Online licensure endorsement in TESOL

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TESOL Licensure

Add TESOL credentials to your teaching license

Already licensed to teach but interested in a specialized TESOL endorsement? This focused program is designed for practicing teachers who require additional licensure credentials to work with English language learners in their state or district.

In as few as 12 months, you'll gain graduate-level expertise in second language acquisition and culturally responsive teaching strategies while maintaining your current teaching responsibilities. This streamlined path provides the specialized knowledge and official credentials you need to excel in TESOL roles.

Program details

100% online with no campus visits required
Six courses (18 credit hours)
Complete in as few as 12 months
No GRE required for admission
CAEP accreditation ensures quality standards

Expand your skills

TESOL Licensure Endorsement

For licensed teachers seeking specialized credentials

This endorsement-only program provides the focused training and official credentials needed to teach English language learners in PK-12 settings. Designed for busy educators, the program combines rigorous academic content with flexible online delivery.

Looking for licensure endorsement and an M.S.E.? Check out the M.S.E. in TESOL Teacher Track to amplify your education.

What you'll learn:

Develop deep understanding of second language acquisition theories and practical strategies for supporting English language learners across age groups. The curriculum addresses the linguistic and cultural challenges that multilingual students face, preparing you to create inclusive classroom environments where all students can thrive. Your learning culminates in a supervised practicum experience and research-based capstone project.

Choose this program to:

Complete a required teaching practicum in a TESOL setting
Conduct a capstone project demonstrating professional competency

Build skills for careers like:

PK-12 ESL specialist
ESOL program administrator
English language learning coordinator
Mainstream teacher with enhanced ELL credentials
TESOL program director

*This online academic program satisfies the requirements for the added TESOL endorsement in Kansas, but does not fulfill the requirements needed to complete a master's degree.

The online licensure endorsement-only track in TESOL meets the educational requirements for licensure in the state of Kansas if the candidate already holds an initial or professional teaching license. None of the KU TESOL programs lead to initial licensure.

Advance your skills, expand your impact

The University of Kansas online education programs are built for people who want to make a difference—in classrooms, schools, and communities. Whether you’re a teacher, administrator, parent, nonprofit professional, you’ll find programs that connect research to practice and provide tools you can put to use right away. With flexible online courses and dedicated faculty support, KU helps you grow your expertise while continuing the important work you’re already doing.

✓ 8-week focused courses
✓ Evidence-based, research-driven curriculum
✓ Practical skills you can apply immediately
✓ Top-ranked by the U.S. News & World Report*

*Retrieved on August 18, 2025 from usnews.com/education/online-education/university-of-kansas-155317

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TESOL Licensure Endorsement course descriptions

C&T 807 Multicultural Education

In order to provide the student with an understanding of multicultural education, the course will examine the effects of such issues as ethnicity in America, the melting pot theory, separatism, cultural pluralism, legal issues and bilingual education upon the curriculum and instruction in today’s classrooms. It will include an evaluation of materials for bias and stereotypes. Field experiences are a part of this course.

C&T 820 Methods of TESOL

The purpose of this course is to study the objectives and methods of ESL/bilingual education. Students will examine methods and techniques of teaching: listening, speaking, reading and writing in the ESL/bilingual education settings. The course will also emphasize the importance of culture in second language teaching, and self-evaluation of teaching and instructional materials.

C&T 821 Assessment in TESOL

This course provides an overview of diagnostic techniques and instruments used to identify and remediate specific learning difficulties associated with normal second language development in the area of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The course includes a review of research concerning assessment as it relates to error analysis in the second-language context.

C&T 822 Second Language Acquisition for TESOL Educators

This course provides an intensive review of the theory and research base of second-language acquisition. Particular attention is given to the influence of research trends in linguistics and psychology on second-language education theory and practice. Current trends in second-language education are examined in light of the historical theory base.

C&T 825 - TESOL Practicum

This course provides a supervised teaching experience in a setting appropriate to the goals of the prospective ESL/Bilingual teacher: elementary, secondary or adult. Particular attention is given to lesson planning, classroom management and the development of self-evaluation techniques. This course will also emphasize structured classroom observation prior to teaching and techniques for developing and maintaining positive working relationships with other professionals in the school setting. Prerequisite: C&T 820, C&T 821, and C&T 822 or C&T 824. FLD.

C&T 826 Linguistic Analysis for TESOL Educators

This course offers pre- and in-service teachers the basic foundations of language analysis necessary for the teaching of second/foreign languages. The course covers basic linguistic topics common to all human languages (grammatical, phonological and semantic aspects) with the intent to help teachers understand and address common languages problems that students face when learning English as a second/foreign language.

Licensure disclosure

KU’s licensure programs strive to maintain accurate and up-to-date information about the educational requirements for licensure in U.S. states and territories. However, regulations are subject to change and varying interpretations. In addition to possible changes in educational requirements, licensure often includes additional requirements, such as specific examinations and additional training or practicum hours. It is highly recommended that students seek guidance from the appropriate licensing agency before beginning an academic program to ensure they know what is needed to obtain the license/certification/registration in the state in which they intend to practice and/or seek licensure. For more information, visit our licensure disclosures page: soehs.ku.edu/current-students/licensure/disclosures

A female teacher is helping a student with her homework.

Build the skills to unlock student potential

Today's multilingual learners represent incredible diversity—spanning continents, cultures, and linguistic traditions. They all deserve educators who possess the specialized knowledge to support their academic journey and honor their cultural identities. Effective TESOL instruction goes beyond language teaching; it creates bridges between cultures and builds confidence in students navigating complex academic content in their second language.

Whether you're looking for comprehensive graduate-level training, focused professional development, or adding credentials to your existing license, KU offers multiple pathways to build your TESOL expertise.

TESOL licensure endorsement offers specialized credentials for teachers who want to add subject matter expertise to their resume
The graduate certificate in TESOL offers focused training without licensure
The master's degree provides the most comprehensive preparation for TESOL leadership

Each pathway empowers you to make a lasting difference in the lives of multilingual learners.

Trying to decide which TESOL program is right for you?

Erica and Tatiana are experienced admissions outreach advisors dedicated to supporting education professionals like you. Working one-on-one, they’ll help you clarify your goals, choose an elective pathway, and navigate application and practicum planning.

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Make a lasting impact in education

Ready to join the next generation of educational leaders? KU's online education programs offer three starts per year, making it easier to begin your journey when the time is right for you.

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Admissions Information

Jan

Application Deadline

January 6

Spring 2026 Term

Jan

Next Start

January 20

Spring 2026 Term