (Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol) and WIDA standards, which are widely used in K–12 education for teaching English learners. Students gain practical strategies for supporting multilingual learners in diverse classroom settings.
These ESL programs prepare graduates for careers as ESL teachers, English learner (EL) specialists, multilingual learner (ML) specialists, and English as a New Language (ENL) educators in K–12 schools. Graduates may also teach English as a second or foreign language in community programs, language institutes, international settings, or private education environments. Non-licensure pathways focus on roles outside traditional public school systems.
Key courses include EDEL-510, EDEL-520, and EDEL-530 for licensure pathways, which focus on language acquisition, instructional strategies, and assessment. For non-licensure pathways, courses such as EDEL-515, EDEL-545, and EDEL-535 emphasize teaching methods and curriculum development for English learners.
Graduates typically pursue roles as ESL or English learner specialists in K–12 schools or teaching positions in language programs and international settings.
Students complete clinical or field experiences in real classroom settings, allowing them to apply ESL teaching strategies with English learners under supervision.
Coursework is completed fully online. However, required clinical experiences are completed in person, typically in classroom settings.
Most courses are completed in approximately six weeks.
Students typically take one course at a time, allowing for focused, in-depth learning.
Courses are delivered primarily in an asynchronous format, allowing students to complete coursework on their own schedule.
Yes, transfer credit may be accepted depending on prior coursework and its alignment with program requirements. Each transcript is evaluated individually.

Yes. Christian faith is integrated throughout the program, including weekly devotional discussions that connect faith with teaching practice and service.
This program is designed for individuals who want to teach English as a second or foreign language outside of traditional K–12 public schools, such as in community programs, language institutes, or international settings.
This program does not lead to teacher licensure. Instead, it focuses on practical ESL teaching skills for non-licensure environments.
Students learn how to teach English to multilingual learners, design engaging lessons, and support culturally diverse populations. The program emphasizes communication, instructional strategies, and language development.
While this program does not lead to licensure, it may support continuing education or professional development goals depending on employer requirements.

Program Requirements

All applicants must have:

  • Earned a baccalaureate or graduate degree from a college or university that is accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by both the U.S. Department of Education (ED) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) verified on original transcripts sent by the institution directly to Indiana Wesleyan University
  • A criminal history background check that meets School of Integrated Learning and Development guidelines
  • Submit a signed FERPA Release Form

*NOTE: Applicants should be aware that Indiana State Legislation has mandated that expanded background checks are required for those working with students in Indiana schools. Applicants will also be required to adhere to any additional State Mandates required for educators.

Though candidates will be required to submit an initial background check that is acceptable to the university as a part of their application materials, that successful background report will only serve to gain admittance to that academic program.

School corporations are governed by a locally elected Board of Trustees who set policy for their school corporation. All accepted students should understand that additional background checks will most likely be required by school corporations before participating in clinical experiences.

  • Complete all course requirements with a minimum GPA of 3.00 and no grade lower than a "B-."
  • Successfully complete all field and clinical experience requirements in the courses.
  • Payment of all tuition and fees is required to receive a certificate.

Clinical Experience Requirements

  • All candidates must complete field experiences throughout the program.
  • All coursework must be completed with a minimum grade of no less than "B-" in each course.
  • All clinical placements will be made by the Office of Clinical Experiences, unless otherwise outlined in the course curriculum.
  • Failure to complete or removal from a clinical experience may result in the candidate not passing the course and/or being permanently withdrawn from the program.

Accreditation

Clinical Experience Requirements

  • All candidates must complete field experiences throughout the program.
  • All coursework must be completed with a minimum grade of no less than "B-" in each course.
  • All clinical placements will be made by the Office of Clinical Experiences, unless otherwise outlined in the course curriculum.
  • Failure to complete or removal from a clinical experience may result in the candidate not passing the course and/or being permanently withdrawn from the program.

Take the Next Step

Discover the way forward and pursue your goal of teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) to students with diverse cultural backgrounds. Contact us today to learn more about this English as New Language graduate certificate program at IWU!

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