Teaching English Language Learners

By 2025, 1 in 4 students in U.S. Schools will be English Language Learners. And, in Wisconsin alone, 86% of school districts will have English Language Learners, and that number is continuing to climb. That means all teachers will likely work with students who are learning English in school. But today there is a critical shortage of teachers who are prepared to meet this growing demand.

As part of the Education program at Edgewood College, you have the option of earning a minor in Teaching English Language Learners: ESL/Bilingual Education. This minor is designed to prepare you for licensing to teach English Language learners and is attached to a licensing program such as Early Childhood: Regular Education or Middle Childhood through Adolescence: Regular Education.

Loading...

Program Highlights

At Edgewood College, we place a strong emphasis on preparing teachers to meet the professional demands of contemporary education. Our Teacher Education program emerges from three major sources of influence: our tradition, our mission, and our profession. These influences are evident in the program's respect for and attention to diversity, in the participation in the professional community, and in the practice of continuous assessment, evaluation, and improvement. 

As a teacher candidate, you will begin your practicum experiences early on in the program and will be offered a variety of teaching experiences at multiple grade levels.  

The practicum and classroom observation requirements allow you to have the opportunity to work with children in daycare centers, hospitals, nurseries, kindergartens, elementary and secondary schools, after-school programs, and other areas. With a grade school and high school on campus, you may also have the opportunity to do practicum work on campus! You are required to complete a minimum of 100 pre-student teaching hours, including 50 hours of multicultural experience, before your student teaching placement.   

Madison, WI offers a diverse array of placements, including private, parochial, and public schools in urban and suburban areas as well as nearby smaller communities. This provides you with a broader range of experiences, which facilitates exploration to find the best fit for you, as well as increasing marketability.


Career Outcomes

The career outlook for Wisconsin teachers with an ESL license is bright! There currently is a critical shortage of teachers in the state with the skills to meet the demand. 

Accreditation

The Teacher Education licensing programs are approved by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (WDPI). Edgewood College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. 

Faculty Spotlight

Links of Interest
Full Catalog
Education Fact Sheet
Education