North Central College - Naperville, IL

English Language Learning

Why choose English language learning at North Central College?

America has always been a melting pot, but demand is higher than ever for teachers who can instruct children raised in homes where English is not the primary language. North Central’s minor in English language learning (ELL) helps you meet this pressing need—and positions you well in a competitive job market.

You may also:

  • Acquire state endorsement in English as a second language (ESL).
  • Acquire state endorsement in bilingual education with language proficiency and a bilingual methods course.
  • Complete our intensive 100-hour practicum requirement.

News

North Central College will launch full-time intensive English language program for international students this September.
2012 Snow Bowl
Community members are invited to join North Central College education students and alumni for the Snow Bowl, an evening of bowling, networking.
North Central College’s partnerships with local schools are creating more collaborative opportunities for future educators.

News

Careers

Recent graduates in English language learning include:

  • English as a second language certified teacher
  • Bilingual education certified teacher
  • Elementary education teacher
Elementary Education major, English Language Learning minor

Courtney wants to teach in a general education setting and help all her students, so she added the English Language Learning (ELL) endorsement to her studies.

In addition to taking several ELL classes, she’s completed 10- and 50-hour practica experiences so far, with more to come. “The more hours and practica experiences you have with different schools and teachers, the more exposure you get to different strategies and ways of doing things.”

In one practicum, Courtney worked with students who spoke German, Chinese, Spanish and Hindi. Through North Central’s program and faculty, she learned techniques and strategies for teaching students in any language “without watering down content."

“Our...

Elementary Education major, English Language Learning and Spanish minors

"ELL can benefit any prospective or current teacher," says Melissa, who is pairing her major in elementary education with a double minor in English language learning (ELL) and reading. "Schools today are very diverse, and every student deserves an education and an opportunity to succeed. "ELL teachers don’t need to speak a second language in order to succeed," she notes. "This minor is based on teaching strategies and communicating in universal ways. It will help me break the language barrier so that each student learns in the way that suits them best."

Elementary Education and Spanish double major, English Language Learning minor

“North Central gave me the confidence to follow my dreams. People here give you real experiences to try out your dreams.”

Sarah’s dream is to help children master the English language. She added a minor in English Language Learning to her majors in elementary education and Spanish so she can teach bilingual education.

“Many children know some English, but they need someone to help them stay on track academically with their subjects while still learning English,” she says. “Through North Central I’ve had so many opportunities to connect with different language communities and practice what I’m learning.”

Her student teaching and practicums have taken her to bilingual classrooms in highly...