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 classes: Available through District-Affiliated Programs
View the current program of study in the course catalog
Faculty coordinators: Alejandra Favela, Sara Exposito, Cynthia Cosgrave

"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."
- K-12 teacher and program graduate

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.

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, 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 prio 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, coordinator at 503-768-6109 or afavela@lclark.edu, or Sara Expósito at 503-768-6127 or sarae@lclark.edu. 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 [PDF]
• Practicum Steps [PDF]
• Practicum Site Form (online)
• Practicum Site Form [PDF]

For waiving a practicum:

• Practicum waiver procedure [PDF]
• Practicum wavier form [PDF]

Finished your program?

Apply for the ESOL endorsement

Add the bilingual endorsement