College of Education & Human Services

Bilingual Endorsement

Currently, Illinois and many other states are requiring ESL and Bilingual endorsements to teach in multilingual classrooms.

The Bilingual endorsement suits a variety of teaching backgrounds which range from Pre-kindergarten to High School. The endorsement can be obtained by pre-service as well as in-service teachers.  Persons seeking this endorsement must have successful completion of a language examination in the non-English language to be taught.

The Educational Studies Department at Western Illinois University offers the following required BILINGUAL endorsement courses:

EDS 427 G - Foundations of  Education for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Populations: 3 s.h.

(3) An introduction to the historical, political, social, and educational issues that have contributed to policy regarding public school services for language minority populations. Clinical experience of 15 hours required.

EDS 430 G - Methods and Material for Teaching in Bilingual Programs: 3 s.h.

(3) Acquaints students with methodology and materials, with instruction in the r.reparation of audio and visual teaching aids, lesson plans, behavioral objectives, and the inquiry teaching methods for the bilingual/ESL classroom. Portion of content r.resented in Spanish. Cliillcal experience-15 hours required. A grade of C or higher must be earned for teacher certification.

EDS 435 G - Cultural Studies of Second Language Learners: 3 s.h.

(3) The study of historical and contemporary social and cultural issues affecting selected ethnic groups, with particular emphasis on the impact of culture, learning, and schooling on second language learners in U.S. schools. Clinical experience-15 hours required.

EDS 457 G - Methods & Materials of Teaching ESL: 3 s.h.

(3) Analysis of language learning processes of bilingual children. The appropriate order for learning basic skills in two languages will be discussed and techniques o teaching English as a second language will be introduced and practiced. Clinical experience-15 hours required. A grade of C or nigher must be earned for teacher certification.

EDS 458 G - Linguistics for the Teacher of English Language Learners: 3 s.h.

(3) The study of linguistics applied to teaching limited-English-speaking students. Includes English and in-English phonology, syntax, analysis, and application of linguistic theory. Clinical experience-20 hours required.

EDS 453 G - Assessment of Bilingual & ESL Students: 3 s.h.

(3) Selection, administration, and interpretation of measurement instruments. Description of testing: multicultural, bilingual, ESL, language competency tests; language proficiency/achievement testing; linguistic/ cultural aspects of intelligence testing; assessment in classroom. Clinical experience of 20 hours required.

 For more information on Bilingual Endorsement and requirements, please visit the ISBE website for - Multilingual Teacher Resources.