English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Endorsement
In-Person Program Coursework | Online Program Coursework | Apply Now
The ESOL endorsement program provides Oregon-licensed teachers with a combination of theory and practice for effective instruction that supports students’ English language development.
Successful completion of the program allows licensed teachers to qualify for an Oregon endorsement in ESOL.
The program for the ESOL endorsement requires a passing score on the NES/ORELA: English for Speakers of Other Languages and the satisfactory completion of 18 credits, including four courses and a practicum. Candidates may participate in the ESOL endorsement program in person, at U of O, or apply to and participate in our online ESOL endorsement program - the Education Leaders for Oregon's English Learners (ELOEL) Project.
Additionally, teachers who have completed an ESOL endorsement and are proficient in another language may add the bilingual specialization to their license by passing the appropriate Oregon Educator Licensure Assessments–the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL).
Adding this to a license is done directly through Oregon’s licensing body, the Teacher Standards and Practices Commission. No coursework is necessary for the bilingual endorsement.
Education Leaders for Oregon's English Learners (ELOEL)
In 2022, the University of Oregon College of Education's Department of Education Studies was awarded a $3 million grant, enabling us to develop an online English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) endorsement program designed for in-service teachers. The program will feature both synchronous and asynchronous classwork designed to help teachers learn and practice evidence-based strategies to support emergent bilingual and multilingual students.
The program will focus on supporting teachers in districts designated in Oregon House Bill 3499 (HB3499). However, teachers throughout Oregon are eligible to apply.
Teachers who qualify to participate in the first four cohorts will receive a scholarship that covers the majority of the cost of their ESOL endorsement coursework, as well as a year of follow-up professional development and training in parent and family engagement for equity and home language literacy.
Our application for the 2024-2025 Cohort is now closed. If you are interested in being notified when the 2025-26 application is open, please fill out the interest form accessible on the link below. You can view a recorded information session accessible from this page https://education.uoregon.edu/cted/endorsements/esol-online or contact our Program Coordinator at eloel@uoregon.edu for any questions.