Cohort Programs

Available Cohorts

• Special Education

  The Special Education Cohort consists of six courses that are approved through the SCDE to meet partial requirements for adding a Special Education Learning Disabilities certification.  In addition to coursework a minimum qualifying score(s) on the content area examination(s) is required by the State Board of Education (PRAXIS ).

  

• Multilingual Learner Certification

  Multilingual Learner Cohort consists of five courses that are approved through the SCDE to meet partial requirements for adding a Multilingual Learner certification. The program that includes Principles and Strategies for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages as well as Linguistics and Assessment courses.  In addition to coursework a minimum qualifying score(s) on the content area examination(s) is required by the State Board of Education (PRAXIS ).

  

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

  Endorsement only

  Multilingual Learners (ESOL))

  Guidelines and Requirements for Adding Certification Fields and Endorsements 

   The coursework and training related to this optional certification endorsement are intended to enhance an educator’s skills and knowledge to prepare the individual to work with students whose primary language is not English.

   Requirements to add the ESOL Endorsement by Coursework

   

  1. Bachelor’s degree or higher;  
  2. Initial, Professional, or Alternative Route certificate at the early childhood, elementary, middle, secondary, or PK–12 level; 
  3. Completion of all required coursework with an equivalent of a grade of “C” or better. 
  4. Required Courses 

   

  Cultural and Linguistic Diversity for ESOL Educators
  

  3 semester hours 

  This course must be designed to improve the educator’s understanding of students with diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds. The course should focus on cultural and linguistic diversity and identity with emphasis on the following topics: culturally responsive learning environment,  cultural bias, socio-economic diversity, and the home-school connection. 

  Principles and Strategies for Teaching ESOL PK–12 Learners 
  

  3 semester hours  

  The course must include information on identifying  ESOL students, preparing effective teachers of English language learners, using appropriate instructional and assessment strategies aligned with PK–12 English language proficiency standards, and understanding relevant laws and policies related to services and instruction provided to English language learners. 

  Practicum in ESOL
  

  Fifteen (15) hours of practicum hours are required. The practicum hours must include experiences working directly with students whose primary language is not English and may be embedded in the coursework listed above.

• Project-Based Learning

  The Project-Based Learning (PBL) Cohort consists of three courses which include Introduction to PBL, Applications of PBL in Curriculum and Instruction as well as a Practicum in PBL. Upon completion of the approved courses, participants can petition the state to add the Project Based Learning endorsement to their certificate.

  in leu of coursework, a waiver and certification endorsement in Project-based Learning granted for completion of a comprehensive, extended sequence of professional learning opportunities approved by the SCDE.

  

• Teacher Leader Endorsement

  The Teacher Leader Endorsement cohort consisits of three SCDE approved courses to help meet the requirements for gaining the Teacher Leader endorsement.  In addition to 9 credit hours of coursework there is also 36 practicum hours that are required.  These hours can be embeded within the 3 approved course offerings.  Upon completion of the approved courses and practicum, participants can petition the state to add the Teacher Leader endorsement to their certificate.

  

• Teaching Children of Poverty

  The Teaching Children of Poverty endorsement consisits of successful completion of 2 course  - Class, Race, and Gender in Education and Linguistic and Cultural Diversity in Education or Meeting the Needs of Diverse Learners in P-12 Schools and Classrooms (Please see below for alternative approved courses).  Upon successful completion of coursework, participants can petition the state for adding Teaching Children of Poverty Endorsement to their certificate.