FAQ

What are the participation requirements?

Participants must have at least an undergraduate degree. There are no other requirements for participation. However, in order to earn an additional certificate as a Teacher of English Learners/Bilingual Teacher in Delaware, you must hold a teaching license. The ACE program will not qualify you for an initial teaching license. Educators in other states, private schools, or higher education should consult their own institutions to see whether ACE will benefit them.

How can I register or receive additional information?

Please complete the registration form. If you have specific questions, please contact us.

How long does the course of study take?

It is possible to complete the program in approximately 15-18 months. Special arrangements may be possible to fit your individual circumstances (e.g. availability during the summer vacations) — please discuss these with the ACE coordinator when enrolling.

When can I start?

You can start in the Fall, Spring, or Summer. Please see the course schedule for details.

Can I take classes online?

Yes. There are online options for all 5 courses. Please contact us for more information.

What is the cost of tuition?

  • Tuition for the 2023/24 school year is $812/credit, or $2436 per course plus fees.
  • Tuition arrangements must be made before the start of the course (even if you expect reimbursement later).
  • Payment plans and credit-card payments are available (additional fees apply).

Is there any tuition assistance available?

  • Teachers who hold emergency certification as a Teacher of English Learners can apply for the State Critical Needs Scholarship* (see below)
  • Some districts have tuition reimbursement funds or have made special arrangements to support ACE teachers.  Contact your HR administrator for more information.
  • Additional professional-development funding may be available from your school or district.

What is the Critical Needs Scholarship?

Teaching English Learners is defined by the State of Delaware as a critical need. The state has set aside funds to help public school teachers earn certification in these areas. To be eligible for the Critical Needs Scholarship (CNS), you need to be a full-time Delaware teacher with emergency certification as a Teacher of English Learners. Only your district can request emergency certification, which must be approved by DOE, and it is not appropriate for all teachers. Please discuss your situation with your school or district administrators. The CNS is administered by DOE and not by UD. This information is provided in good faith but your situation may vary. Full details about the CNS are provided on this Department of Education web page. Please note:

  • The CNS offers partial reimbursement up to $1,300 for each of two courses taken during the academic year.
  • The academic year runs from the summer session through the spring semester of the following year (summer, fall, winter, spring)
  • You must earn a grade of a “C” or higher to be eligible for course reimbursement
  • You can only apply for reimbursement once the course has been completed and the grade appears on your transcript
  • Reimbursement applications are open at the following times:
    • For a course taken during the Fall or Winter semester: Open 2/1 and closes 2/15
    • For a course taken during the Spring semester: Open 5/1 and closes 5/15
    • For a course taken during the Summer semester: Open 9/1 and closes 9/15
  • The amount of time it takes to receive reimbursement varies; reimbursement is often not issued before tuition is due for your next class; therefore, you cannot rely on or wait for your reimbursement in order to fund your next scheduled course
  • CNS reimbursements are sent to UD and will appear as a credit on your UD financial account. Please contact Student Financial Services if you have questions about how to apply your credit.

Do I need to take the PRAXIS II Test?

Yes. Per Delaware Department of Education regulations, to receive a certificate as a Teacher of English Learners, you must score a minimum of 149 on the Praxis II ESOL test (5362).

I teach in a charter school. Can I apply for ACE, and am I eligible for the same funding?

Yes. Contact your school administrators about emergency certification.

I teach in a private or parochial school in Delaware or a public/private/charter/parochial school in a different state. Can I apply for ACE?

Yes. If you work outside Delaware, please contact us to ensure you receive the educator tuition rate.

I teach in a Delaware public school, but I live outside the state. Can I apply for ACE and receive funding?

Yes. There is no difference in the tuition rate.

I am a paraprofessional or tutor without a current Delaware K-12 teaching license. Can I apply for ACE to become a licensed and certified teacher?

No. ACE is an additional certification program for currently licensed Delaware teachers. Please contact your school or district ESL coordinator to discuss possible routes to certification. UD offers both undergraduate and graduate programs that lead to teaching licensure with ESL certification, including the MA in Teaching English as a Second Language and the Alternate Routes to Certification (ARTC) program.

If you are currently a paraprofessional but hold a valid Delaware teaching license, you are welcome to participate in ACE. Please contact us to confirm eligibility.

I have already taken one or more of the required ESL/Bilingual courses at UD or an another accredited university, either as an undergraduate or graduate student. Do I need to take them again?

Please contact DDOE’s Licensing Office to confirm whether your previous courses will count towards certification. However, UD might not allow you to transfer courses taken at other universities or for other degrees towards the MA TESL. Please contact the coordinator to discuss your situation.

Can I earn my Master’s degree after ACE?

Yes! All 5 ACE courses are also part of UD’s MA in Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL). ACE teachers can apply to the MA TESL during their first courses. If admitted, teachers can take the remaining regular MA TESL courses part-time (18 credits) and expect to complete the degree in approximately 2.5 years from start to finish. The GRE test is not required for MA TESL admission.

Teachers who do not have a qualifying Master’s degree registered in DEEDS are able to apply to the MA TESL for the purpose of earning a +15/30 salary step and are not required to complete the degree.

I heard about Project DELITE. Are you still accepting applications?

Sorry, no. We continue to seek further opportunities for grant funding.

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