English as a Second Language Endorsement Certification Program and M.Ed. Option
At Georgian Court University, we’re known for a transformative education that “expands possibility.” By earning your English as a Second Language (ESL) endorsement or master’s in education at GCU, you’ll expand possibilities for those whose first language is not English and expand your reach as a culturally sustaining educator.
Quick Facts
Programs
English as a Second Language Endorsement or M.Ed. Option
Average time to complete
One year (endorsement) and two years (M.Ed.)
Delivery
100% Online; seven-week semesters
Cost
$820/credit
Total credits
15 (endorsement) and 30 (M.Ed.)
Time of entry
Fall/Spring/Summer
English as a Second Language Endorsement Certification Program and M.Ed. Option
GCU’s School of Education is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and our English as a Second Language programs are approved by the New Jersey Department of Education.
The graduate ESL program at Georgian Court is designed for certified teachers who wish to obtain an additional endorsement to teach ESL. Our 15-credit English as a Second Language online endorsement program prepares you to teach English learners (ELs) or multilingual learners (MLs) at the level and subject(s) of your instructional certificate (Pre-3, K-6, or K-12). After successfully completing the initial 15 credits, you’ll be eligible to apply for the English as a Second Language endorsement through the New Jersey Department of Education.
If you’re interested in developing advanced professional leadership in serving English learners through academic research and program evaluation, you can earn your M.Ed. in English as a Second Language (ESL) Education by completing five more courses (an additional 15 credits).
The need for ESL teachers throughout New Jersey and the United States is significant. The Brookings Institution reports that English learners are the fastest-growing segment of students in the U.S., comprising 10% of all students. According to International TEFL and TESOL Training, New Jersey has between one and two thousand unfilled ESL teaching jobs. And the U.S. Department of Education’s Teacher Shortage Area Data reported that 32 states experienced ESL teacher or specialist/consultant shortages in 2022-23.
There’s no better place to study for your ESL endorsement than at Georgian Court given our reputation for excellence in education and long history of graduating ethical and compassionate educators. You’ll acquire the knowledge and skills to help English language learners master the content of the New Jersey Student Learning Standards (NJSLS).
Graduate ESL programs at GCU place a strong emphasis on ethical practices and evidence-based learning. You’ll be prepared with the knowledge and skills to teach your students English writing, reading comprehension, listening, and speaking skills.
The English as a Second Language online endorsement and M.Ed. programs focus on the following:
- Current theories of second language acquisition to evaluate different ESL and bilingual instructional practices.
- Embracing and understanding culturally responsive and sustaining pedagogy as ways to empower bilingual learners.
- Designing instruction plans and creating assessment instruments to teach multilingual learners.
- Applying knowledge and theories to action research and best practices in the teaching profession.
Program Information
The English as a Second Language (ESL) program prepares teachers to provide instruction in English to students whose native language is not English and to support these English language learners in mastering the content designated in the New Jersey Student Learning Standards (NJSLS). The ESL program reflects the national Teachers of English to Speakers of other Languages (TESOL) standards, the New Jersey Professional Standards for Teachers (NJPST) and the Interstate Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (InTASC) standards. It leads to eligibility for endorsement to a New Jersey instructional certification as a Teacher of English as a Second Language. An additional 15 credits are needed beyond the ESL program to qualify for a Master of Education degree.
In addition to completing the courses listed below, students must earn a passing score on oral (OPI) and written English proficiency (WPT) examinations by the end of the program.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ESL Program | ||
| EDC5021 | Second Language Acquisition | 3.0 |
| EDC5022 | Teaching ESL Through Content | 3.0 |
| EDC5023 | Hist & Culture of Multilingual Learners | 3.0 |
| EDC5026 | Phonology & Structure of American Eng | 3.0 |
| EDC5027 | Literacy for Multilingual Learners | 3.0 |
| Total Credits | 15.0 | |
Additional courses required for master’s degree:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EDC5002 | Diversity in Inclusive Education | 3.0 |
| EDC5014 | Methods of Res for Leaders in Incl Sch | 3.0 |
| EDC5202 | Multicultural Literature for Children | 3.0 |
| EDC6095 | Project Applied Thesis I | 3.0 |
| EDC6099 | Project Applied Thesis II | 3.0 |
| Total Credits | 15.0 | |
For more information on program requirements, consult the Graduate Catalog.
