English as a Second Language, PreK-12

Endorsement Information

Overview: The English as a Second (ESL), PreK-12 Endorsement authorizes the holder to teach one or more English language learners in the area they are appropriately certified. The ESL endorsement also authorizes the holder to teach in a Structured English Immersion setting. Requirements may be subject to change and are fully referenced in the Arizona Revised Statutes and Administrative Code: R7-2-601; R-2-607, R7-2-615, R7-2-621.

Out-of-State Certificate Holders: If you hold a valid, comparable out-of-state educator certificate/license that is in good standing, follow this link for information and steps to apply under reciprocity.

A formal review is required to verify that all requirements have been met. Please visit the "How to Submit Official Documents" below for the proper submission of the required documents. Failure to submit documents as described could cause a delay in the processing of the application.

  • Prerequisite Certificate: You hold a valid Arizona Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle Grades, Secondary, Special Education, Career and Technical Education, PreK-12 Teaching, Subject Matter Expert, Specialized Secondary STEM, Supervisor, Principal, or Superintendent Certificate.
  • Application: A completed Application for Certification. 
  • Fee: The fee for this endorsement is $60. Per Board-rule, certification fees are non-refundable. 
  • AZDPS IVP Card: A valid Arizona DPS IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card.
  • Official Transcripts: Official Transcripts documenting all applicable coursework.
    • Note: If you completed your degree and applicable coursework at an institution outside of the United States, you must submit an evaluation from a Department approved foreign credential evaluation agency. Please see the "Approved Foreign Credential Evaluation" list.
  • Teaching Experience (if applicable): Two years of full-time teaching experience in an ESL or Bilingual classroom. 
    • Please note that teaching experience does not fulfill all requirements for this endorsement. 

The provisional endorsement is valid for 3 years and is not renewable.

Applicants must meet both requirements.

  • Prerequisite Certificate: A valid Arizona Elementary, Secondary, Special Education, Career and Technical Education, Early Childhood, Arts Education Prek-12, PreK-12 Physical Education, Subject Matter Expert, Specialized Secondary STEM, Supervisor, Principal, or Superintendent Certificate. -AND-
  • Coursework. Six semester hours of ESL coursework to include:
    • Three semester hours of English as a Second Language methods; and
    • Three semester hours of ESL courses towards the full endorsement. (Second language learning experience courses are not applicable.)

The full endorsement will automatically renew with the certificate on which it is attached.

Applicants must meet all requirements.

  • Prerequisite Certificate: A valid Arizona Elementary, Secondary, Special Education, Career and Technical Education, Early Childhood, Arts Education Prek-12, PreK-12 Physical Education, Subject Matter Expert, Specialized Secondary STEM, Supervisor, Principal, or Superintendent Certificate.

-AND-

  • Option A or B:
    • Option A: Completion of an ESL education program from an accredited institution. -OR-
    • Option B: Completion of the following coursework:
      • Three semester hours of courses in foundations of instruction for non-English-language-background students. Three semester hours of courses in the nature and grammar of the English language, taken before January 1, 1999, may be substituted for this requirement;
      • Three semester hours of ESL methods;
      • Three semester hours of teaching of reading and writing to limited-English-proficient students;
      • Three semester hours of assessment of limited-English-proficient students;
      • Three semester hours of linguistics;
      • Three semester hours of courses dealing with school, community, and family culture and parental involvement in programs of instruction for non-English-language-background students.

-AND-

  • Practicum or Experience - One of the following:
    • Three semester hours of ESL practicum; -OR-
    • Verification of two years of full-time ESL or Bilingual teaching experience.

-AND-

  • Second Language Learning Experience - One of the following:
    • Six semester hours of courses in a single second language, or the equivalent, verified by the department of language, education, or English at an accredited institution; -OR-
    • Completion of intensive language training by the Peace Corps, the Foreign Service Institute, or the Defense Language Institute; -OR-
    • Placement by the language department of an accredited institution in a third semester level; -OR-
    • Placement at level one-intermediate/low or more advanced score on the Oral Proficiency Interview, verified by the American Council for the Teaching of Foreign Languages; -OR-
    • Passing score on the Arizona Classroom Spanish Proficiency Examination approved by the Board; -OR-
    • Proficiency in an American Indian language, verified by an official designated by the appropriate tribe; -OR-
    • A passing score on a foreign language subject knowledge portion of the Arizona Educator Exam (NES or AEPA), or a similar foreign language exam from another state. 

Documents Requiring Submission by the Verifying Authority

  • Official Transcripts: Transcripts that are uploaded through the educator portal or emailed by the applicant are not official and will not be accepted. Official transcripts and foreign credential evaluations must be submitted as follows:
    • Electronic official transcripts must be submitted directly by the college or university to [email protected].
    • Paper official transcripts must be in a sealed envelope and mailed by the college or university to the Arizona Department of Education - Certification Unit; PO Box 6490, Phoenix, AZ 85005-6490.
    • Foreign credential evaluations must be sent directly by the approved foreign credential evaluation agency to [email protected] or mailed to the Arizona Department of Education - Certification Unit.
    • Out-of-State Exam Score Report: If you are using out-of-state exams, include a copy of the out-of-state score report with your application and have exams verified as follows:
      • Forward the Verification of Out-of-State Exams form to the state agency that accepted the exam. This form must be completed and submitted by an official with the state agency.
      • If you are using Praxis exam(s), have your scores reported by ETS to Arizona Department of Education (8517).
    • Verification of Teaching Experience: If submitting teaching experience in place of the practicum, please forward the Verification of PreK-12 Teaching Experience form to your school/district human resources office with a request to verify your experience. The form must be submitted by school/district human resources to [email protected].

    Accepted Photocopies from the Applicant

    • AZDPS IVP Card: Submit a photocopy of the Arizona DPS IVP Fingerprint Clearance card. 
    • Arizona Exam: Submit a photocopy of the official score report.  
    • Arizona Classroom Spanish Proficiency Exam: Submit a Verification letter on official letterhead signed by the Testing Coordinator from Arizona State University or the Univerisity of Arizona.

    Ready to apply - click here for step-by-step directions 

     

    Pursuant to section 41-1093.01, Arizona Revised Statutes, an agency shall limit all occupational regulations to regulations that are demonstrated to be necessary to specifically fulfill a public health, safety, or welfare concern. Pursuant to sections 41-1093.02 and 41-1093.03, Arizona Revised Statutes, you have the right to petition this agency to repeal or modify the occupational regulation or bring an action in a court of general jurisdiction to challenge the occupational regulation and to ensure compliance with section 41-1093.01, Arizona Revised Statutes.