English as a Second Language (ESL)
State of Iowa Endorsement
Offered in conjunction with the Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) MA program
- Courses begin: August 2025
Features
Entirely Online | 18 Credits | 1 Year
- Designed for practicing teachers, the study of ESL provides preparation for helping others improve their abilities to use English and thereby to function successfully in K-12 classrooms
- Course content includes: language, pedagogy, and the social and cultural contexts of language acquisition and use
- ESL Practicum provides you with supervised teaching experience at the K-6 and 7-12 levels, preparing you to teaching a variety of ESL students
Here to Help
As a UNI Online & Distance Education student, you’ll have a dedicated Enrollment Contact and Program Coordinator to assist you with registering for classes, navigating the course sequence and billing process, preparing for graduation, and much more.
Hilal Ergul
Program Coordinator
Assistant Professor, Languages & Literatures
hilal.ergul@uni.edu
319-273-2729
Carolina Wilson
Enrollment Contact
carolina.wilson@uni.edu
319-273-2121
Request Information
Delivered Entirely Online
Courses are offered entirely online using the Blackboard learning management system and Zoom video conferencing sessions, held on Thursday evenings. These platforms allow students to enhance their learning experience with face-to-face interaction while building a sense of community with classmates.
A Flexible Online Pathway For Non-traditional Students
Designed for those who are:
- Pursuing an Iowa K-12 English as a Second Language Endorsement (#104)
- Ready to explore new opportunities in the teaching field
- Seeking flexible options for continuing their education
- Interested in earning credentials while maintaining career and family obligations
Individualized Support Services
Throughout every step of your program, you'll have a dedicated team of support staff ready to assist you. You'll also have access to UNI services such as:
- Personalized academic advising
- Support from Financial Aid, Career Services and Rod Library staff
- Academic support and tutoring opportunities from the UNI Learning Center
- Access to student accessibility services and staff
- Technical support assistance
Delivered Entirely Online
Courses are offered entirely online using the Blackboard learning management system and Zoom video conferencing sessions, held on Thursday evenings. These platforms allow students to enhance their learning experience with face-to-face interaction while building a sense of community with classmates.
A Flexible Online Pathway For Non-traditional Students
Designed for those who are:
- Pursuing an Iowa K-12 English as a Second Language Endorsement (#104)
- Ready to explore new opportunities in the teaching field
- Seeking flexible options for continuing their education
- Interested in earning credentials while maintaining career and family obligations
Individualized Support Services
Throughout every step of your program, you'll have a dedicated team of support staff ready to assist you. You'll also have access to UNI services such as:
- Personalized academic advising
- Support from Financial Aid, Career Services and Rod Library staff
- Academic support and tutoring opportunities from the UNI Learning Center
- Access to student accessibility services and staff
- Technical support assistance
Scholarships Available
Project UNITED Scholarships
10 scholarships of $11,000 (20 credits) will be awarded to students pursuing an ESL Endorsement or Master of Arts in TESOL. Priority will be given to students who plan to teach in high needs areas in Iowa, including schools with high influx of refugee or immigrant youth and rural areas.
The next cohort of scholarship recipients will begin the program in Fall 2025. Check back around December 2024 for the scholarship application.
Next Steps
Express Interest
Complete our online information request form. We'll send program updates, important information, and application deadlines directly to your inbox!
Contact Us
Questions about course enrollment can be directed to carolina.wilson@uni.edu or 319-273-2121.
Add the Endorsement to Your Teaching License
Upon successful completion of the required courses, complete this application from the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners (IBOEE).
Questions can be addressed to the IBOEE here.
Delivery of this program is contingent on a sufficient number of students being accepted into the program.
Trinindita Youngman
"This program has helped me beyond my goals. The distance education model is very flexible for its students. All of the professors are very helpful and understanding. And with the variety of assignments given, I was still able to teach while enhancing my knowledge through this program."
Class of 2022, ESL Endorsement