The EEML program attracts students who are passionate about language, diversity, equity, social justice, and international education. Most importantly, teacher candidates in the EEML program love working with elementary-aged culturally and linguistically diverse students.

In addition, students who should consider this program…

• are pursuing initial teaching licensure
• want to earn their TESOL license
• are interested in teaching multilingual learners
• have a passion for working with bilingual/multilingual populations 
• are interested in diversity and applications of culture to education
• are interested in teaching internationally or abroad
• are interested in being a school language support specialist

Common careers:

• Elementary, General Education Classroom with Multilingual Learners (MLLs)
• ELL/ESL/MLL Teacher
• School Language Support Specialist
• International Teacher
• Graduate School Student

Once completing an initial teacher licensure program, graduates are eligible to apply for a state license through the Hawai‘i Teacher Standards Board, which will allow the licensee to teach in public and charter schools in the State of Hawai‘i.

Hawai‘i also participates in the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement which facilitates the mobility of educators among states that are members of NASDTEC. UHM recommends you contact the office of certification in any state to which you may be relocating to get the most current information. See NASDTEC website for more information.

Some courses may occur in a hybrid format using a combination of face-to-face and online work; other courses are taught through traditional face-to-face (f2f) courses on campus.

The EEML is cohort-based.  It allows you to work with the same classmates over a two-year period. Benefits to the cohorted program include community building, collaboration, and mutual success.  All of your courses are assigned so registration is guaranteed. The EEML cohort is supervised by a cohort coordinator who advises, supports, and guides students.

Cohorts take their required methods courses jointly for two days per week. Content area methods courses are completed the first three semesters of the program in addition to 12 credits in EEML.

While in the EEML program, students complete four semesters of elementary school-based field experiences. In semesters one through three, students are in the field two days per week at schools throughout Oʻahu that serve linguistically diverse students. In the final semester, students complete full-time (five days per week) student teaching to refine their practice and prepare for the first year of hire.

• 2.75 GPA or higher
• Complete 55 credits prior to beginning the program. The 55 credits can be from UHM and/or approved transfer credits from another institution.
• Complete UHM General Education Core Requirements prior to the start of program. Applicants who have completed an articulated Associates of Arts (AA) degree from a UH Community College are considered to have met the UHM General Education Core Requirements with possible exceptions (see an academic advisor).
• Complete Licensure Track Prerequisite Courses
  • MATH 111
  • MATH 112 (FS)
  • MUS 253, THEA 470, DNCE 490 or any other DA course
  • HWST 107 (DH)
  • HDFS 230 or PSY 240 (DS)
  • SPED 304
  • STE/EDEF 360
• Effective Fall 2025: Either DA or DL course with HWST 107 (DH) will be required for admission prior to the start of the licensure program.
• Effective Fall 2025: Completion of two Writing Intensive (WI) courses with C or better will be required for admission prior to the start of the licensure program (Non-UH system transfer students can meet this requirement by completing 2 English Literature or Composition courses with grades of C or better).
• Complete 40 hours of paid or voluntary group leadership field experience with K-6th grade students. The experience cannot have occurred more than 5 years prior to acceptance into the program.
• Interview with the program
• Write a personal statement
• Provide Three (3) Professional References

Set up an appointment with an academic advisor

New cohorts start only in Fall semesters. Application deadlines are as follows:

• International Students: January 5 (refer to the International Admission Process for detailed information)
• February 1: General Priority Deadline
• March 1*: General Final Deadline

Coursework needed prior to starting the program (9 credits):

• Elementary Education Emphasis Courses
  • SPED 304
  • STE/EDEF 360
• Multilingual Learning Emphasis Course
  • LING 102 (highly recommended to take prior to starting the program)

Required and STRONGLY recommended to take prior to starting the program (6 credits):

• Elementary Education Emphasis Courses
  • EDEF 310 (or EDEF 352)
  • EDEP 311

Work with your Office of Student Academic Services (OSAS) Academic Advisor to schedule the above Elementary Education Emphasis courses. Some of these courses may be offered in the summer.

Program Coursework (57 credits)

Once in the program, your coursework will be block-scheduled by your cohort coordinator(s); your seat is guaranteed. Teacher candidates must complete the following:

• Additional emphasis courses (12 credits): SPED 444, STE 327, STE 328, SLS 302
• Professional Education Core Courses (51 credits):

Several courses fulfill Focus Requirements for general UHM graduation: