Program Overview

This minor prepares students currently pursuing a BS in education to teach English as a Second Language (ESL) in the state of Michigan's K-12 school system.

This program prepares students to enter classrooms with the ability to

  • Work with diverse student populations with varying levels of English language proficiency
  • Understand the cultural basis of language, and language learning
  • Design appropriate curriculum and materials for English learners
  • Serve as a resource for their colleagues and community

Sign an ESL Minor or Learn More

To sign an ESL Minor or learn more about this program, contact Dr. April Burke at april.burke@cmich.edu.

Click here to make an appointment with Dr. Burke.

Our ESL Students at Work

Students enrolled in the ESL minor have the opportunity to volunteer in the local schools or the university's English Language Institute. 

Read more about what our students are doing here.

Meet Your Ambassadors

2020 Ambassadors


Aubri Schultz

Madi Farstvedt


Eve Sypien


Tamera Tanalski


Maddie Cummins-Freund


2021 Ambassadors

Rebekah LeightonImage of Rebekah Leighton

I just finished my fourth year at CMU, where I've been studying Elementary Education with a major in Language Arts and a minor in ESL. I've known that I wanted to teach since I was in the fourth grade. Specifically, I wanted to work with ESL students, because I became literate in English through such a program. I am determined to make the most out of my time in school and cannot wait to apply what I learn.




Image of Christa RwakayijaChrista Rwakayija

I am currently a senior in the elementary education program. I will be graduating with a double major in psychology and language arts, as well as a minor in English as a second language. I am very passionate about volunteering and have a profound commitment to working with children of different ages. I have volunteered for three months at a children’s orphanage, La Pouponnière de Dakar, located in Senegal and have also taught English language learners in Rwanda and Burundi. I love traveling as well which allows me to adapt to new situations and learn about new cultures!



Note: To attain a State of Michigan ESL teaching endorsement, candidates must also pass the English as a Second Language (086) Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC).


Related programs offered by Central Michigan University

ESL Endorsement for K-12 Teachers  For more information contact Dr. April Burke  april.burke@cmich.edu

Undergraduate Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages

Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages