Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I get an ESL endorsement through BYU?
- Better teaching opportunities
- Theoretically sound, comprehensive program
- Important scholars interviewed on video
- Representation of all stakeholders providing multiple perspectives
- Systematic pedagogy throughout all courses
- Development of reflective practitioners
- Enhancement of teaching skills
- Meets national TESOL K-12 standards

How can I get an ESL endorsement?
- Take six courses, plus a practicum, offered through BYU on campus or as an employee of a participating school district: Alpine, Jordan, Nebo, North/South Sanpete, Wasatch, Salt Lake, Evanston.
- Contact the McKay School of Education on campus.
- Contact the ESL or ALS office of your school district.

How does the TESOL K-12 Minor relate to an ESL endorsement?
- The TESOL K-12 minor is available to undergraduates in the Teacher Education Department and consists of one more course than the State of Utah requires for an ESL endorsement.
- The minor is 19 credits and is offered through the McKay School of Education.

How long does it take to complete the program?
- The 19 credits can be completed in two semesters or two terms on campus followed by a practicum experience.
- The school districts provide a two year program of completion.

What is the recommended sequence of courses?
- Ling 230 - Language, Mind, and the World (For TESOL K-12 minor)
- TELL 400 - Foundations of Bilingual Education
- TELL 410 - Understanding Language Acquisition
- TELL 420 - Assessment for Linguistically Diverse Students
- TELL 430 - Developing Second-Language Literacy
- TELL 440 - Integrating Content and Language Instruction
- TELL 450 - Family, School, and Community Partnerships
- TELL 477R - ESL Practicum

Do I have to be enrolled as a student at BYU?
- The ESL endorsement courses are offered through Evening Classes so students do not have to be accepted into BYU day school in order to enroll. See ce.byu.edu/ev/.
- Obtain clearance form to register.
- Take add card to first class.
- Pay graduate tuition (if bachelor’s degree).

Is there a language requirement?
- There is not a language requirement for an ESL endorsement.

Do I need to take the PRAXIS for ESL?
- Although the State of Utah does not require the PRAXIS in ESL for elementary education majors, other states may require it. Recommendations vary for secondary teachers, depending on their major. Check with the relevant state office of education.

What can I do with my ESL endorsement?
- It must attach to a teaching license.
- Work with second language learners in your mainstream classroom.
- Work with second language learners in a self-contained setting. (With No Child Left Behind requirements, all students must have a teacher highly qualified in a content area in order for them to receive credit for having taken the course.)
- Be prepared for openings in school districts now requiring ESL endorsements.

What do all those acronyms mean?
- ESL – English as a second language
- ELL – English language learner
- EFL - English as a foreign language
- ESOL – English to speakers of other languages
- ALS – Alternative language services
- TESL – Teaching English as a second language
- TEFL – Teaching English as a foreign language
- TESOL – Teaching English to speakers of other languages