Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When can I register for courses?
A: Before you can register for courses,
you must apply to the ESL program and to the
Q: Can my advisor register me for ESL courses?
A: Jennifer Driver, the Project Director for ESL enrolls and advises all students in the ESL program .
Q: Which county public school systems are covered by the ESL grant?
A: Administrators, support staff, and
teachers working in the following public school districts are eligible for
tuition reimbursement under the ESL grant:
Q: What does the grant pay for?
A: The grant pays for tuition of courses that are taken as part of the ESL add-on endorsement program. Students are responsible for parking, textbook, and any additional materials.
Q: What is the practicum?
A: The practicum is a minimum of 30 clock hours contact time working with ESL children in both the PreK-6 and 7-12 setting. The candidate must be observed by university personnel at the midpoint of placement at each of the two sites.
Q: Do
I need to have a previous background in learning Spanish to be successful in
the ESL program?
A: It is not necessary to have a
background in Spanish before entering the ESL program. Many of the counties in
the outlying areas of
Q: If my school district is not covered under the grant, can I still participate in the ESL add-on endorsement program?
A: Yes, you may participate in the program even if you are not in the counties covered under the ESL grant. However, you would be responsible for paying for the courses. Current tuition prices are listed on the UTC website: www.utc.edu.
Q: How many classes are necessary before earning the ESL endorsement?
A: The amount of courses needed is different for every student. Through evaluation of transcripts, any previous coursework which may be applied toward the requirements for the ESL endorsement will be determined.
Q: How long will it take to earn my ESL add-on endorsement?
A: The amount of time necessary to complete the program is different for each student depending on how many courses are needed. The program is a 26 credit hour program, and a minimum of 9 hours are to be completed at UTC for ESL endorsement.
Q: Is it possible to earn a master’s in ESL at UTC?
A: Currently there is not a master’s in ESL program at UTC. However, many of the courses in the program a can be taken for graduate credit. For more information regarding masters’ programs in education please contact Dr. Tony Lease at 425-4171 or Tony-Lease@utc.edu or Mrs. Meg Farrell at 425-4022 or Margaret-Farrell@utc.edu.
Q: I have experience teaching ESL, can I waive the practicum?
A: It is possible to waive the practicum. In order to waive the practicum you must have taught at minimum of one semester of appropriately supervised experience teaching ESL in an accredited school (requires verification from school/school system of teaching assignment, duration, and effectiveness), or have previous experience teaching in an ESL setting other than an accredited school. This option requires: 1) Description of experience, including setting, schedule, content, demographic information about students, and other pertinent information, 2) Supporting materials (lesson plans, units, newsletters, brochures, etc., and 3) Verification of success (letters from supervisors, copies of evaluations, etc.
Q: Is there a way I can receive foreign language credit without taking the course?
A: Yes, there is a way to receive foreign language credit without taking the courses. If you have experience in another language, you may contact the foreign language department and take a placement test. The test will determine your level of expertise and you will receive credit for the level of language you have mastered. You may contact the UTC Foreign Language department at 425-4114.
Q: How long do I have to complete the program?
A: Once you begin the program, you have two years to complete the coursework, practicum, and take the Praxis exam.