Harper College

Bilingual Endorsement Certificate

Expand your teaching opportunities with the Bilingual Teacher Endorsement

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  • Credit hours: 18
  • Stackable to degree: No
  • Potential job outcomes: Bilingual Teaching Endorsement

This ISBE Bilingual endorsement allows certified teachers to teach in bilingual programs in grades and languages they are certified to teach (pre-K-12). Coursework covers teaching methodology, cross-cultural communication and two-language assessment. 

  • 100% Online: Learn anywhere, anytime, on your schedule with the 100% online program. 8-week asynchronous online courses.  
  • Complete in 3 semesters (fall, spring and summer) (fall, spring and summer).
    Fall LNG 245 Foundations of Bilingual Education and LNG 250 Bilingual Teaching Methods and Materials
    Spring LNG 220 Methods of Teaching English as a Second Language and LNG 240 Introduction to Pedagogical Grammar
    Summer LNG 205 Language and Culture and LNG 230 Second Language Assessment
  • 100% HLC accredited and ISBE approved. The Bilingual endorsement is attached to your Professional Educator License (PEL). 
  • 100% Focused: Learn with highly qualified faculty with master's and doctoral degrees. Meet your Linguistics faculty. 
  • 100% Affordable: Contact your school district to inquire about potential grants to cover your tuition. Harper tuition is a fraction of the cost of university programs. 
  • Clock Hours are included in your program: No additional observation commitment needed.  
  • Start in fall, spring or summer. Finish in one year. 
  • School cohort program available. 
  • This program offers an entirely 8-Week Course format option. Learn more.

Certificate program requirements

This 18 credit-hour Bilingual Endorsement Certificate is intended for certified teachers who wish to expand their professional opportunities and to enhance their teaching skills by adding a Bilingual Endorsement Certificate to their portfolio. Students can take endorsement courses at Harper College while they are pursuing their AA degrees. However, they can only earn the endorsement certificate after they complete an undergraduate degree and earn a teaching license. The coursework for this certificate satisfies the requirements of the ISBE Bilingual Endorsement, including the 100 hours of clinical experience. This endorsement allows certified teachers to teach in bilingual programs in grades and languages they are certified to teach. Applicants must complete an application to the State to have this endorsement put on their teaching certificates.

F = Fall only course S = Spring only course U = Summer only course

Required:

Number Course Title Credits
LNG 205 3

Description:  Explores the relationship between language and culture. Includes the language socialization of children, gender differences in language, standard varieties and dialects of language, and the effect of language on thought. Examines the nature of language in power relationships.

Class Schedule:  Fall 2024

LNG 220 3

Description:  Introduces the teaching of English to speakers of other languages. Intended for those who contemplate a career working with non-native speakers of English. Through a program of lectures, readings, discussions, observations and practical teaching exercises, students will explore the educational contexts in which English is taught and learned. In addition, the course will offer practical techniques for teaching and assessing the skill areas of listening and speaking, reading, writing, and grammar. The foundation of the methods explored will be based on theories in applied linguistics.

Class Schedule:  Fall 2024

LNG 230 3

Description:  Explores concepts, issues, principles, and design of second language assessments. Includes formal and informal evaluation of reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills.

Class Schedule:  Fall 2024

LNG 240 3

Description:  Explores theories in teaching grammar to second language learners. Teachers will study syntactic and discourse structures of English and common mistakes in those structures made by second language learners. Students will practice and create classroom materials designed to help English language learners in their oral and written communication. This course is an elective component for Illinois State Board of Education certification in Teaching English as a Second Language.

Class Schedule:  Fall 2024

LNG 245   F   3

DescriptionThis course is only offered in the fall term.

Explores the historical, political, sociocultural and educational context that supports and constrains equitable educational opportunities for linguistically and culturally diverse students in US schools. The course considers policies on appropriate school services for English language learners. Issues surrounding bilingualism are considered through the educational and psycholinguistic lens as well as implications for language instruction.

Class Schedule:  Fall 2024

LNG 250   F   3

DescriptionThis course is only offered in the fall term.

Offers practical techniques for teaching and assessing language skills in bilingual programs. Based on theories of first and second language acquisition, this course focuses on identifying, developing, and evaluating appropriate materials and strategies to create a supportive learning environment for culturally and linguistically diverse learners.

Class Schedule:  Fall 2024

Additional Information

Next steps

For more information about the Bilingual Endorsement Certificate program, contact Admission Outreach at 847.925.6700, or submit a request information form. You can also apply online.

Last Updated: 9/27/24