Teaching Endorsements, University Certificate

Endorsements Overview

Gifted and Talented Endorsement Overview

This program offers individuals currently certified to teach at the elementary, middle grade, and secondary levels, an additional certification option in Gifted and Talented Education. This certification supports educators in strengthening their professional knowledge and instructional practices to effectively identify, challenge, and support students with gifts and talents across diverse educational settings. Candidates develop an understanding of the intellectual, social-emotional, cultural, and curricular needs of gifted learners while exploring differentiated instruction, program development, assessment, creativity, and leadership in gifted education. The endorsement prepares educators to serve as gifted education teachers, instructional leaders, program coordinators, and advocates for advanced learners.

English as a Second Language (ESL) Endorsement Overview

This program offers individuals currently certified to teach at the elementary, middle grade, and secondary levels, an additional certification option in English as a Second Language (ESL). This certification supports educators in enhancing their professional skills and expanding their understanding of language acquisition, culturally and linguistically responsive instruction, and effective educational practices for multilingual learners. Candidates examine the linguistic, sociocultural, psychological, and educational foundations of second language learning while developing instructional strategies that promote academic language development across content areas. The endorsement prepares educators to serve as ESL teachers, instructional leaders, advocates for multilingual learners, and collaborative partners in diverse school settings. Candidates must meet all state requirements for ESL endorsement certification.

Literacy Specialist Endorsement Overview

This program offers individuals currently certified to teach at the elementary, middle grade, and secondary levels, or variations thereof, an additional certification option in Literacy Specialist (P–12). This certification supports educators in improving their professional skills, extending their knowledge of literacy instruction, and increasing their understanding of the intellectual, philosophical, sociological, psychological, and cultural foundations of effective education. Candidates develop expertise in reading and writing instruction, assessment, intervention, and literacy leadership to support diverse learners across grade levels. The endorsement prepares educators to serve as literacy specialists, instructional leaders, teacher mentors, literacy coaches, and instructional facilitators. Candidates must pass the Reading Specialist PRAXIS II exam to earn the Literacy Specialist endorsement.

Admission Requirements

A bachelor’s or master’s degree with a cumulative grade point average of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale; or a grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale on the last 30 hours of credit completed, including undergraduate and graduate coursework.

Program Requirements

CIP Code: 13.0699

Teaching Endorsements

ENDR Gifted Education

ENDR Literacy Specialist

ENDR Teaching English as Second Language