English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Endorsement and Dual Language Specialization
The English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Endorsement and Dual Language Specialization Endorsement can be added to your Oregon teaching license. Courses are offered in-person or online (depending on your program and location) and may be directly applied to your classroom.
Join us for a virtual info session!
We're hosting an info session for our ESOL, Dual Language Specialization, and Reading Endorsement programs! Come learn about the application process and how teachers can help pay for their courses using district benefits.
Wednesday, May 13, 2026 from 5–6 PM PST
Why complete your ESOL or Dual Language Endorsement at OSU?
The ESOL and Dual Language Specialization endorsement programs are designed to give educators the skills they need to improve outcomes for multilingual learners. You will learn instructional practices and strategies, apply theory and research to your teaching, and serve as a resource and advocate for multilingual students.
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Over 94% of teachers who completed our ESOL/DL endorsement program rated it as effective in preparing them to serve multilingual students
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97% of school district instructional leaders rated the program as effective in preparing their teachers to serve multilingual students
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
The English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Endorsement Program focuses on helping Oregon's pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade (PK-12) teachers learn how to effectively work with students who are learning English as an additional language. If you are bilingual in English and Spanish you can earn an ESOL endorsement and a Dual Language specialization at the same time.
- You can earn an ESOL endorsement while earning your initial teaching license or as an add on endorsement.
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You can choose to earn an ESOL Graduate Certificate as well as an endorsement
To complete the ESOL endorsement, candidates must:
- Complete all ESOL coursework with a 3.0/B average or higher,
- Pass the ESOL teacher licensure exam, and
- Submit a satisfactory portfolio which is completed during the ESOL Internship class
Contact: [email protected]
Dual Language Specialization Program
The Dual Language Specialization Program is designed to assist preservice and licensed teachers in developing knowledge, skills and abilities in a Spanish dual language instruction in order for them to effectively help K-12 students, who are learning in bilingual or dual language classrooms, improve their bilingual, biliterate, and multicultural competencies.
- Dual language is a form of bilingual education. The goal of dual language programs is for K-12 students to become academically proficient in two languages. Dual language programs are also referred to as dual immersion or two-way immersion programs because classrooms are generally comprised of approximately half native English speakers and half native speakers of the other target language.
- You can earn an ESOL endorsement and a Dual Language specialization simultaneously.
- You can choose to earn a Dual Language Graduate Certificate as well as an endorsement
To complete the ESOL/DL endorsement, candidates must:
- Complete all ESOL/DL coursework with a 3.0/B average or higher,
- Pass the ESOL teacher licensure exam, and
- Submit a satisfactory portfolio which is completed during the Dual Language Internship class
Contact: [email protected]
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! In-service teachers can complete the ESOL endorsement or the Dual Language (DL) specialization through Oregon State University. Licensed teachers may add the ESOL endorsement to their Oregon teaching license by completing the required coursework, passing the ESOL licensure exam, and submitting a portfolio during the internship course. Some courses may be offered online depending on the program.
The ESOL program prepares teachers to support K–12 students who are learning English as an additional language. The coursework focuses on instructional strategies, linguistics, and effective practices for teaching multilingual learners.
The Dual Language specialization focuses on teaching in bilingual or dual-language classrooms where students learn academic content in two languages (typically English and Spanish). These programs aim to help students become bilingual, biliterate, and culturally competent.
A key difference is that the Dual Language specialization requires advanced fluency in Spanish because instruction occurs in both languages.
Students may complete the ESOL or Dual Language coursework as a non-degree student to meet the requirements of TSPC. Students who would also like to pursue an official OSU certificate, may follow a different application process which allows the certificate to be visible on university transcripts. If you would like more information about this option, please contact [email protected]. Non-degree students will not have the certificate visible on their transcripts.
Are you ready to take your next steps?
Get in touch with our team to learn more about the College of Education.