When We Say Affordable - We Mean it

Most Affordable Illinois ESL Endorsement Program

As fellow teachers, we know these are 2 of the biggest factors. That's why our endorsement courses are priced the lowest on the market. And our courses have the most flexible scheduling of any program available.

Total tuition cost for either endorsement: $3,600. That's 18 hours at $200 per credit hour. No hidden application fees, book fees, technology fees, library fees, or anything else. Total transparency for your piece of mind.

As fellow teachers, we also know the limits of your time. That's why all of our endorsement courses are added to our online programs. This means each of your classes is only 5 weeks long and is delivered in an asynchronous format, meaning you can log in and complete assignments when you have time in your busy schedule. Multiple classes run at the same time, meaning you have choices in the speed you move through our program.

And unlike almost all of the other schools, we allow you to choose the order of the courses you want to take. There are no prerequisites, meaning you can jump in and start taking classes at any time.

We believe you should take classes when you are ready, therefore we're always ready to help you get started. No waiting lists here.

You also get to choose the speed of the program. Take 2 classes at a time and finish in as fast as 18 weeks, or space them out and take longer. We realize not everyone has the same schedule, or the same ability to pay. So we leave it up to you to decide how fast you want to go.

Courses & Competencies

Illinois ESL Endorsement / Bilingual Programs

Whether you are looking for an Illinois ESL endorsement or Illinois Bilingual endorsement, you'll have to take 6 specific courses. These courses are almost the same, with 1 slight variation.

Regardless of the endorsement, these 5 classes are the same:

• MTI 511 Linguistics for ESL/Bilingual Educators (3 hours)
• MTI 514 Theoretical Foundations of Teaching ESL and Bilingual Students (3 hours)
• MTI 551 Assessment of Bilingual and ESL Students (3 hours)
• MTI 550 Cross-Cultural Studies for Teaching Limited English Proficient Students (3 hours)
• MTI 569 Culturally Responsive Teaching for ESL and Bilingual Students (3 hours)

If you are getting your ESL endorsement, you will also take:

• MTI 531 Methods and Materials for teaching ESL (3 hours)

If you are getting your bilingual endorsement, you will also take:

• MTI 544 Methods of Teaching in a Bilingual Setting (3 hours)

There is also a requirement with this endorsement to have 100 clock hours field experience in applicable settings. All hours must be in a setting where ESL students are receiving services. To help satisfy this, we've built 100 hours into our courses. However, there is another option.

In lieu of documenting 100 hours, teachers can provide an administrator’s letter saying they are working with English learners in their classroom.

Technically speaking, clock hours may be waived if the educator has at least 3 months of teaching experience in an ESL setting, in which case a school district may submit an employment verification letter (not clock hours) to verify the educator’s teaching experience in an ESL setting.

To earn the bilingual endorsement, teachers must also pass the appropriate language proficiency test administered by the Illinois Licensure Testing System. (The ESL endorsement does not require an exam as of this date).

A Different Way to Learn

Our endorsement programs designed to fit your life—and all the demands on your time, resources and budget.

We understand that you have professional responsibilities, family obligations, and personal commitments. That’s why we offer a personalized, flexible and cost-effective approach to earn your ESL or Bilingual Endorsement. Our programs are developed “By ACTUAL Teachers for Teachers” and are personalized, career-focused and built to fit your life. Complete your ESL or Bilingual endorsement coursework using asynchronous online courses anytime and anywhere your schedule allows, and move through your studies and assessments as quickly as you are able.

• Each course takes only a short 5 weeks to complete.
• They run continuously through the year so take them in any order.
• Finish in less than 6 months or take your time.
• Pay as you go for each course or use our PayPal Later for monthly tuition payments.
• The additional 100 clock hours required is built into the courses.

Add Endorsements to Your License

To qualify for an evaluation, the applicant must meet the following criteria:

 
View the requirements for Illinois licensure to determine what endorsements and grade levels are available so you can apply appropriately.

Create an account in the Educator Licensure Information System (ELIS). Once you create an account, you can apply for the desired credential. View screen-by-screen tutorials under "ELIS How-To Demonstrations" for assistance.

Have your regionally accredited institution send official transcripts directly to ONE of the following addresses:

Please send other documentation that pertains to the license for which you applied to one of these 3 options:

1. Email Address: [email protected]

2. Mail: Illinois State Board of Education
Educator Effectiveness - E240
100 N. 1st Street
Springfield, IL 62777

3. Visit website: Regional Office of Education/Intermediate Service Center

*Note: Official transcripts must be sent directly from the institution. If sent by an educator, official transcripts must be in a sealed (unopened) envelope from the institution addressed to the educator.

Once your license has been issued, you must register your license in your ELIS account and pay applicable registration fees. The license is not valid for employment until these fees are paid.

If you need further assistance from ISBE (or have more questions), contact the licensure staff at your local ROE. A complete list can be found on their website by clicking this link.