Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)

English is the predominant language through which people communicate, connect and transact business in the emerging global community of the 21st century. The increased fluidity of international borders, the relative ease of travel and the growing global market presence have made the demand for quality English language programs and TESOL instructors higher than ever – both abroad and in the United States.

Taught by respected experts in the field and designed to offer a balance of current theory and practical experience in second language acquisition instructional methods, this program will prepare you with the foundational knowledge and real-world skills required to effectively step into a career in TESOL. Courses provide a comprehensive study of core knowledge in the field, including aspects of linguistics and sociolinguistics, the structure of English, methodology of teaching and assessing English, literacy development, curriculum development and language assessment.

Who Should Enroll

• Individuals who wish to teach English in a variety of ESL settings in the United States and overseas
• Recent graduates
• International students
• Aspiring educators
• Current teachers who wish to enhance their competencies in the field of TESOL

Program Benefits

• Identify key foundational linguistic theories and the connection between those theories and effective teaching practices
• Plan and implement dynamic language lessons designed to meet the needs and interests of learners
• Explain what it means to teach most effectively with variety in learning modalities, learning tasks, material resources and learning contexts
• Demonstrate an understanding of the structure of English and the ability to teach English grammar
• Define the aural and oral skill sets necessary to master speaking and listening in English and the best means to develop those skills
• Define the skills associated with reading comprehension and fluency and the best means to develop those skills
• Identify key strategies to build learner vocabulary skills
• Equip learners with the requisite skills to write for academic, professional and social purposes
• Construct effective assessments to evaluate their learners’ competencies in all skill areas
• List the most important considerations for teaching in their chosen learning context with adult learners in the U.S., or with varied age groups internationally

Eligibility and Requirements

Apply to become a candidate for the program: A Declaration of Candidacy is required to establish candidacy in this program. Complete the application and pay the application and candidacy fee of $125 (non-refundable). Learn more about the benefits of becoming a candidate.

A candidate in the program is awarded a certificate upon the successful completion of seven (7) required courses and one (1) elective course totaling 12 units, each with a letter grade of “C” or better. All requirements must be completed within five (5) years after the student enrolls in their first course. To receive the Certified Digital Certificate after completing all the program requirements, students must submit the Request for Certificate to initiate the certificate audit process. Students not pursuing the certificate are welcome to take as many individual courses as they wish.

While there is no official TOEFL or other language requirement to enroll, it is important for international students to be aware of the English language expectations. The TESOL online courses require advanced-level English language proficiency in listening, note-taking, reading comprehension, vocabulary, written expression, and oral presentation.

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