The Graduate Certificate in Language Education is designed for individuals seeking advanced professional preparation to increase knowledge and skills in working with language learners in the P-6 setting. Those who teach languages in public or private settings, both in the United States and abroad, may enhance their knowledge and practice by completing this standards-based program.
English as a Second Language (ESL) and Culturally Sustaining Pedagogy Concentration
The ESL concentration is for candidates who are seeking one of the following:
- Institutional Recommendation for an English as a Second Language (ESL) endorsement on a current teacher certificate; or
- Advanced preparation in ESL for increasing professional performance in community programs.
Admission Requirements
- Complete the Admission Requirements for Graduate Certificates.
- Document professional background (must hold or be eligible to hold a teacher certificate from the State of Alaska.)
- Provide a minimum of three letters of recommendation addressing the candidate’s potential for program success.
- Submit a current resume.
- Submit a writing sample including an educational goal statement directly related to the certification program.
Background Check Requirements
See School of Education Field Placements.
Graduation Requirements
Program Requirements
This program includes courses delivered by distance. Admitted students must have the technological knowledge and skills to engage in distance learning.
Complete a minimum of 18 credits beyond the baccalaureate degree including:
Course List | Code | Title | Credits |
| EDFN A621 | Culture, Language and Literacy | 3 |
| EDFN A645 | Culturally Sustaining Literacy for P-6 English Language Learners | 3 |
| EDFN A646 | Culturally Sustaining Instruction in Science, Technology Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) f | 3 |
| EDFN A689 | Action Research Experience: Culturally Sustaining Pedagogy for English Language Learners in P-6 Clas | 1-6 |
| EDFN A691 | Current Topics in Second Language Education | 3 |
| EDSY A668 | Teaching English as a Second Language in Secondary Schools | 3 |
| Total | 16-21 |
Meet the Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Standards for ESL teachers. This may require students to take additional credits beyond the minimum of 18 required for a graduate certificate.
Maintain an overall GPA of 3.00 in the program with no more than one C in a required course.
As with all graduate certificates in the School of Education, coursework applied to the certificate may apply to the MEd with faculty advisor approval.
Institutional Recommendation
Following are the requirements for an institutional recommendation for an ESL endorsement:
- Professional Teacher Certificate or equivalent.
- Completion of all program requirements as indicated above.
Alaska Certification Note
The State of Alaska Department of Education and Early Development (EED) in Juneau awards endorsements. Graduates must meet all requirements specified by EED at the time of application for the endorsement.
