When We Say Affordable – We Mean it

Most Affordable Illinois ESL Endorsement Program

As fellow teachers, we know these are 2 of the biggest factors. That’s why our endorsement courses are priced the lowest on the market. And our courses have the most flexible scheduling of any program available.

Total tuition cost for either endorsement: $3,600. That’s 18 hours at $200 per credit hour. No hidden application fees, book fees, technology fees, library fees, or anything else. Total transparency for your piece of mind.

As fellow teachers, we also know the limits of your time. That’s why all of our endorsement courses are added to our online programs. This means each of your classes is only 5 weeks long and is delivered in an asynchronous format, meaning you can log in and complete assignments when you have time in your busy schedule. Multiple classes run at the same time, meaning you have choices in the speed you move through our program.

And unlike almost all of the other schools, we allow you to choose the order of the courses you want to take. There are no prerequisites, meaning you can jump in and start taking classes at any time.

We believe you should take classes when you are ready, therefore we’re always ready to help you get started. No waiting lists here.

You also get to choose the speed of the program. Take 2 classes at a time and finish in as fast as 18 weeks, or space them out and take longer. We realize not everyone has the same schedule, or the same ability to pay. So we leave it up to you to decide how fast you want to go.

Illinois ESL Endorsement / Bilingual Endorsement Programs

Whether you are pursuing the Illinois ESL Endorsement or the Illinois Bilingual Endorsement, both pathways require the completion of six graduate-level courses. The programs are very similar, with just one course difference depending on the endorsement you choose.

Illinois ESL Endorsement / Bilingual Programs

• MTI 511 – Linguistics for ESL/Bilingual Educators (3 credit hours)
• MTI 514 – Theoretical Foundations of Teaching ESL and Bilingual Students (3 credit hours)
• MTI 531 – Methods and Materials for Teaching ESL (3 credit hours)
• MTI 551 – Assessment of Bilingual and ESL Students (3 credit hours)
• MTI 550 – Cross-Cultural Studies for Teaching Limited English Proficient Students (3 credit hours)
• MTI 569 – Culturally Responsive Teaching for ESL and Bilingual Students (3 credit hours)

Bilingual Endorsement Course Requirements

If you are pursuing the Bilingual Endorsement, you will complete the following six courses:

• MTI 514 – Theoretical Foundations of Teaching ESL and Bilingual Students (3 credit hours)
• MTI 551 – Assessment of Bilingual and ESL Students (3 credit hours)
• MTI 531 – Methods and Materials for Teaching ESL (3 credit hours)
• MTI 550 – Cross-Cultural Studies for Teaching Limited English Proficient Students (3 credit hours)
• MTI 544 – Methods of Teaching in a Bilingual Setting (3 credit hours)
• MTI 569 – Culturally Responsive Teaching for ESL and Bilingual Students (3 credit hours)

Field Experience Requirement

The Bilingual Endorsement requires 100 clock hours of field experience in a setting where English learners are receiving services.

To support teachers, Midwest Teachers Institute has built these 100 hours directly into the coursework, making it easier to meet this requirement.

Alternative Option

Instead of documenting clock hours, teachers may submit:

A letter from a school administrator verifying they are currently working with English learners in their classroom

In many cases, clock hours may be waived if the educator has at least three months of teaching experience in an ESL setting. In this situation, a school district can provide an employment verification letter instead of clock hour documentation.

Additional Requirement for Bilingual Endorsement

To earn the Bilingual Endorsement, teachers must also pass the appropriate language proficiency exam administered by the Illinois Licensure Testing System.
👉 Note: The ESL Endorsement does not currently require a content exam.

A Different Way to Learn

Our endorsement programs designed to fit your life—and all the demands on your time, resources and budget.

We understand that you have professional responsibilities, family obligations, and personal commitments. That’s why we offer a personalized, flexible and cost-effective approach to earn your ESL or Bilingual Endorsement. Our programs are developed “By ACTUAL Teachers for Teachers” and are personalized, career-focused and built to fit your life. Complete your ESL or Bilingual endorsement coursework using asynchronous online courses anytime and anywhere your schedule allows, and move through your studies and assessments as quickly as you are able.

• Each course takes only a short 5 weeks to complete.
• They run continuously through the year so take them in any order.
• Finish in less than 6 months or take your time.
• Pay as you go for each course or use our PayPal Later for monthly tuition payments.
• The additional 100 clock hours required is built into the courses.

Add Endorsements to Your License

To qualify for an evaluation, the applicant must meet the following criteria:

 
View the requirements for Illinois licensure to determine what endorsements and grade levels are available so you can apply appropriately.

Create an account in the Educator Licensure Information System (ELIS). Once you create an account, you can apply for the desired credential. View screen-by-screen tutorials under “ELIS How-To Demonstrations” for assistance.

Have your regionally accredited institution send official transcripts directly to ONE of the following addresses:

Please send other documentation that pertains to the license for which you applied to one of these 3 options:

1. Email Address: [email protected]

2. Mail: Illinois State Board of Education
Educator Effectiveness – E240
100 N. 1st Street
Springfield, IL 62777

3. Visit website: Regional Office of Education/Intermediate Service Center

*Note: Official transcripts must be sent directly from the institution. If sent by an educator, official transcripts must be in a sealed (unopened) envelope from the institution addressed to the educator.

Once your license has been issued, you must register your license in your ELIS account and pay applicable registration fees. The license is not valid for employment until these fees are paid.

If you need further assistance from ISBE (or have more questions), contact the licensure staff at your local ROE. A complete list can be found on their website by clicking this link.