ENL Hernandez Fellows
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the dates for the 2027 summer session?
- June 21, 2027: Virtual orientation in the evening
- June 22-24, 2027: Course 1 | Introduction to Linguistics and Language Acquisition (course online from 12:00 - 3:00p.m. EST)
- July 6-8, 2027: Course 2 | Introduction to Foundations and Teaching Second Language Acquisition (course online from 12:00 - 3:00p.m. EST)
- July 13, 2027: Travel to the University of Notre Dame
- July 14-22, 2027: One-week campus experience at the University of Notre Dame (coursework in the mornings and afternoons, community building, closing celebration, etc.)
- July 23, 2027: Travel from the University of Notre Dame
Learn more about ENL summer programming.
2. What if I do not hold a teaching license?
Catholic school teachers without licenses are welcome and encouraged to participate. However, in order to add an ENL/ESL/ESOL addition/endorsement to a professional teaching license, the participant must already hold an eligible teaching license.
3. What if I am not currently teaching full-time in a Catholic School?
Prospective candidates who are not teaching full-time in a Catholic school should contact Jennifer Dees to discuss an alternative plan. Phone: 574-631-7657 Email: jreed3@nd.edu
4. What if there are no English learners (ELs) in my classroom?
You must be able to work with ELs in order to complete your practicum courses. If there are no ELs 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 addition to a valid instructional license in Indiana. Because educator license requirements vary by state and are subject to change, candidates are responsible for researching the requirements for ENL/ESL licensure in their home states. The University has a licensing officer who can provide state contact information and assist with questions and documentation. Candidates with questions regarding licensure should contact Erika Irlbeck, the ACE Licensing and Data Management Officer, at erika.irlbeck@nd.edu.
6. Is ENL Hernandez Fellows a degree-bearing program?
ENL Hernandez Fellows completers do not receive a degree or alumni status from the University.
7. What do you mean by scholarship options?
Notre Dame is committed to reducing the barriers that make graduate studies a challenge financially, especially for Catholic school leaders serving in under-resourced schools and low-income communities. Thanks to the generous support of Megan and Enrique Hernandez, Jr., ENL is able to offer a $3,000 Hernandez fellowship to each participant upon admission, thus reducing the cost to $9,000. Additional need-based scholarships, up to an $2,000, are also available.
8. I have never taken an online 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. Being computer savvy is not a prerequisite of the ENL program. During the summer session, you will be taught how to use Canvas, Notre Dame's online course tool. Technical support is offered throughout your participation in the program. Writing workshops and support are also provided. Additionally, our team will ensure that you are prepared to complete your fall and spring online courses with great success!
9. What will the fall and spring courses look like?
In contrast to the summer, fall and spring courses will be online and asynchronous. Hernandez Fellows will have one-week intervals to complete instruction, guided practice, assignments. Participants will take two courses in the fall semester and two courses in the spring semester.
10. How much does the ENL program cost?
Participation in the ENL Hernandez Fellows program, including room and board, for the 2026-2027 year (21st Cohort) is $12,000. Additional scholarships are available. Learn more about the program cost structure and Title funds and how to use them.
11. Where can I find tuition assistance to fund my participation?
Again, thanks to the generous support of Megan and Enrique Hernandez, Jr., ENL is able to offer a $3,000 fellowship to each participant upon admission, thus reducing the cost to $9,000. Additional need-based scholarships, up to $2,000, are also available. Additionally, over 90% of ENL Hernandez Fellows use their school's Title funds to underwrite some or all of their tuition. Don't let cost deter you from applying to become a Hernandez Fellow.
12. What should I consider when preparing to come to campus?
The closest airport is South Bend International Airport (SBN), which is about a 12-minute cab ride to the University of Notre Dame. It is often more expensive than other major hubs, but this largely depends on where you are traveling from. Midway International Airport and O'Hare International Airport are both in Chicago, and the commute, on average, is about two hours. Both airports are considerably less expensive to fly into. Midway is a bit closer to campus than O'Hare, and is also the smaller of the two airports.
Participants stay in an air-conditioned residence hall on campus at the University of Notre Dame. All rooms are furnished with a sink, while the bathrooms and showers are shared and gender-specific by floor. Meals will be eaten in the dining hall and dietary needs will be accounted for by the ENL team.