K-12 ESL Licensure Program & Licensure via Portfolio Comparison

Check out the two K-12 ESL Licensure Programs to compare which may be right for you.

K-12 ESL Licensure
via Portfolio Pathway

K-12 ESL Licensure Program Pathway

Pathway to Licensure

Criteria

Submit portfolio with evidence of every PELSB ESL standard

Completion of PELSB-approved program through SSC

Eligibility

Tier 3 or 4 licensed teacher seeking an additional license in English as a Second Language (ESL)

Tier 3 or 4 licensed teacher seeking an additional license in English as a Second Language (ESL)

Application Process

Administrator Support

Teaching Experience

Course Requirements

7 required content courses plus a seminar

None required; college-level courses in linguistics, ESL or similar is beneficial to show attainment of standards

Practicum Experience

Coaching Supports

License Submission

Free through 2027 via NPD grant

$300 initial; $200 resubmission; scholarships possible

1 year to complete full program, including coursework and practicum

Up to 100 hours of independent work

Open to any eligible educator

Competitive; limited seats available

May require validation of employment

Requires letter of support

ESL/ELD teaching or other significant work with multilingual learners

Currently employed as an educator

None; must show experience across grade bands (elementary, middle and high school)

80-hour practicum; possible extra 10 hours field experience at additional grade band(s)

By request. Optional monthly collaborative cohort meetings

Scheduled; additional by request

Candidate submits portfolio to PELSB

Recommended to PELSB by SSC

Cost

Time Commitment