Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the dates for the 2012 summer session?   
The 2012 summer session will run from Thursday, July 12th through Friday, July 27th. Orientation begins at noon on Thursday, July 12th. Classes begin Friday, July 13th and run through Thursday, July 26th. The session will conclude with Missioning Mass on Friday, July 27th.

2. What if I do not hold a teaching license?
Catholic school teachers without licenses are welcome to participate. However, in order to add an ENL/ESL/ESOL license to a teacher’s certificate, a current teacher’s license must already be held by the participant.

3. What if I am not currently teaching full-time in a Catholic School?
Prospective candidates not teaching full-time in a Catholic school should contact Jennifer Dees.

4. What if there are no English language learners (ELLs) in my classroom?
You must be able to work with ELLs in order to complete your practicum courses. If there are not ELLs in your classroom, you need to ensure a consistent setting in which you can work with at least several of these children on a regular basis. Sometimes participants work with after-school tutoring programs, make arrangements with a colleague to regularly teach a lesson to his/her class, or work in ESL programs in a parish setting.

5. Will I be able to add an ENL/ESL/ESOL certificate to my state’s license?
The ENL program’s coursework leads to an ENL endorsement in Indiana, which is reciprocal with most states’ ESL/ESOL licenses. The Office of Licensure at Notre Dame will work with you to see if there is a comparable license in your state.

6. What do you mean by scholarship options?
Most participants are eligible for up to $4,500 in scholarship money. Please contact Jennifer Dees to inquire about your eligibility.

7. I have never taken an internet course before. What do I need to know?
The benefit of online coursework is that it allows you to continue your graduate studies in the setting of your own home or classroom. During the two-week summer session you will be taught how to use Concourse, Notre Dame’s online course tool. Being computer savvy is not a prerequisite of the ENL program. Technical support is offered throughout your participation in the program.

8. What are the dates for the 2011-2012 cohort?
Thursday, July 7, 2011—Orientation begins at noon
Friday, July 8, 2011—First day of class
Saturday/Sunday, July 9/10— Seminar on Immigration and Church Teaching and further orientation acitivities
Monday, July 11-Friday, July 15 — Classes
Saturday/Sunday, July 16/17 — Free weekend
Monday, July 18-Thursday, July 21 — Classes
Friday, July 22 — ACE Missioning Mass

9. What is a typical class day like during the summer session?
Participants are in class every day from 8:00-11:30am and 1:00pm-4:30 pm. Participants have full access to Notre Dame’s dining halls (included in tuition), where they can eat breakfast, lunch and dinner. Students also have full access to Notre Dame’s computer facilities, which include PCs, Macs and printers.