License in English as a New Language

During the first decade of the 21st century, Indiana had the second fastest growing English language learner (ELL) population in the nation, according to the Migration Policy Institute.

As an educator and community leader who’s aware of the linguistically and culturally diverse populations who are making Indiana their home, it’s your role—if not your professional privilege—to value the assets that elementary and secondary students bring, which, when elevated, can facilitate their achievement.   

What Ball State Can Do for You

Ball State can prepare you to support English language learners with our completely online English as a new language license. This add-on license requires a total of five courses (three credits each) and can be completed in either one or two years, dependent upon the context of students’ lives and professional circumstances. Courses for the license provide culturally responsive teaching practices which provide the potential for immediate application in the classroom.

Our license program is organized around five domains that support TESOL’s (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) P-12 Teacher Education Program Standards:

1. Language
2. Culture
3. Instruction
4. Assessment
5. Professionalism

The program uses the five domains to provide a broad foundation for teachers who want their students to enjoy classroom success and become fully integrated into the life of the school and the community.

This licensing credential can help you and your school prepare to serve this growing population. As an educator-ambassador, your efforts can enrich the future of the Hoosier city or town where you teach.

I-Tell May Fund Your License

I-TELL (Indiana Teacher of English Language Learners) provides Indiana educators the tools and support they need to obtain licensure in English as a New Language (ENL) and become Teachers of Record. 

Indiana teachers who are seeking to obtain licensure in teaching English Language Learners (ELL) are eligible for
I-TELL funding, which will cover the full cost of tuition, textbooks, and material fees. 

To learn more, contact Megumi Hamada.

Academic Advisor

Megumi Hamada, Advisor
Professor of English

Course Requirements

This 5-course program can be completed in one or two years depending on student availability and enrollment. Contact Megumi Hamada to see scheduling options.

• ENG 616 Introduction to Theories of Language Learning
• ENG 617 Methods in Teaching English Language Learners
• ENG 619 Assessment in TESOL
• ENG 620 English Linguistics for Educators
• ENG 633 Practicum in TESOL

For a complete list of program requirements, see the course catalog.

View Catalog

Sample Schedules

One-Year Option

Summer: ENG 620
Fall: ENG 616 and ENG 617
Spring: ENG 619 and ENG 633

Two-Year Option 

Year 1
Summer: ENG 620
Fall: ENG 616
Spring: ENG 619 

Year 2
Fall: ENG 617
Spring: ENG 633

More about Online Learning

Ready to Apply?

Your first step in taking program courses is to apply and meet the admission requirements of the Ball State Graduate School.

Please select the license option on the admission application. Official transcripts from all institutions attended beyond high school are required. Also, an undergraduate cumulative grade point average of at least 2.75 on a 4.0 scale. If you have questions about licensing requirements, contact Office of Teacher Education Services at 1-800-382-8540. Contact the Graduate School for additional information about the application process.

Students from Other States

Ball State is authorized to accept online students from all U.S. states. However, certain states have regulations regarding licensing programs in nursing and education. Learn more about state authorizations for non-Indiana students.