English Language Learners (ELL) Certificate Program

Program Admission Requirements

1. A minimum overall grade point average of 2.75 on the undergraduate transcript or an undergraduate overall GPA of 2.50 to 2.74 and a 3.25 GPA on eight hours of required graduate coursework at Northwest.
2. A current teaching certificate.

The Missouri certification for teachers of English for Language Learners (ELL/ESOL) is an add-on certification for teachers certified in another subject/area. As diversity increases in our schools, so does the need for teachers to be competent in helping all learners to succeed, regardless of language issues. The Northwest ELL certification program prepares practicing teachers as well as pre-service teachers for teaching English to speakers of other languages.

Requirements

1. A valid Missouri teaching certificate.
2. Psychology and/or Education of the Exceptional Child.
3. Basic Reading Techniques for Secondary Teachers

ELL Certification Course Requirements (21)

EDUC 61569	Multiculturalism in Education	3
	OR
EDCI 62687	Sociolinguistics	3
EDCI 62504	Creating Inclusive Classrooms	3
EDCI 62580	Methods and Techniques for Teaching English Language Learners (ELL/ESOL)	3
EDCI 62582	Linguistics for Teaching ELL/ESOL	3
EDCI 62680	Theories of Language Acquisition	3
EDCI 62682	Materials and Assessment for Teaching English Language Learners (ELL/ESOL)	3
EDCI 62686	Practicum: Teaching English Language Learners (ELL/ESOL)	3

Total Credit Hours: 21

Admission Appeal

Students not meeting the departmental GPA admission standards as stated may appeal to the departmental admission committee. Appeals should be made in writing to the department chairperson.

If after a second attempt on the GRE the student is unable to attain the minimum admission score, he or she may appeal to the departmental admission committee. Appeals should be made in writing to the department chairperson.

Program Admission Appeal Committee

The chairperson will appoint a committee of three department members, including the advisor, and professors who have had the student in class.

The student is to:

1. Submit a portfolio including:
   1. Transcripts of all credits.
   2. A written request for alternative admission. (Minimum 250 words not to exceed three double-spaced, word-processed pages.)
   3. Two employer/supervisor recommendations.
2. Make an oral presentation to the committee including:
   1. Statement of personal and professional reasons for appeal.
   2. Factors or motivation for seeking a graduate degree.
   3. Projected plans for degree completion.

Advisement

A member of the graduate Professional Education faculty will serve as the program director. The signature of the advisor will be required on the Degree Audit Form. Any change in a Degree Audit Form must be initiated by the student and submitted to the Graduate Office accompanied with written approval from the advisor.