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ELL Master’s vs. ELL Certification
What Is English Language Learning (ELL)?
About five million American students speak a language other than English in their homes. These linguistic barriers can impede a student's progress—but they don't have to. English Language Learning (ELL) teachers play a pivotal role in preparing students for academic success as they teach those students to speak, read, write, and understand the language. If you’re a licensed teacher who’s passionate about helping diverse students communicate effectively and succeed in the classroom, then an English Language Learning (ELL) endorsement could be the next step in your teaching career.
WGU’s English language learning master’s degree and preparation certificate programs can lead to an endorsement in ELL or ESL in states that have such endorsements. The specific grade levels you will be eligible to teach depend on your state’s licenses and endorsements. Learn more about each program and discover which one is right for you.
Who Should Pursue an M.A. in English Language Learning?
WGU's online M.A. in English Language Learning is designed for educators with a bachelor's degree who are seeking to enhance their qualifications in teaching English language learners (ELLs).
This program provides an affordable, flexible pathway for current teachers without a master’s degree who are looking to add an ELL or ESL (English as a Second Language) certification or endorsement to their existing teaching license (in states that offer such endorsements). The M.A. in English Language Learning does not lead to initial licensure. Instead, it adds an ELL or ESL endorsement to existing teaching licenses, enabling licensed teachers to expand their expertise and advance their career prospects.
Who Should Pursue an English Language Learning Endorsement?
WGU's English Language Learning (ELL) endorsement program is tailored for licensed educators who are seeking to enhance their teaching credentials without pursuing a full master’s degree.
This program offers flexibility for individuals balancing professional and personal responsibilities. Whether you already hold a master’s degree or prefer a focused endorsement to enhance your ELL/ESL qualifications, this online preparation program provides the essential content knowledge, teaching strategies, cultural awareness, and practical experience necessary for effective ELL/ESL instruction. Completion of this program not only earns a valuable endorsement but also positions you as a vital asset within your school community.
Courses in the M.A. in English Language Learning
This English as a second language master's degree is a direct path to an ELL or ESL certification. The master’s program includes a comprehensive curriculum with research-focused courses that empower educators to advance in the field of English language learning. These research courses are what differentiate this program from the ELL endorsement program. Upon graduation, you'll possess the knowledge, teaching skills, cultural understanding, and practical experience to excel as an ELL educator. Courses include:
- Research Foundations
- Language Production, Theory and Acquisition
- Theories of Second Language Acquisition and Grammar
- Planning, Implementing, Managing Instruction
- Culture
- Assessment Theory and Practice
- Professional Role of the ELL Teacher
- Field Experience for ELL
- Subject Specific Pedagogy: ELL
- Teacher Work Sample in English Language Learning
WGU’s Master's program in English Language Learning is nationally recognized by the Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) International Association, emphasizing its commitment to excellence in ELL education and research.
Courses in the English Language Learning Endorsement Program
WGU’s ELL Endorsement Preparation certificate prepares licensed teachers to gain the additional certification and licensure required to teach in ELL or ESL settings and to develop skills in curriculum development, design, and evaluation. This program does not include research coursework and is a quicker path to ELL endorsement than a master’s degree. The program is made up of the following courses:
- English Language Learning
- Assessment Theory and Practice
- Culture
- Subject Specific Pedagogy: ELL
- Field Experience for ELL
- Language Production, Theory and Acquisition
- Professional Role of the ELL Teacher
- Planning, Implementing, Managing Instruction
- Theories of Second Language Acquisition and Grammar
While the program may not include as many courses as a master’s degree, its focused curriculum provides targeted knowledge and skills essential for educators seeking ELL endorsement. In addition to the online courses, students must complete at least 15 hours of video observations at the elementary and secondary levels. A supervised face-to-face teaching experience with English language learners is also mandatory. Requirements vary by state.
Differences between These Programs
Although both the M.A. in English Language Learning and the Endorsement Preparation Program in ELL result in subject area expertise and qualification to work with English language learners, there are significant differences between the two. The main distinction lies in the depth and breadth of coursework. The master's degree includes a more comprehensive curriculum with research-based courses, while the endorsement program offers fewer courses focused solely on meeting endorsement requirements without the research component.
Your choice between the master’s degree or certificate program depends on whether you seek a full master’s degree or simply need or want to enhance your teaching credentials with an ELL endorsement. Both programs have been designed with input from the experts on WGU’s Education Program Council. But while a certificate is a shorter and less expensive path toward preparing for a career, it is not a true substitute for earning a master’s degree.
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1: 2023 Harris Poll of 300 employers of WGU grads.
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2: 2023 Harris Poll of 1,655 WGU grads.
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3: National rates reported by the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System in 2022. WGU average rate does not include rates for WGU Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Prelicensure program.
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"Not only was I single mother of three, I was also having to work and attend school full-time. Thankfully, WGU made it possible for me to succeed!"
Amanda Ogle
B.A. (Dual Licensure), Special Education and Elementary Education
COST & TIME
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—Tabitha Shelly
B.S., Math Education (Middle Grades)
Prepared for Success on the Job
*From a 2023 Harris Poll of 300 employers of WGU graduates.
100% of employers said that WGU graduates were prepared for their jobs.*
97% of employers said that they would hire another WGU grad.*
98% of employers said WGU graduates met or exceeded expectations.*
