K-12 ESL Licensure
Designed for currently licensed Minnesota teachers (Tier 3 or 4), our PELSB-approved pathway offers a 12- to 14-month route to earn your additional K-12 ESL license.
Interested in Adding a K-12 ESL License to Your Teaching Credentials?
Program Highlights
Six-week term, asynchronous content courses (study on your schedule)
Monthly synchronous seminars (collaborative, cohort-based learning)
Personalized ESL practicum (field experience with mentor support)
Develop the skills to deliver evidence-based instruction for multilingual learners—all while balancing your teaching career.
For full details on eligibility, costs, course requirements, and policies, review the Southeast Service Cooperative’s comprehensive Licensure Pathway Handbook.
Applications for the Fall 2025 cohort are now closed.
All courses in our licensure pathway require admission to the Project MOMENTUM K-12 ESL Licensure program. Details including program requirements, general course information, and unit policies can be found in the Licensure Handbook.
Some very important dates to keep in mind:
June 9th, 2025: Applicants are notified of selection status
July 14, 2025: Acceptance and enrollment documents due
July 15, 2025: Applicants on the waitlist will be contacted
July 29th, 2025: Applicants on waitlist acceptance and enrollment documents due
August 25th, 2025: Orientation course
September 8th, 2025: Seminar and Language and Society
Licensure Program Information
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The ESL Licensure Pathway is designed to be completed in one year. Each cohort will complete eight courses within a set timeframe, including seven content courses and one seminar course that runs the length of the program and includes an 80-hour practicum in an ESL setting.
Seminar Course
Language and Society
Linguistics and Language Education
Differentiation for Multilingual Learners
Multimodal Language and Literacy Instruction
Integrating Language and Content
Culturally and Linguistically Responsive Assessment Practices
Student, Family, and Community Engagement
ESL Practicum
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Teachers holding a current Tier 3 or Tier 4 Minnesota Teaching License who meet the entrance criteria (detailed below) are eligible to apply to the K-12 ESL Additional Licensure Pathway Program. If you are unsure about your eligibility, please contact us.
Support from your administrator
Evidence of additional language study (e.g., high school or college world language; ESL; community language classes, etc.)
Evidence of English proficiency (e.g., native English speaker; degree from an English-speaking university; TOEFL score, etc.)
Evidence of 100 hours working with children (e.g. resume, etc.)
Is this the right path for you? Find out more!
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Applications for the Fall 2025 cohort are now closed.
We recognize the disproportionalities in teacher representation in Minnesota, and we encourage bilingual teachers, teachers of color, and Indigenous educators to apply. The Southeast Service Cooperative K-12 Additional License Program does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, disability, or age. We will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants who need them for medical or religious reasons, as required by law. -
The total cost of the additional licensure program is $3,000. This program cost is anticipated to be fully covered for candidates by available grant funds through 2027. The Southeast Service Cooperative intends to pursue additional grants and district contributions to continue providing low or no cost options for candidates beyond 2027. Program costs will be updated on an annual basis and communicated to prospective candidates through eligibility and enrollment materials.
