This 30-credit program is designed for certified, experienced classroom teachers looking to gain a strong foundation in curriculum and instruction of Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CLD) populations. This program provides candidates with a strong foundation in literacy curriculum, instruction, and assessment at the PK-12 levels.

In this program, you will prepare to not only meet the needs of culturally and linguistically diverse students, including English language learners, but also to assume a leadership position within a school as an ESOL teacher. This program is designed for the certified teacher who wishes to be certified by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) as an ESOL teacher based on and aligned to the standards outlined by the TESOL International Association. If you want to be certified in a state or district other than Maryland as an ESOL teacher, you will need to contact your state or district to determine eligibility steps.

Candidates should complete the six courses in the literacy core before proceeding to the culturally and linguistically diverse populations track courses.  Courses may be taken in any order unless otherwise stated.

As courses are only offered in online formats, students must have access to a device (such as a tablet or computer) that includes both internet connectivity and audio/video capability. High-speed internet connectivity access is also required.

In addition to passing all courses with a satisfactory grade, as a graduation requirement, candidates must take and earn a score of 163 or higher on the Praxis II: English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) #5362 and receive a passing score of 159 or higher on the Teaching Reading: Elementary Education Praxis exam #5205 during the culturally and linguistically diverse populations track in order to graduate. For May graduates, candidates are responsible for providing Loyola official Praxis II ESOL exam and Teaching Reading: Elementary Praxis exam #5205 scores by April 15. Similarly, January graduates are responsible for providing Loyola official Praxis II exam scores by December 15. September graduates are responsible for providing Loyola official Praxis exam scores by August 15.

Candidates must submit an electronic application for graduation to the Office of the Registrar by the scheduled deadlines. Please visit the Office of the Registrar website for deadline details. Applications received after the deadline and/or applications that are incomplete (that have not met all requirements for program graduation) will result in candidates needing to reapply for graduation at a later date.