Degree Spotlight: English as a Second Language

Are you passionate about education? Do you desire to help those who speak English as a second language succeed in the classroom? Grand Canyon University offers a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with an Emphasis in English as a Second Language that allows you to explore diverse teaching opportunities.

The Importance of Passion

Teaching elementary-level students requires love and passion. By taking on such a rewarding challenge, your passion for teaching is combined with your desire to make a positive change in the lives of children who are working towards their own goals. Having a great passion in this area of education is an important part of making an impact and lasting impression on the students that you are given the opportunity to teach!

The Program at GCU

In GCU’s program, you are given tools and resources to gain the skills you need to teach students who are learning English as a second language. The courses in this degree program explore topics such as:

• Lesson planning development
• Elementary classroom management
• Methods of engaging diverse learners
• Serving students with disabilities
• Child growth and development
• English language learning (ELL) concepts, research and analysis

The program also helps you find your path in teaching. During course-embedded field experiences and practicums in K-12 grade classrooms, you discover and develop your passion and skills so that you are able to become a highly effective teacher upon graduation.

Making a Career

This bachelor’s degree program gives future teachers the opportunity to learn and grow throughout their journey to full-time teaching. Teaching ESL can be done as an elementary or middle school teacher, through a community or social service organization or even as a traveling educator for mission trips and church-related work. No matter where you choose to teach young students, with a passion for the art of teaching English as a second language, you can make a lasting impact in your students’ lives and within your field!

Grand Canyon University strives to ensure that all teacher candidates are prepared to be highly effective in learning, leading and serving. To learn more about the education programs at GCU, visit the College of Education or click the green Request More Information button at the top of this page.

Written by Jessalyn Johnson, a junior earning an English literature degree at GCU.