Dr. Denise Furlong
Assistant Professor
Director of Advanced Programs for Reading Specialist & ESL
School of Education
Ed.D. in Literacy Education with a Concentration in ELs
Rutgers University
“As a lifelong educator and advocate, I have always fervently maintained that all educational decisions must be made with the learners’ needs as the top priority. When I came to Georgian Court University, it has been my mission to not only meet the diverse needs of the candidates in our program but also prepare them to be culturally sustaining educators for their own students. In our ESL and bilingual/bicultural endorsement programs, we provide the opportunity to be mentored by faculty who are knowledgeable and passionate about theory and practice concerning multilingual learners. We are extremely proud of this program, and we look forward to preparing you on your journey in ‘expanding possibilities’ for both you and your students.”
207 Raymond Hall West
dfurlong@georgian.edu
732-987-2449
If you’re interested in our English as a Second Language program, here are other programs you might want to explore at GCU:
Why Earn Your English as a Second Language Endorsement or M.Ed. at GCU?
Georgian Court’s graduate education programs focus on leading and educating each student into developing their full potential as an educator. Faculty are dedicated to ensuring students succeed in the program by providing support, flexibility, and additional individualized attention to students.
Here are more reasons why you should Earn Your English as a Second Language Endorsement or M.Ed. at GCU
Highly Educated and Experienced Program Director
GCU’s director of advanced programs for ESL, Denise Furlong, Ed.D, Ed.M., has taught multilingual learners for almost 25 years in grades ranging from K-12. She released four publications in 2022 and has presented at six conferences in the field. One of her publications, Voices of Newcomers: Experiences of Multilingual Learners, won the Delta Kappa Gamma International Society’s 2023 Educator Book Award.
Faculty with Real-World Experience
Our faculty have experience as ESL and bilingual teachers who have served as coaches, advocates, liaisons, mentors, and teacher educators in New Jersey. You’ll learn real-world application of theory and benefit from their experience.
Learning that’s Convenient, Flexible, Responsive
All courses are offered 100% online in an asynchronous format. There is an option for live virtual sessions that provide the support students need to prepare for teaching multilingual learners. Each course is a flexible seven-week format so you can focus on one course at a time. Office hours are virtual and at convenient times. GCU’s ESL cohorts are small (typically 10-12 students) providing a personalized, effective learning environment that fosters lifelong professional connections.
Acknowledged for Strong Outcomes
In a recent study, Georgian Court's online graduate education programs were ranked #13 nationally on GradReports' 25 Best Online Master's in Education Degree Programs 2020 list. The study was based on median salary of alumni one year after graduation.
Valued-Added Outcomes
GCU’s Graduate School of Education is devoted to our core values of respect, integrity, justice, compassion, and service which are woven through each course and every aspect of our educational experience. At GCU, students, faculty, and staff see themselves as something bigger than themselves and recognize their ability and responsibility to change the world as individuals and as a community.
Affordability and Value
GCU’s English as a Second Language endorsement and master’s programs are among the most affordable in New Jersey at $820 per credit hour. GCU is an outstanding value given the personalized attention, responsiveness, and relevant experience of our faculty.
What Can You Do with an English as a Second Language Endorsement or M.Ed.?
When you receive your Teacher of English as a Second Language endorsement from the New Jersey Department of Education, you’ll be qualified to teach multilingual learners at the level and subject(s) of your instructional certificate.
Teacher of English as a Second Language Jobs
ESL teachers are in high demand in New Jersey and throughout the nation. Zippia.com reported over 1,068 job openings in New Jersey and over 63,800 openings in the U.S. (June 2023). Job growth is projected to increase 3% from 2018-2028.
English as a Second Language Teacher Salary
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the median wage for all ESL teachers was $59,720 in May 2021. Zippia.com reported that ESL teachers in New Jersey average $61,082 per year. Indeed.com reported New Jersey ESL teachers earn 10% above the national average.
A recent (July 2023) sampling of ESL teacher jobs and salaries in public schools in New Jersey on Indeed.com are as follows:
- Newark, NJ – $62,000 – $104,500
- Camden, NJ – $45,000 – $68,000
- Paterson, NJ – $60,735 – 104,909
- Somerset, NJ – $55,000 – $75,000
- New Brunswick, NJ – $72,400 – $91,700
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