Ashland University Launches New TESOL Endorsement Program

ASHLAND, OH, December 09, 2012 (Press-News.org) Ashland University has launched a new Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Endorsement program that is being offered this spring throughout the state.

Ashland University launched the program in response to the growing number of students in Ohio who have limited English proficiency, according to Dr. David Kommer, professor of education and chair of the Curriculum and Instruction Department.

"More than 39,000 English language learners or students with limited English proficiency were enrolled in Ohio's elementary and secondary schools in 2010-2011. These students represent more than 110 different native or home languages," Kommer said. "This new program is designed to help teachers be better prepared to meet the learning needs of this growing population of students."

The TESOL program will be offered at the Columbus Program Center located on Dublin-Granville Road and the Elyria Program Center located at Lorain County Community College. However, since the classes are offered in online and hybrid formats, the classes will be open for teachers to register at any Ashland campus.

According to Kommer, Ashland's 15-Hour TESOL Endorsement Program:
• enables teachers to gain the instructional knowledge, assessment skills and understanding to more effectively address the needs of English language learners in the classroom.
• prepares teachers for the increasing cultural and linguistic diversity associated with teaching and learning in today's classrooms.
• gives teachers opportunities to have a positive, lasting impact on the lives of immigrant and native-born children and youth.
• provides, upon completion, an endorsement that is added to the Ohio Teaching License. Candidates are responsible for registering for and passing the PRAXIS (0361) exam before a recommendation for the endorsement can be sent to the Ohio Department of Education.

"It is an add-on to any Ohio license and because the courses are offered online or in a hybrid format, individual schedules may be accommodated," he said.

Kommer said the TESOL Endorsement Program is designed to be completed in one year or less. "The entire program can be completed in fall, spring and summer if so desired," he said. "Six credits (two courses) of the 15 required endorsement credits are also a part of the M.Ed. program core. "

Those wanting more information regarding the TESOL Program or wanting to register, can call the Columbus Program Center at 614.794.0803 or the Elyria Program Center at 440.366.4080 or go to http://www.ashland.edu/graduate/TESOL.

Ashland University, ranked in the top 200 colleges and universities in U.S. News and World Report's National Universities category for 2013, is a mid-sized, private university conveniently located a short distance from Akron, Cleveland and Columbus, Ohio. Ashland University (www.ashland.edu) values the individual student and offers a unique educational experience that combines the challenge of strong, applied academic programs with a faculty and staff who build nurturing relationships with their students.