Teach English in US Schools
Choose the Credential That Matches Where You Are Now
Teacher licensing is controlled by each state. Start with your current license and the work you want to do, then verify the exact state requirement before choosing a degree or certificate.
Official sources reviewed September 22, 2026. State rules can change.
Start With Your Situation
Choose a Teaching Path by Your Goal
You do not need to climb from endorsement to doctorate. Choose the path that solves your current licensing or professional question.
No Teaching License Yet
Start With Initial Licensure
Compare bachelor's and other state-approved initial teacher-preparation routes. An ESL or TESOL degree title by itself does not grant a teaching license.
Already a Licensed Teacher
Add an ESL Endorsement
Begin with your state's endorsement or add-on requirements. A graduate certificate may provide the coursework, but the state makes the credential decision.
Planning Advanced Study
Choose the Degree for Your Goal
A master's, EdS and PhD serve different professional and research goals. They are not required steps in one sequence and do not automatically add a license.
Local-Only Path Finder
Find a Sensible Starting Point
Choose your current situation and goal. Your selections stay in this browser and are not sent to ApplyESL or anyone else.
State Rules Come First
Endorsement, Certification and Add-On Do Not Mean the Same Thing Everywhere
ApplyESL will publish a state guide only after confirming the official credential name, issuing agency and prerequisite from primary state sources. Missing details will be marked as not confirmed rather than inferred from another state or a university page.
Browse State Endorsement GuidesCompare Credential Types
Know What the Award Does Before Comparing Programs
Each guide separates the academic award from state licensure and gives you questions to take directly to a program.
Bachelor's in ESL Education
Is a Bachelor's Degree the Right Starting Point?
Read the Guide Post-Bachelor's PathGraduate Certificate in ESL
What Does an ESL Graduate Certificate Do?
Read the Guide Graduate Degree PathMaster's in ESL or TESOL
When Does a Master's Degree Make Sense?
Read the Guide Post-Master's PathEdS in ESL or TESOL
What Is an EdS Path?
Read the Guide Doctoral Research PathPhD in ESL or TESOL
Who Is a PhD Path Designed For?
Read the GuideResolve a Specific Question
Credential and Program Decision Guides
Compare terms and formats without losing sight of the state licensing outcome.
How ApplyESL Reviews Requirements
Primary Sources, Field by Field
Start With the Issuing Agency
State credential pages use the agency that actually issues or governs the credential.
Date Every Requirement
Credential names, prerequisites, coursework, examinations and renewal information keep their source and review date.
Leave Unknowns Unknown
If a requirement is not confirmed in a primary source, the page says so. We do not fill gaps from a neighboring state.