Teaching English Learners Graduate Certificate

In Louisiana, the number of English learners enrolled in public elementary and secondary schools increased from 10,293 in 2000 to 25,060 in 2017. Simultaneously, the number of English learners as a percent of total enrollment of students increased from 1.4 to 3.6 during the same time period.* Tulane's Teaching English Learners certificate provides in-service and pre-service teachers the content and skills needed to become qualified to teach English as a Second Language, both in the United States and overseas.

Earn Your Certificate, License or Master’s Degree in Teaching English Learners

Tulane offers several pathways to become a leader in teaching English learners. Through our TEL courses, teachers grow their practice and skills and expand their career options.

Course & Certificate Requirements

Teaching English Learners Certificate

Students can choose four courses and earn a graduate certificate. All courses are available online.

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in any subject.

Teaching English Learners Add-On License

Licensed teachers can choose four courses and earn the graduate certificate as well as an ESL add-on endorsement.

Requirements: In order to be eligible for the TEL add-on licensure, teachers must already have a bachelor’s degree and be licensed to teach in the state of Louisiana. Teachers who are not licensed may take the courses and be granted the graduate certificate from Tulane, but will not be able to earn the ESL add-on endorsement.

Master’s of Education with a Graduate Certificate in Teaching English Learners

Students preparing to lead in the classroom and beyond may choose to pursue a MEd with a Graduate Certificate in Teaching English Learners from Tulane. Students take a total of 30 credits, with twelve of them focused on Teaching English Learners. For more information, please visit our MEd website.

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in any subject.

To receive more information on any of our Teaching English Learners pathways, please email Lauren Lukkarila.

Career Outcomes for Teachers who Earn the TEL Certificate

Teachers with the TEL certificate may also go on to become an ESL Success Coach, ESOL Lead, ESL Manager, School Support Coordinator for English Language Learners, or an ESL Specialist.

Apply Now

Our Rationale

K-12 schools continue to welcome students who speak a primary language other than English, making the demand for TEL teachers stronger than ever.

Our program is designed to:

Provide teachers with in-depth knowledge and skills needed to meet the needs of diverse learners.
Provide teachers with additional opportunities to advance their learning and expand their career options within the high-demand and high-need area of teaching English learners.
Create a flexible, rigorous teaching English as a second language talent pipeline that helps to address the shortage of teachers with training in working with English learners at the local, regional, national, and international levels.

The course series also offers practicing teachers an opportunity to grow their pedagogical practices and advance their careers.

Teaching English Learners Add-On Endorsement

Learn From Leaders in the Classroom

Our Teaching English Learners certificate is designed for teachers by teachers and experts in the field. Our TEL Advisory Board includes representation from a broad spectrum of English language learning experts and stakeholders: teachers, parents, advocates, nonprofit-support organizations, and those working in English language learners policy. This team of passionate experts is helping us craft a relevant, rigorous, high-impact learning experience for teachers which will equip them to meet the needs of all students. Our classes are taught by practitioners with experience working with and for English learners in schools.

Teaching English Learners Certificate Admission Requirements

To apply for the Teaching English Learners Certificate, students should select the graduate application and choose the certificate. Students must have earned a Bachelor's degree from a regionally-accredited college or university with at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA. No GRE is required. Students must submit a 250-500 word personal essay, two letters of recommendation, and their transcripts.

To apply for the MEd degree, students should select the graduate application and choose the MEd- Teaching English Learners. Students must have earned a Bachelor's degree from a regionally-accredited college or university with at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA. No GRE is required. Students must submit a 250-500 word personal essay, their CV, and their transcripts.

Tuition & Fees

We offer a 20% discount to full-time teachers and paraprofessionals, including classroom assistants and assistant teachers. Click here for information about SoPA tuition and fees or visit out teacher discount page here.

To receive more information on our PreK-12 Education Program, please enter your details below.

By submitting this form, you agree to receive information about the Tulane School of Professional Advancement’s programs via email, phone and/or text. You may opt out at any time.

Search form

Take the Next Step