Academic Program

Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, K12 Endorsement

Professional Development

The University of Cincinnati TESL program offers online opportunities for the TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) Endorsement certificate. Our TESOL Endorsement Program responds to the current change in the US landscape of ethnic make-up, and reflects our commitment to connecting research with practice as well as our ongoing mission to share what we have learned with teachers and English language learners (ELLs). The program links research and theory to practical applications for the classroom through discussion, theory-building, activities, and networking with colleagues. Any in-service teachers who wish to add the TESOL Endorsement licensure to the existing teaching credential can enroll in this graduate non-degree program.

TESOL Endorsement students take all courses as professional development students. Such students pay 50% of regular in-state graduate tuition. In-state and out-of-state students pay the same tuition rate.

Up to 15 credit hours earned in this program may be applied to an MEd degree. Upon matriculation students will be assessed current graduate tuition rates.

Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Endorsement Online
  • Is designed for licensed teachers who want to add the Ohio TESOL Endorsement to their current teaching license.
  • Provides training for working professional educators, who are interested in becoming specialized in English as a second language for students PreK through grade 12.
  • Convenient schedule and online delivery methods provide a flexible alternative for in-service teachers.
  • Uses Blackboard as a delivery tool with a multimedia interactive learning environment.
  • Offers a high quality, from research to practice, model of professional development "for preparing committed, caring, and competent educators" to meet Ohio state and federal mandates under the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act of 2001, Title III.
  • Is approved by the Ohio Department of Education and from an NCATE approved teacher preparation program.

Admission Requirements

Ohio TESOL Endorsement Requirements
  • Must possess a bachelor's degree from an accredited university.
  • Must hold a current and active early childhood, middle childhood, or adolescent/young adult teaching license.
  • Must submit a copy of current and active teaching license. A TESOL Endorsement cannot be added to a temporary or substitute license.
  • May begin taking courses any quarter.

Please see the Application for TESOL Endorsement (pdf).

Transfer Admission Requirements

Advanced Standing

Endorsement students can transfer up to 9 graduate quarter credits from other accredited universities and colleges and apply for advanced standing for equivalent UC courses. In order to do this, students must submit (1) a letter requesting advanced standing for specific courses, (2) a copy of their official transcript(s), and (3) a syllabus/syllabi from previous course to Dr. Hye Pae, Faculty Director for TESOL Endorsement Online Program, hye.pae@uc.edu.

Licensure Information
Licensure/Certification Requirements

Completion of a teacher education program does NOT automatically result in the issuance of a license. The licensing bureau in the licensing state or country determines the required application process.

TESOL Endorsement in Ohio

For teachers holding a standard Ohio teaching license/certificate:

  • Endorsements in TESOL are limited to the age and grade levels listed on the teaching license.
  • The Ohio TESOL Endorsement is issued to an individual who possesses a standard Ohio teaching license, who has successfully completed the required coursework, who has passed the examination prescribed by the Ohio State Board of Education, and who has been recommended by the College's Dean or Director of the School of Education at the University of Cincinnati.
TESOL Endorsement Outside Ohio

Students seeking TESOL Endorsement in a state other than Ohio or in a country other than the United States are advised to contact the licensing bureau in that state to determine the applicability of the UC TESOL Endorsement sequence of courses.

Curriculum

Successful completion of the following courses qualifies individuals to apply for the TESOL Endorsement in the state of Ohio. To obtain the endorsement, individuals must also possess a current and active teaching license, pass Praxis II-ESOL, and be recommended by the Dean of the College or head of the Program.


Degree Requirements

Program Requirements
  • The TESOL Endorsement Online consists of 8 courses, 24 quarter credit hours, designed to be completed in four consecutive quarters if begun Summer Quarter.
  • Students can take all the courses for the endorsement as professional development students and do not need to be admitted to a graduate degree program.
    • Additional TESOL Stipulations
    • No degree will be awarded at the completion of the program; candidates who successfully complete the program will be recommended for the Ohio TESOL Endorsement.
    • All requirements can be completed without a visit to Cincinnati.
    • Successful completion requires receiving at least a C in each of the required courses.
    • Passing the Praxis II-ESOL #0360 Exam is required for the endorsement. This test is prescribed by the State of Ohio to earn the Ohio TESOL Endorsement. Praxis II tests are administered every two months, September through June. Information about and applications for the Praxis II test can be found at ets.org/praxis
    Masters in Education Degree Options

    Should a student in this program decide to obtain a Masters of Education degree, two options are available:

    1. On-campus MEd in Literacy, Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
      1. 3 courses from the TESOL Endorsement Online (LTCY 782P, 784P; 786P) can be applied.
    2. Online MEd in Curriculum & Instruction, Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages Focus Area
      1. 5 courses from the TESOL Endorsement (LTCY 780P, 781P, 782P, 784P, 785P) can be applied.