TELL K-12 Certification Program

TELL PROGRAM (Secondary Certification in Teacher of English Language Learners / Bilingual Teacher)

Objectives

This program is designed to provide students expertise and training on the theory and practice of teaching English to non-native speakers of English and/or bilingual learners. The program provides students with the pedagogical and intellectual preparations necessary to teach in K-12 English Language Learner (ELL) or dual language immersion classrooms and obtain Delaware Department of Education secondary certification in either “1562 Teacher of English Learners” or “1561 Bilingual Teacher”.  

The goal of the TELL program is to produce K-12 educators who are certified in either DDOE “1562 Teacher of English Learners” or “1561 Bilingual Teacher”.  Obtaining this secondary certification is evidence of an individual’s ability to provide high-quality, research-based instruction to English language learners and/or bilingual learners in K-12 education. 

Admission Requirements

All Applicants are required to:

  • Have earned a bachelor’s degree at an accredited college or university, possess the ability to do graduate work of high quality, and meet language proficiency requirements for English (and target language for those pursuing bilingual education). 
  • Submit one official transcript from all previous undergraduate and graduate work.
  • Submit three (3) letters of recommendation.
  • Submit a statement of purpose indicating educational career goals and experience.
  • Submit GRE scores*
  • Applicants pursuing K-12 certification need a pre- or co-requisite teacher education program.
  • Have native or near native fluency in English.  Non-native speakers of English without a college degree from a U.S. or English speaking institution must also have a minimum TOEFL score of 95 (iBT), 585 (paper), or an IELTS of 7.0.
  • Applicants must meet all graduate school requirements.  

* GRE score requirement may be waived for those entering the program with substantial professional and academic experience and credentials.  Additionally, educators taking courses for secondary certification may also have GRE waived.

Program Requirements

The TELL program requires the completion of 15 core course credits hours. The program follows a praxis model in which students are expected to apply the learned theory and methods in the classroom.  Accordingly, 20 hours of EFE (early field experience) are required as part of one of the core courses.

Students pursuing the bilingual education track must evidence language proficiency in their target language. Proficiency is evidenced by 1) achieving a minimum level of Advance Mid (for tests using the Roman alphabet) or Advanced Low (for tests using a non-Roman alphabet) based on the ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines on the ACTFL OPI in the target language, and 2) achieving a passing score on the ACTFL WPT in the target language.

All courses completed in this program can also be applied toward the MA TESOL/ Bilingual Education degree

Tuition & Fees

The tuition for courses in the TESOL & Bilingual Education tracks are set at a program rate of $500 per credit hour.  There is no in-state/out-of-state distinction, and the rate is the same for all students enrolled in the program.

Additional fees, including registration, technology, and student activity fees are as listed under “Doctoral and Graduate Fees | Dover” on the main Tuition & Financial Aid page.

Required Courses

View the Course Curriculum

View the Course Descriptions