Month: October 2016

UofL Introduces Online ESL Teaching Endorsement

UofL Introduces Online ESL Teaching Endorsement

olweb1609_p12_esl_lpThe University of Louisville is proud to introduce a new online teaching endorsement in English as a Second Language (ESL) for Kentucky certified teachers.

According to the Kentucky Department of Education, Kentucky’s P-12 student population speaks more than 94 different languages. UofL’s online ESL Endorsement is designed for certified teachers in Kentucky who want to be better equipped to teach English to the growing number of K-12 students whose first language is not English.

The ESL endorsement is a 12 credit hour graduate program structured in four courses and is offered both 100% online and in the more traditional face to face format. The curriculum focuses on ESL strategies that are research-based and recognized by experts as best practices in all P-12 teaching environments, including teaching English in an international context.

Requirements for earning an endorsement include completing two semesters of a foreign language (or a qualifying international language experience), 30 hours of ESL field experience, and passing the ESOL Praxis examination. Upon successful completion of these qualifications, the P-12 ESL Endorsement will be attached onto the initial Kentucky teaching certification.

“The English Language Learner student population is on the rise,” says Dr. Elizabeth Patton, ESL program director at the University of Louisville. “The ESL Endorsement at the University of Louisville provides specialized training for P-12 classroom teachers that is highly valued by both principals and administrators alike. Our completers consistently score in the 90% for the ESOL Praxis exam, which is a testimony to the rigorous preparation that our program provides.”

“While the program is designed for certified P-12 teachers, this is also a popular program of study for seminarians, language tutors, and other candidates wanting high-quality preparation for teaching English as private tutors and in preparation for teaching English as an International Language overseas.” added Dr. Patton.

Courses are offered every semester and admissions is on a rolling basis. For more details on admission requirements and deadlines, visit the program site.

UofL Introduces Online Program for Master of Education in Teacher Leadership

UofL Introduces Online Program for Master of Education in Teacher Leadership

The University of Louisville is offering a new online graduate program for certified teachers—the Master of Education in Teacher Leadership.

In the changing landscape of learning, the best teachers are also leaders and visionaries who inspire leadership in others. The Teacher Leadership degree at UofL was developed by the College of Education and Human Development faculty in collaboration with educators and administrators at school districts, and is led by an experienced team of world-class professors. The curriculum prepares teachers certified in Kentucky to serve as leaders who can work strategically with peers, school and district administrators and learners of all ages to improve teaching and learning. Much of the content focuses on how teachers can sharpen their instructional practices to better facilitate student learning while also coaching other teachers to lead.

“This program was prepared especially for certified teachers looking to expand their skills and advance their careers,” says Dr. Pamela Jett, program director. “It’s innovative because it’s built around theories and practical techniques that help teachers learn to lead and empower colleagues, while also focusing on their own careers. Outcomes focus on ways to support both new and experienced teachers to develop and transform how we view teaching and learning is delivered, both in the classroom and in the greater school community.”

The online M.Ed. in Teacher Leadership also provides the opportunity for teachers to enhance their certification by adding an endorsement or specialization to the core coursework. Endorsements in Teacher Leadership, ESL, Gifted & Talented, Instructional Technology and Classroom Reading are just some of the ways teachers can expand their repertoire and truly have an impact on learning.

A bachelor’s degree earned from a regionally accredited institution as well as a valid Kentucky teaching license are required for admission to this program. The GRE is not required if the applicant has a minimum GPA of 2.75. Financial aid is available for all students who qualify.

Start dates for online courses are available each semester. For more details on admission requirements and deadlines, visit our website.