ELL Endorsement
Washington Academy of Languages (WAL), in cooperation with Seattle Pacific University (SPU) offers a graduate level ELL Endorsement program for K-12 certified teachers. Our evening course schedule during the school year and Intensive Daytime Summer Program make this program convenient for practicing teachers. A Bachelor's degree is a prerequisite for admission to the program.
Program Content
The TESL Program gives participants a foundation in second language acquisition theory, linguistics, language teaching methods, and cultural issues related to teaching a diverse student population. Participants acquire hands-on experience utilizing contemporary instructional methods. Emphasis is placed on the practical aspects of teaching.
ELL Endorsement Requirements
Achievement of the ELL Endorsement requires a total of 8 courses, a score of 240 or above on the WEST-E ESL exam, and a five-credit field experience practicum.
The 8 courses are as follows:
- Introduction to Linguistics OR Principles of Language Learning & Teaching
- History and Methods of Teaching ESL/Bilingual Education
- English Structure for ELL Teachers
- Methods of Teaching Spoken Language
- Methods of Teaching Reading and Writing to the ESL Student
- Issues Across Cultures
- Testing and Evaluation of the ESL Student
- ELL Materials Selection and Development
Graduates who already hold a Washington State Teaching Certificate will be eligible for the ELL Endorsement after completing the 8 courses (above), the WEST-E exam and the field experience practicum. They will also be awarded the TESL Certificate if applicable.
Courses and Credits
The program consists of eight courses at the post-baccalaureate level. Each course earns 3 quarter credits from Seattle Pacific University for a total of 24 credits or 2 semester credits from Pacific Lutheran University, for a total of 16 credits. It is necessary to take all classes for credit in order to receive the Endorsement.
Endorsement Application
Students beginning the Endorsement program are required to submit the application for the Endorsement with the $100 application fee and transcripts to the Certification Coordinator at the School of Education, Seattle Pacific University. Application forms are available at the Certification Office at SPU. For further information download the document below and/or contact the SPU School of Education Operations Coordinator at (206) 281-3503 or email hmengel@spu.edu.
Endorsement Application Instructions
Useful links:
