• Where is the best place to find out information about the ESL Program?

You're here. The ESL webpage is our primary mode of communication and includes program standards, esl course requirements, current esl course offerings, and practicum guidelines. Most of your questions should be answered by looking at the webpage.

• Do I have to speak a foreign language?

While we urge you to have attempted to learn a second language (mostly to understand the challenge of acquiring another language), it is not a requirement.

• How/Where are the courses offered?

All the courses are offered via the Outreach school. They are a combination of online, intensive weekends, and/or compressed video.

• How often are the courses offered?

Generally we offer two courses in the summer: EDCI 5430, Theory and Methods of ESL I, the first six weeks of the summer (mid-May to end of June). In fall, we typically offer the EDCI 4350 (for undergraduate credit) and 5350 (for graduate credit), Introduction to Second Language Acquisition. In spring, we offer the Lang/Engl 4785, Language, Linguistics Teaching, and Social Context. Starting Fall 2012, EDCI 5760 can count as LANG/ENGL 4785. The practicum is offered every fall. 

• Is there an order in which I take the classes?

You can take the courses in any order and concurrently, with the exception of the practicum which you can only begin once you have completed all the coursework.

• Can I do the practicum in my own class or must I do a practicum elsewhere?

You can do the practicum in your own classroom as long as you have at least a couple of English Language Learners.

• Can I count the ESL classes towards a masters degree?

The ESL courses can count toward the C&I masters. However, you must apply for the masters' before you have completed 12 credits of coursework for the last three to count. The C&I program requires 16 credits as its core (courses in curriculum, instruction, assessment, multicultural education, and research). So, with the 15 ESL credits and 16 credits in the C&I core (all core courses are offered at least once every year, via Outreach), you are two credits (final project) away from completing the masters. Please contact Michelle Hansen mhanse19@uwyo.edu for detailed information about the master's program.

• Can I waive ESL courses I've taken from another institution for the courses at UW?

If you've taken classes in ESL from other institutions, you can waive up to 2 of our courses. Think about what courses you've taken and which one (or ones) best speak to one or two of our courses as described on our webpage. Then send a request to jshim@uwyo.edu (via email is fine). The more information you can provide about the course you took (course name, when you took it, course description, course outline, readings, etc.), the better. For us, if the course(s) "more or less" meets the majority of objectives of one (or two) of our classes, we will waive the course and you will receive written notification.

• Must I be a teacher or teacher in training to get the ESL endorsement?

The program is primarily for education professionals since it's an endorsement to a teaching license. However, we do have a UW certificate program for non-teachers who have a bachelor's degree.