EL/Multilingual Licensure Track Certificate

Champion success for every language learner.

Indiana schools are serving more multilingual learners than ever, and the demand for qualified, licensed educators is growing faster than existing pathways can meet. The Certificate in Multilingual Education at the University of Indianapolis (UIndy) prepares educators to earn the Teacher of English Language Learners (TELL) license through a focused, four-course program designed around the real needs of multilingual students and the classrooms that serve them.

Whether you are a current teacher looking to add a licensure endorsement, a career changer entering education through our Transition to Teaching pathway, or an educator ready to advance into leadership and advocacy roles, this certificate delivers the coursework, clinical grounding, and licensure preparation to make an immediate impact.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the Certificate in EL/Multilingual Education will be able to:

  • Apply linguistic foundations to classroom practice: Analyze the structures of language and linguistics to design effective, culturally responsive instruction for multilingual learners.
  • Design equity-centered learning experiences: Integrate knowledge of culture and identity to develop instructional approaches that affirm and build upon students' multilingual assets.
  • Assess and differentiate for multilingual learners: Select and apply appropriate assessment tools and differentiation strategies to support academic achievement across language proficiency levels.
  • Lead, collaborate, and advocate: Demonstrate leadership and collaboration skills that advance equitable policies, programs, and professional communities in support of multilingual learners.

Credits earned in this certificate program may be applied toward the Master of Curriculum and Instruction or the Master of Arts in Teaching, depending on your pathway.

Learn More

Certificate in EL/Multilingual Education Program Details

 

Program Length & Format

The Certificate in Multilingual Education is 12 credit hours, delivered online with embedded field-based experiences. The program is designed for working educators and career changers, allowing students to complete coursework on a schedule that fits their professional lives.

  • Typical completion: 2 semesters
  • Format: Online with clinical practice components
  • On-campus requirements: None
  • Licensure: Prepares students to sit for Indiana state licensing exams for the Teacher of English Language Learners license

Pathways

For current licensed educators seeking to add the Teacher of English Language Learners license. Complete the four-course sequence and pass Indiana state licensing exams to be eligible for UIndy to approve the TELL license.

For individuals who hold a bachelor's degree in a field other than education and are seeking an alternative pathway to licensure as a multilingual educator. This track leverages your existing content expertise and pairs it with the pedagogical and multilingual preparation needed to earn your teaching license.

  • EL/Multilingual Licensure Track Certificate may be applied toward the Master of Curriculum and Instruction (additional courses required)
  • EL/Multilingual T2T Licensure Track may be applied toward the Master of Arts in Teaching (30 credit hours total)

Course Descriptions

All courses are 3 credit hours.

  • EDUC 564 – Language and Linguistics for the ML Educator
    This course explores the linguistic structures of English and how they compare with other languages to support the effective instruction of multilingual learners (MLs). Grounded in research-based theories of language acquisition and literacy development, the course examines the components of English phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, pragmatics, discourse, and language variation. Additionally, students will learn to apply instructional strategies to address MLs' linguistic needs. This course is designed for educators seeking to develop pedagogical content knowledge to support MLs' academic language development.
  • EDUC 565 – Culture, Identity, and Instructional Design for MLs
    This course provides teacher candidates with the knowledge and tools to understand the cultural and sociolinguistic contexts of multilingual learners (MLs). Emphasizing cultural identity, equity, and inclusive practices, the course explores how culture, bias, and linguistic diversity influence student learning. Students will develop strategies to create culturally sustaining classrooms, design linguistically accessible materials, and implement ethical, student-centered instruction that honors students’ cultural and linguistic assets.
  • EDUC 566 – Assessment and Differentiation for Multilingual Learners
    This course focuses on equitable assessment practices and differentiated instruction for multilingual learners (MLs). Students will explore how to use assessments effectively with MLs, interpret assessment data, and design culturally and linguistically responsive instruction based on students' English language proficiency and academic needs.
  • EDUC 569 – Leadership, Collaboration, and Advocacy in ML Education
    This course prepares educators of multilingual learners (MLs) to assume leadership roles and advocate effectively within schools and communities. Students will explore historical, legal, and policy foundations; investigate effective instructional program models; and engage with collaboration strategies. Emphasis will be placed on professional growth, culturally responsive practices, and advocating for equitable access to resources and opportunities for MLs and their families. Through reflective practice and the application of research-based strategies, students will develop the skills necessary to lead systemic improvements in ML education.

Admission Requirements

  • A completed online application
  • Official transcripts for your highest degree earned from a regionally accredited institution, from the conferring university, or an electronic service (such as Parchment or Student Clearinghouse), demonstrating a cumulative 3.0 GPA or higher
  • For Add On Licensure: Current Indiana instructional teaching license
  • For T2T pathway: Bachelor's degree

When Can I Start?

Fall, Spring or Summer

Tuition & Aid

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