Graduate Certificate in Teaching English Language Learners

Adapt and Excel.

The Graduate Certificate in Teaching English Language Learners (TELL) is designed to assist current educators, as well as those transitioning into a new career in teaching, become better prepared to serve English learner students.

Learn from professors with professional and practical experience in the fields of Teaching English as a second language (TESL) or foreign language (TEFL), teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL), and multilingual writing and learning.

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About the Graduate Certificate in Teaching English Language Learners (TELL)

This graduate-level certificate is designed for domestic and international students interested in gaining the foundational knowledge and skills needed to:

  • Gain skills needed to pursue a New Language (ENL) licensure and serve as Teachers of Record for English learners.

  • Teach English courses abroad.
  • Better support students in diverse classroom settings.
  • Apply best practices to work with English language learners.
  • Develop teaching materials and practices for English language acquisition.
  • Provide culturally responsive and inclusive teaching methods.
  • Understand second language acquisition and linguistics.
  • Transition to a career path for Second Language Learning and/or be better prepared to pursue a PhD in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages.

Program Length and Format

This 12-credit certificate consists of four courses that can be taken in any sequence. Classes are held in flexible formats—perfect for busy professionals—including face-to-face, hybrid, and online formats.

Curriculum

This course offers participants and preservice/in-service teachers a foundation for successful instruction of English learners via a focus on the domains of methods and principles of instruction, materials development, and collaboration. 

This course offers participants and preservice/in-service teachers a foundation for successful instruction of English learners via a focus on the domains of second language acquisition (SLA), culture, and professional knowledge and growth.

This course offers participants and preservice/in-service teachers a foundation for successful instruction of English learners via a focus on the domains of language assessment, collaboration, and advocacy. 

An introduction to the structural, social, and historical aspects of the English language. Topics include morphology, syntax, phonology, usage, history of English, dialects, first and second language acquisition, and issues related to teaching and learning English as a first and second language. 

When can I start?

Students may begin at the start of any term (spring, fall, summer I, or summer II), provided they have completed all admission requirements and have been accepted into the program.

Can I apply this certificate toward other degree programs? 

The TELL Graduate Certificate is an example of a stackable credential. Students who complete this certificate are one-third of the way towards completing their Master of Arts in English. Students completing the TELL Graduate Certificate may also consider pursuing the Certificate in Dual Credit English Instruction and/or the Graduate Certificate in Professional Writing and Editing.
Alum Story
Aaliyah Hughes '25
MA and Graduate Certificate in English

I was able to improve my writing styles and skills and grow as an individual with the support of my professors. I’m forever grateful for the program and every single professor. It was worth driving an hour and a half to campus to connect with professors in person. The Kellogg Writers Series was one of the best things I got to participate in, and I loved and learned so much in every class. If I make the decision to go for a second master's, I plan to attend UIndy again.

What are the TELL Graduate Certificate eligibility and admission requirements?

College graduates who have completed their bachelor’s degree can apply to the program. 

Applicants must submit: 

  • Graduate certificate application
  • Graduate application fee
  • Official transcript(s) providing proof of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited university and a grade point average of 3.2 or higher 
  • 1-2 page personal statement that outlines career goals and reasons for applying to the program
  • Three reference letters
  • A writing sample that is 8 to 12 pages in length (can be a combination of 2 to 3 separate documents if needed)
  • Example of academic writing or a portfolio of your best creative or professional writing
  • At least 10 pages in length
  • Academic writing should have a clear thesis supported by evidence from primary sources, incorporate research, and follow appropriate citations
  • Creative/professional portfolio should reflect the graduate studies you intend to pursue and demonstrate a critical understanding of the theories, ideas, and genres at play in the work
  • International students for whom English is not their first language, and/or who did not attend an English-speaking university must provide one of the following as proof of English proficiency: 
    • iBT TOEFL - at least 100 (UIndy code R1321)
    • IELTS - at least 7 
    • PTE Academic - at least 55
    • Duolingo English - at least 125 
    • Graduation certificate from approved English as a Second Language program
  • We do not accept institutional exams.
  • Provide certification of finances (for students who are applying for a visa), showing that you have adequate funds to support yourself during your time of study
  • A photocopy of your passport to ensure I-20 information is accurate

Unless otherwise noted, send all information to:
University of Indianapolis
Department of English
Good Hall 319
1400 E. Hanna Ave.
Indianapolis, IN 46227

Questions? Contact Leah Milne (milnel@uindy.edu).

Tuition & Aid

For more information, contact:

Leah Milne headshot

Dr. Leah Milne

Associate Professor, Director of Graduate Programs in English

milnel@uindy.edu 
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