DeKALB – English as a second language (ESL) programs are growing in popularity in teaching programs across the country, as ESL credentials are increasingly necessary for
teachers to land jobs due to an exploding number of English-language learners in public schools.

According to a 2011 Illinois State Board of Education report, almost 200,000 English-language learners were enrolled in Illinois’ K-12 system.

“That number is only growing,” said James Cohen, an assistant professor of bilingual education in Northern Illinois University’s College of Education.