English as a New Language Licensure
Leads to Licensure
Online
Adult & Graduate Studies (AGS)
Bethel University’s English as a New Language Licensure program equips licensed teachers to support multilingual learners. Through focused coursework in ENL foundations, language learning, linguistics and elementary or secondary methods, you’ll be prepared to help English learners thrive in diverse classroom settings.
7
week sessions
6
start dates each year
Aug 23
next start date for AGS programs
English as a New Language Licensure
Bethel’s English as a New Language Licensure program prepares licensed teachers to serve multilingual learners with excellence and empathy. Through targeted coursework in ENL foundations, English language learning and linguistics, in addition, you’ll learn to design effective instruction for students whose first language is not English, including grade-level methods in either elementary or secondary education. You will also become comfortable with the SIOP model of instruction. This licensure can also be applied toward the full M.Ed. for broader K–12 opportunities.
English as a New Language Licensure:
- EDUC 515: Foundations of ENL: Theories, Laws, and Processes (3)
- EDLT 521: English Language Learning (3)
- EDUC 540: Introduction to Linguistics (3)
- Based on your initial license, one of the following:
- EDUC 533: Elementary English Learner Methods (3)
- EDUC 534: Secondary English Learner Methods (3)
Depending on learner method course chosen, licensure allows for ESL teaching certification at either the elementary or secondary grade level. Students may choose to complete the full M.Ed. program for qualification in K-12 settings.
Prepare for an exciting future as an:
- English as a New Language (ENL) Teacher (in some states: ESL or ELL)
- English Language Development (ELD) Specialist
- ENL/ESL Interventionist or Support Teacher
- Dual-Language or Bilingual Program Teacher (where qualified)
- ENL/ESL Instructional Coach or Resource Teacher
What you’ll experience:
- Focused preparation in ENL theories, laws and processes that shape effective practice
- Coursework in English language learning and linguistics to better understand how students acquire a new language
- Grade-level methods training tailored to your initial license (elementary or secondary)
- Strategies for supporting students in push-in, pull-out and dual-language immersion settings (SIOP)
- Practical tools and resources to differentiate instruction for diverse language proficiency levels
- Licensure test prep guidance
- A pathway to extend your preparation into a full M.Ed. for K–12 ENL roles
Obtaining a License in Another State:
Indiana participates in a license reciprocity compact with most states. If you hold a valid Indiana license, obtaining a license elsewhere is often straightforward. First obtain your Indiana license, then review the specific requirements of the state where you seek licensure, as coursework, testing or GPA expectations may differ.
For state-specific guidance, contact the Department of Education in the state where you plan to apply: https://www.ed.gov/about/contacts/state/index.html.
For current information on interstate reciprocity and licensure mobility, visit the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC): https://www.nasdtec.net/.
Still deciding?
Meet Our Faculty
Jim Bennett, M.S.Ed., Ed.D
Program Director of Education; Department Chair of Education
Take the Next Step
Take the first step toward your Bethel University program English as a New Language Licensure.