Taylor University’s TESOL Program Joins Statewide Initiative

Taylor University’s TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) licensure program has joined a statewide initiative to strengthen Indiana’s English-language learner teacher pipeline. The program, Indiana Teachers of English Learners Licensure (I-TELL), will fund tuition, books, and material fees for current educators and bachelor’s degree holders to complete coursework leading to ENL (English as New Language) licensure.

Taylor’s TESOL licensure program is comprised of five graduate-level classes designed to prepare teachers to add ENL P-12 certification to their Indiana license. The program is presented in a flexible online format, and most field experiences can be completed within candidates’ own classrooms. Candidates can start the program at any time and are not tied to traditional dates of semesters at Taylor.

I-TELL was created from a partnership between the Indiana Department of Education and the University of Indianapolis’ Center of Excellence in Leadership and is funded through a $2 million grant from Indiana’s federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funding.

The number of teachers in Indiana holding ENL licensure grew by 38% from 2019 to 2021, with over 860 more educators now holding this certification statewide than in 2019. Taylor officials say licensed ENL teachers are more hirable in that nearly half of Indiana’s local education agencies (LEAs) reported having zero ENL-licensed teachers on staff during the 2018-2019 school year while more than 90% of Indiana LEAs reported having at least one English learner enrolled (IDOE). Adding ENL licensure will qualify teachers to serve English-language learners as the teacher of record within their districts.

“Our Covid-19 academic impact data shows that Indiana’s English learner students experienced substantial academic impacts and have still not returned to pre-pandemic year-over-year academic growth,” said Dr. Katie Jenner, Indiana Secretary of Education. “The best way to ensure our students accelerate their learning is to ensure they have quality, well-trained teachers supporting them. Like STEM and special education teachers, we also see a significant need for English learner teachers. Through the new I-TELL initiative, we will provide opportunities for more educators to be trained and certified to teach and positively impact our English learner students.”

Taylor officials say licensed ENL teachers are more hirable in that nearly half of Indiana’s local education agencies (LEAs) reported having zero ENL-licensed teachers on staff during the 2018-2019 school year while more than 90% of Indiana LEAs reported having at least one English learner enrolled.

Learn more about Taylor’s TESOL program online or contact April Dickey via email at april_dickey@taylor.edu.

About Taylor University

For 176 years, Taylor University has combined rigorous academics with the Christian faith and remains the oldest nondenominational school in the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU). For nearly three decades, Taylor has been ranked a top Midwest College by U.S. News & World Report. The University’s graduation rate is the fourth highest nationally among peer institutions, and ninety-nine percent of Taylor’s 2021 graduates were employed or in graduate school within six months of graduation. With a strong legacy of service and global opportunities, Taylor also ranks sixth nationally for study abroad internships and travel opportunities.