Undergraduate
At Cornerstone University, you’ll get the full college experience with a Christ-centered worldview. Learn more about the undergraduate experience below.
At Cornerstone University, you’ll get the full college experience with a Christ-centered worldview. Learn more about the undergraduate experience below.
Persevere in what you know you’re capable of. Our programs for adults provide a creative approach to learning anchored in Christ-centered virtues as you follow your unwavering purpose.
Go further as an influencer in your work and community. Our graduate programs prepare you to open new doors as you reach your God-given potential.
At Grand Rapids Theological Seminary, we're dedicated to learning, serving and leading through rigorous scholarship and a humble approach to Scripture.
As an educator, you have the opportunity to inspire, encourage and empower your students in the classroom and beyond. The ESL Endorsement invites you into an intentional learning community that equips you with practical knowledge and experience to make a difference in your classrooms. Intended for certified teachers, this endorsement opens up new opportunities for you to advance your influence as an educator with an ESL endorsement.
Estimated total cost is $12,720. Explore the full breakdown for more information.
Of students work full time while pursuing a degree.
Courses included in the program.
Inspire others to reach their potential by starting with yourself. With an ESL Endorsement, you open up a wide range of teaching opportunities to serve in classrooms that need influencers like you. Current educators can pursue their path as an ESL teacher through this endorsement.
Engage in practical and foundational coursework that inspires you to serve the needs of others through teaching English. Each course is anchored in Christ-centered virtues, which invites you to flourish as a positive influence in your unique context.
LIN-501 Issues in TESOL
An exploration of issues that have an impact on the field of TESOL, including social, historical, legal and cultural influences. A broad scope of these issues may include philosophical differences, as well as classroom-specific difficulties.
LIN-565 TESOL Methodology I
An examination of various methods and techniques used to teach language components (grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation) and language skills (reading, writing, listening and speaking). Practice in developing and implementing balanced and effective language lesson plans will be provided along with evaluating and selecting appropriate ESL teaching materials to match various ESL audiences and teaching contexts.
LIN-525 Introduction to Linguistics
An introduction to the nature and structure of human language. Students focus on the goals, techniques and subject matter of modern linguistics.
LIN-535 Advanced English Grammar
An exploration of the descriptive and prescriptive grammar of English, which is analyzed according to traditional, structural and transformational methods. Emphasis is also placed on preparing students to teach grammar. Students survey grammar teaching methodology in conjunction with the different areas of grammar studied.
LIN-555 Sociolinguistics
An examination of language in its social and cultural contexts. This course presents the basic socio-cultural variables (such as gender, age and social status) and shows their relation to language use and language learning. Areas covered in the course include bilingualism, dialectology, language variation and style with their relation to multilingual educational situations.
LIN-556 Second Language Acquisition
An examination of the process of learning a second language. This course surveys current SLA theory and learning models. Emphasis is given to the ways these theories and models shape pedagogical practices in ESL classrooms. Linguistic, cognitive, affective, cultural and social factors influencing the acquisition of another language are explored.
LIN-594 TESOL Capstone
A capstone course designed to allow students to integrate various principles of the TESOL program. This course includes two possible tracks: Thesis or Non-Thesis. Students seeking a Michigan Department of Education endorsement are required to choose the Non-Thesis option, which includes 60 hours of practicum. Prerequisite: LIN-565.
After finishing the ESL Endorsement or M.A. in TESOL program, you’ll need to pass the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification’s English as a Second Language (086) test. Computer-based MTTC testing is available by appointment year-round, Monday through Saturday (excluding some holidays). To add your ESL credentials to your teaching certificate, you’ll need to begin the process by submitting your application through the Michigan Online Educator Certification System (MOECS).
Leslie Crawley (M.A. ’18)Getting to respond and learn from a Christian worldview has made a huge difference in my learning experience! I have grown and been encouraged to pursue my profession in the light of Christ, His Word and life!
At PGS, we’re passionate about welcoming you into a learning community designed to help you reach your full potential. Take your education further with additional programs designed for both educators and community leaders.
MON - THURS: 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
FRI: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
SAT & SUN: Closed
At Cornerstone University, you’ll get the full college experience with a Christ-centered worldview. Learn more about the undergraduate experience below.
Persevere in what you know you’re capable of. Our programs for adults provide a creative approach to learning anchored in Christ-centered virtues as you follow your unwavering purpose.
Go further as an influencer in your work and community. Our graduate programs prepare you to open new doors as you reach your God-given potential.
At Grand Rapids Theological Seminary, we’re dedicated to learning, serving and leading through rigorous scholarship and a humble approach to Scripture.