Caldwell University is a private, accredited Catholic university in Caldwell, NJ offering bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees and a vibrant campus life complete with rewarding activities, clubs, and service opportunities.
Or Call Gene Soltys in Graduate Admissions at 973-618-3216.
Virtual Information Session – Graduate Education Programs Thursday, April 30, 2026, at 8:00 PM REGISTER HERE
Online ESL Certification for New Jersey Teachers
Caldwell University’s online English as a Second Language (ESL) certification is designed to meet the high demand for ESL teachers in New Jersey. As an applicant to the ESL program, you must already have a valid Standard New Jersey Instructional Certificate in education to meet the State of New Jersey requirements to teach English language learners.
ESL Certification Overview
This post-baccalaureate ESL program expands your understanding of the theory and practice of teaching English as a second language. Specifically, the online coursework covers the fundamentals of language acquisition and discusses successful strategies to teach multicultural and bilingual students.
Multiple courses feature a fieldwork component to apply your ESL knowledge in a classroom setting. Before your ESL certification program ends, you must pass the New Jersey-approved Writing Proficiency Test (WPT) and Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI).
All 15 credits earned for the ESL certification program can be transferred into Caldwell’s M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction program, making this certificate a gateway to a future master’s degree in education.
Admission Requirements
Applicants to our ESL program for New Jersey teachers should submit the following:
A Caldwell Graduate Application
Official undergraduate transcript showing conferral of bachelor’s degree
Proof of Standard New Jersey Instructional Certificate
Courses
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS (21 credits)
Linguistics
Course Code : ED 516
Course Description :
This course introduces the study of language as a system. Linguistics is a social science which uses human communication as its focus of study. The subsystems of linguistics-morphology, phonetics, phonology, syntax and semantics-will be explored in depth. In addition, the course will cover theories of language acquisition, the brain’s role in language, language change and evolution, and language families.
Language Acquisition: First and Second Language Development
Course Code : ED 517
Course Description :
The purpose of this course is to provide a framework for considering how language development in bilingual individuals is different from that of monolinguals. This course is designed to assist educators in understanding how being bilingual affects the educational context and, therefore, may influence the academic performance and assessment of bilingual students. This knowledge should lead to more reflective instructional decision making on the part of course participants.
The course examines the current theories and practices required to teach English Language Learners through context. The course explores the current methodologies that will assist teachers in the development of the contextual approach to language acquisition. In addition, the course will familiarize the students with WIDA English Language Proficiency Standards adopted by the State of New Jersey and will focus on techniques that foster communicative competence. Field experience 12 hours.
Theory and Practice of Teaching English to Non-native Speakers
Course Code : ED 519
Course Description :
This course content will include the development of legislation regarding English language learning opportunities for language minority students, second language acquisition theory, ESL/ Bilingual program models, Language 2 (L2) teaching method theory, specific teaching approaches and techniques and multilingual/multicultural classroom challenges. Class work will focus on practical and hands-on experiences. Field experience12 hours.
Focuses on a multiethnic/multicultural curriculum with goals that are consistent with the needs of a global society. Educators become informed, active citizens capable of making reflective decisions in a world beset by momentous social and human problems. Educators learn how to solve social problems through responsible action, and develop a sense of political efficacy and the ability to influence public policy.
Prior to completion of this program, students must pass a state-approved examination of knowledge, Writing Proficiency Test (WPT) and Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI). Fees are set by the testing institutions.