ESOL Endorsement

Application Checklist

✅ Complete the Endorsement Application Form 

✅ Send your completed application with your Teaching Certificate to Darcie Pritchett at darcie.pritchett@ngresa.org. 

✅ Await course placement and Canvas access (mid-July)

Program of Study

Development: Instructional content for the ESOL Endorsement Program was developed by experienced educators knowledgeable in the areas of second language acquisition, effective instructional practices, pedagogical skills, and responsibilities needed by teachers of multilingual learners in alignment with GaPSC Rule 505-3-.89. Developers incorporated both national and state standards while designing course content. Additionally, each course required a current review of literature and use of appropriate internet sites and resources to inform candidates regarding the latest research and best practices utilized with learners from linguistically diverse backgrounds.  

Purpose: The ESOL Endorsement Program was designed to prepare and equip current and future educators of multilingual learners with the necessary pedagogical, theoretical, and instructional knowledge to meet the cultural, linguistic, and academic needs of students acquiring English as an additional language.  

Click Here to Access the Full Program of Study

Course Sequence

Course 1: Methods and Materials for ESOL
This course will prepare candidates to know, understand, and apply concepts using research, action research, and evidence-based practices to design and implement instruction in a supportive learning environment for multilingual learners. Candidates will be prepared to design instruction for a multi-level classroom of learners from diverse backgrounds using standards-based content curriculum to increase academic language through vocabulary development. This course will prepare candidates to know, manage, and implement a variety of standards-based teaching strategies and techniques based on second language acquisition theory to develop and integrate the four communication modes of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Candidates will support multilingual learners’ access to the core curriculum by teaching language through academic content and real-world experiences. This course will prepare and familiarize candidates with a wide range of standards-based content materials, resources, and technologies allowing them to scaffold instruction based on English language proficiency levels determined through the WIDA ACCESS language assessment and/or WIDA Screener scores to effectively teach language development through content. 

Course 2: Applied Linguistics
This course will prepare candidates to demonstrate an understanding of language as a system, including phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics, to support multilingual learners as they acquire English language proficiency to achieve academic success in content area classes. Candidates will be prepared to understand and apply theories and research in language acquisition and development to support English language acquisition and literacy learning contributing to content-area achievement in a linguistically relevant and supportive environment. Candidates will demonstrate knowledge of second language acquisition theory and research pertaining to pedagogy and developmental processes of language acquisition to set achievable expectations to monitor language learning and development. 

Course 3: Cultural Awareness
This course will prepare candidates to know, understand, and use major theories and research related to the nature and role of culture in instruction. Candidates will demonstrate an understanding of how cultural awareness used in conjunction with instruction impacts language acquisition, literacy development, social and emotional development, and school achievement for linguistically diverse learners. Candidates will demonstrate how to recognize, foster, and integrate students’ cultures into the learning environment increasing relevance and connecting instruction to students’ background knowledge and experiences. 

FAQs

Q: How long does the endorsement take?
A: The ESOL Endorsement takes one year to complete. There are 3 courses to complete within the school year.  See the instructor's schedule for exact dates.

Q: Is there a residency or practicum?
A: There is no residency or practicum required, but you will be required to complete a field experience in each course. Field experiences in NGRESA’s endorsement courses are intentionally embedded to bridge theory and practice. Each experience is designed to give candidates authentic opportunities to observe, apply, and reflect on instructional strategies aligned to course outcomes and GaPSC standards. 

Q: Can I take more than one endorsement at a time?

A: You can take more than one endorsement at a time if your principal/supervisor/school district approves you to do so. 

Q: When will I be notified of my acceptance into the program?
A: You will recieve notification by mid-July. 

Contact Information

Nicole Moneyham, Director of Professional Learning, nicole.moneyham@ngresa.org

Darcie Pritchett, Professional Learning Coordinator, darcie.pritchett@ngresa.org