ESOL/Bilingual Education Endorsement

Program details

Total credit hours: 14 (12 hours plus a 2 hour practicum)
Program length: Full-time for part-time classes (weekend, evening, and summer)
Program start: September, January, or June. Full-time summer study is also available.
Off-campus and online classes: Available through Continuing Education: Off-Campus Endorsement Programs
View the current program of study in the course catalog
Faculty coordinators: Alejandra Favela, Sara Exposito

Designed for educators holding an Oregon teaching license, this program is a 14-semester-hour course of study exploring the principles, theories, research, and practice relevant to the needs of students acquiring English as a second language. Candidates join colleagues and Lewis & Clark faculty to engage in small classes for dialogue, study, and field experiences that engage the full range of issues involved in teaching language-minority students.

This program has changed the way I teach. I am now more aware of my students’ individual needs. I use a variety of teaching strategies throughout the school day, and I have a greater focus on their home lives. Program alumna K-12 teacher

Endorsement coursework is degree applicable and may be pursued in conjunction with an M.A.T. degree. The program also prepares teachers who currently hold an Initial Teaching License to earn their continuing teaching license.*

Graduates of Lewis & Clark’s ESOL/Bilingual Endorsement Program enter schools prepared to:

• Support the English language development of students through content and literature studies with an emphasis on direct language instruction.
• Develop and adapt content-specific curriculum for diverse classroom populations.
• Employ innovative teaching methodologies and strategies that respond to student needs in the mainstream classroom and beyond.
• Utilize assessment principles effectively.
• Partner with families to build strong ties between school and the diverse racial, cultural, and linguistic communities it serves.
• Lead their school community in establishing collaborative learning environments that support high levels of success for all students.

*Teachers holding a Basic or Standard teaching license can earn their Basic and Standard Exceptional Learner I endorsements, as well as the Standard Teaching License, by completing the coursework required for the Master’s Program.

What to Expect

Lewis & Clark’s ESOL/Bilingual Endorsment Program is designed for the unique needs of practicing professionals. Coursework is offered in the evenings, on weekends, during the summer, on-line (rural areas) and, in some cases, on-site in a school district. Classes are small and emphasize individual attention as well as the opportunity to learn and work collaboratively with fellow teachers and school leaders. All program components are tailored to give participants the opportunity to grapple with issues involving diversity, educational equity, and English-language learning.

Applying to the Program

Individuals interested in obtaining the ESOL/Bilingual endorsement and/or M.A.T. degree may enroll for up to 8 semester hours of coursework prior to formal admission to the program. Educators taking courses for professional development who do not intend to complete the program may register for each class without formal admission to the Lewis & Clark Graduate School of Education and Counseling.

 You can find admissions requirement information and an online application at the Graduate Admissions Office website.

Talk to a Program Coordinator

 For more information,or make an appointment with a faculty advisor, contact: 

• Alejandra Favela at 503-768-6109 or afavela@lclark.edu (with general questions or inquiries about about early childhood/elementary practica)
• Sara Expósito at 503-768-6127 or sarae@lclark.edu (with general questions or inquiries about about early childhood/elementary practica)
• Lisa Aguilar at laguilar@lclark.edu or 503-768-6106 (for questions about middle-level/high school practica)

You can also contact the office of Teacher Education at 503-768-6100 or lcteach@lclark.edu.

For Current Students

ESOL Practicum Forms 

For setting up a practicum:

• Practicum Requirements/Procedure [PDF]
• Practicum Set-Up Steps [PDF]
• Practicum Site Form (online)
• Complete TSPC PA-1 Form [PDF]
• Practicum Site Outline Form [PDF]

For waiving a practicum:  

• Practicum waiver procedure [PDF]
• Form for practicum waiver [PDF]
• Final Observation Form [PDF]

Finished your program?

• Apply for the ESOL endorsement
• ESOL Portfolio INSERVICE
• ESOL Portfolio PRESERVICE
• Take the Oregon ESOL exam
• Information about the Bilingual Assessment: The Bilingual Assessment is only for candidates seeking to earn the bilingual component of the endorsement. A cadre of native and near-native speaker specialists in targeted languages assess candidates in a written and oral exam. The written exam assesses language necessary for teaching academic content and understanding of cultural practices specific to that language. The oral exam assesses the candidate’s ability to discuss professional goals, views on and knowledge of instructional practice, experiences with a target culture, classroom experiences, and content area subjects. To find out more about the test, or to get on the schedule for the next time it is offered, you can contact Dr. Alejandra Favela at afavela@lclark.edu or 503-768-6109, or Dr. Sara Exposito at sarae@lclark.edu or 503-768-6127.