Higher education institutions in Michigan not only receive high marks from reviewers and raters, but also offer flexibility. Whether you are a certified teacher seeking a graduate degree and an ESL endorsement, or an undergraduate who wants to earn a master’s degree in TESOL or bilingual education, Michigan has a program for you. Delivery formats include on-campus, online-only, and hybrid programs combining occasional onsite meetings with online sessions.
ESL Teacher Certification
The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) issues certification in the form of a teaching license with an ESL Endorsement.
- Students with sufficient TESOL coursework in their undergraduate or teacher preparation programs can have their university recommend them for an ESL endorsement along with teacher certification.
- Students can enroll in a graduate education program or endorsement program that includes 18 credit hours necessary to earn the endorsement. Make sure your program is offered through the education department, rather than English or linguistics.
- Candidates with Michigan K-12 teaching licenses who have met TESOL criteria out of state can use the out-of-state application available at the Department of Education.
Alternative Certification Options
MDE’s guide to Michigan’s Alternative Route to Interim Certification summarizes the requirements for alternative licensure. An Interim Credential lasts three years and is non-renewable. During that time, the teacher must meet all state requirements for the Professional Education certificate, including the additional ESL coursework for the ESL or Bilingual Education Endorsement.
Master’s in ESL Programs
Michigan State University is rated second in the country by U.S. News & World Report in 2013. This graduate program emphasizes language learning and teaching. Oakland University placed on the Honor Roll of the National Council on Teacher Quality in 2013. This graduate program features core courses and the option to specialize in linguistic theory, teaching language arts, or TESOL. At Spring Arbor University, students can opt for a master’s degree that includes an ESL endorsement for grades K-5 or 6-12 in Michigan, or one that qualifies to teach adolescents and adults: Master of Arts in TESOL. U.S. News & World Report rated
University of Michigan‘s education program as sixth in the country in 2013. They offer a Master of Arts in Education Studies, Elementary Teacher Education (ELMAC), with an English as a Second Language Endorsement.
