English as a Second Language is one of the highest needs areas in New Jersey.

Students’ Impressions of the Program

  • “I went into this thinking I knew a lot about English as a second language, and so far I have learned so much more than I thought I ever would… I am thankful for the professors, who are kind, intelligent, and really bring out the best in all of us.”
  • “This was a wonderful experience and I gained a wealth of knowledge.”
  • “I was nervous about doing this since I have been out of school for so long. The professors made us feel comfortable and everything went smoothly. Thank you.”
  • “I loved learning all about ELs, gaining more insight and understanding into what goes into being an ESL teacher. I knew next to nothing going into this class and I now feel that I can speak for my ELs and Bilingual students, advocate for their education, and use the tools that I have learned from this course in my teaching to better teach and reach my students.”

ESL in NJ by the Numbers

12-15 credits to complete certification (12 for Bilingual, 15 for ESL, and 18 for both)

15
years ESL designated a teacher shortage area
7
percent of NJ K-12 student population are ESL students
190
or more different languages spoken by ESL students in NJ

Candidates pursuing certification to teach ESL must have a bachelor’s degree with at least 30 credits in a coherent sequence of courses in the subject area to be taught (e.g., mathematics, social studies, chemistry, biology, etc.) or in the discipline taught;

  • Pass the Praxis I Core Academic Skills for Educators exams (5713, 5723, 5733);
  • Pass the Oral Proficiency Exam (OPI) and Written Proficiency Test (WPT)
  • Complete the required courses and credits in an approved teacher certification program with a cumulative G.P.A. of 3.0 or higher;

NOTE: Certification requirements often change. For the most up-to-date information about requirements, please visit the New Jersey Department of Education website.

Candidates for New Jersey Certification and/or the Master of Arts in Teaching are responsible for working collaboratively with their SOE faculty advisers, following the approved plan of courses, meeting all program requirements, and maintaining good academic standing per New Jersey Department of Education, School of Education, and Fairleigh Dickinson University policies.

Degree Plan

Required Courses for Certification (27 credits)

  • EDUC6574 Applied Linguistics is missing and needs to be included for ESL certification.
  • EDUC6835 Effective Teaching and Effective Schools
  • EDUC6661 Multicultural Classroom
  • EDUC6654 Literacy Development for Second-language Learners
  • EDUC6631 Assessment in the Second-language Classroom
  • EDUC6565 Second Language Acquisition: Methods and Curriculum
  • EDUC6824 Teaching Laboratory and Field Experience I
  • EDUC6828 Teaching Laboratory and Field Experience II
  • EDUC6583 Advanced Clinical Practice                            
  • EDUC6575 Apprenticeship Teaching                                         
  • EDUC6825 Apprenticeship Teaching Seminar 

Additional Courses required to complete MAT degree (10 credits)

  • EDUC6740 Introduction to Students with Disabilities and Autistic Spectrum Disorders
  • EDUC6584 Computers as a Teacher’s Aid                                                  
  • EDUC7812 Final Project: Applied Research (or)
  • EDUC7718 Final Project: Second Language Acquisition

Special Information

At this time, there is no Praxis II required for ESL certification.  However, ESL teachers must take and pass the Oral Proficiency Inventory (OPI) and the Written Proficiency Test (WPT) in English.  Your MAT advisor will give your further information on these exams.

Career Outcomes

We encourage our candidates to add additional certifications in special education, or in bilingual education.

Contact Information

For more information about this program, contact QUEST/Post-Bac Director, Dr. Melissa Smith m.smith1@fdu.edu

Contact Information
For more information
sorasuh@fdu.edu