Northcentral University Launches New Education Degree Specialization — English as a Second Language

Increasingly Diverse Population Spurs Need for Graduate Online Instructional Courses

Prescott Valley, AZ –June 15, 2008 - Northcentral University (www.ncu.edu), an innovator in 100% online higher education announced today the introduction of the newest master’s of education degree specialization, English as a Second Language/English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESL/ESOL). “In our increasingly diverse and global society the need for teachers educated in bilingual instructional methods is growing dramatically,” stated Dr. Clinton Gardner, President of Northcentral University. “We have developed a comprehensive, 100% online specialization designed to convey the expertise and skills set education practitioners need to excel in this vital and growing field,” Gardner added.

Teaching English to speakers of other languages is a truly specialized area of instruction and one that is increasingly demanded of educational institutions and training programs. Very few other universities offer the breadth of content provided by NCU 100% online. Prior to taking these courses for state ESOL, ESL or Bilingual Endorsement, students should first verify with their respective office of education whether the selected courses will meet the expectations of the individual state office.

“Classroom teachers are finding more and more second language learners placed in their classrooms, and State Offices of Education are requiring that these teachers have at least a minimal district endorsement in ESOL/ESL to meet the needs of these students. Additionally, teachers at the beginning of their instructional careers are looking for master’s programs that will allow them to earn a master’s degree using endorsement courses such as these for the elective strand as a part of their master’s degree,” commented Gardner.

Northcentral University focuses on the needs of education professionals, offering career-building specializations such as E-Learning and Teaching Online, Educational Technology Leadership and Gifted and Talented Education, to name a few. Tuition scholarships are available for education partners and the M Ed is offered at $285 a semester credit. Contact NCU at www.ncu.edu or 866-776-0331 for more information.