TESOL means Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages and prepares educators to teach English globally. This flexible degree can help open doors to careers both in English-speaking countries and abroad.
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Approved and verified accurate by the Dean of the College of Education on Aug. 21, 2025
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TESOL stands for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. The TESOL acronym can refer to courses, certification programs or degree programs that equip teachers to work with students whose native language is something other than English. TESOL is a broad umbrella term that can encompass teachers who work in English-speaking countries, such as the U.S., as well as in other countries that have a different dominant language.1
Within the TESOL umbrella, there are two other acronyms that you should be familiar with. TESL refers to Teaching English as a Second Language. This certification is geared toward teachers who wish to teach students within an English-speaking country. However, just like the TESOL certification, a TESL certification could also be used internationally.2
Similarly, TEFL refers to Teaching English as a Foreign Language. These courses and certification programs are designed for teachers who wish to teach English to students within a country in which English is not the native or dominant language.1
In short, TESOL and TESL are similar enough that the terms are often used interchangeably, whereas TEFL focuses on teaching English abroad in a non-English-speaking country. If you aren’t quite sure yet where you’d like to teach English, you might consider choosing a TESOL certification instead of the TEFL, as the former can be more versatile than the latter.
One of the most compelling reasons to pursue the TESOL field is the variety of career options. What can I do with a TESOL degree? From K-12 schools to adult education, there are plenty of possibilities.
With a firm foundation of TESOL competencies, licensed teachers might decide to teach English to speakers of other languages in K-12 classrooms in private or public schools in the U.S. Like other K-12 teachers, TESOL teachers need to be licensed, have a firm grasp on student assessment techniques and effective teaching strategies. It’s also helpful to have an understanding of the various challenges that English language learners (ELLs) face, both linguistically and culturally.
As a licensed K-12 English teacher, you would be responsible for creating a supportive and welcoming classroom environment that values all cultural backgrounds. You would develop lesson plans, teach lessons, grade assignments and help students one-on-one. K-12 TESOL teachers can also serve as advocates who strive to empower their students, give them a voice and ensure they have access to the resources and support they need.
Some teachers may prefer to work in adult education, rather than in K-12 settings.
Like K-12 teachers, adult education TESOL teachers will do the following:
Unlike K-12 TESOL teachers, those who work in adult education may tailor their lessons toward helping their students navigate the workplace, such as by teaching common phrases used in different workplaces. They may also help their students connect to community resources and services, such as job placement services. In addition, adult education TESOL teachers are likely to help their students prepare for the citizenship exam.
TESOL teachers who have a love of travel and cultural immersion may decide to pursue teaching positions overseas. You can choose between teaching English in a country that predominantly speaks English and teaching English in a country in which it’s not the dominant language.
Before choosing this career path, it’s important to understand the requirements. Certificate credentials are accepted worldwide for TESOL, meaning that you can likely pursue opportunities in a vast range of countries.2 However, each country will establish its own specific requirements, and some are stricter than others.
The common requirements for many different countries include:5
Only you can determine if pursuing a graduate degree with a TESOL focus is the right choice for you.
As you reflect on your options, you might consider asking yourself the following questions:
If you’re passionate about empowering others to better navigate the world around them, then earning a graduate degree with a TESOL focus could be right for you. Grand Canyon University invites you to apply to the Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages degree program, designed for currently licensed teachers. Fill out the form on this page to speak with a university counselor about joining our Christian learning community.
Empower English Language Learners
Pursue the next step in your teaching career by enrolling in TESOL classes. Apply at GCU!
Designed for licensed teachers who are interested in pursuing the TESOL field, GCUs Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages degree program offers a flexible choice for examining TESOL competencies, with both online and evening classes available.
You’ll cover topics such as:
You’ll complete a combination of didactic classes and practicum/field experience hours.
The world is a wonderfully diverse place, with 7,159 languages in active usage.3 Although many of those languages are considered endangered — with fewer than 1,000 living speakers3 — the sheer number of languages that exist today highlights the diversity of the global community. If you’re a teacher who appreciates diversity and enjoys connecting with others, you might consider pursuing an education specialty in the TESOL field.
Some compelling benefits of pursuing a career in the TESOL field can include:
If you’re currently a licensed elementary, middle or high school teacher who is interested in expanding your teaching capabilities and strengthening your ability to teach English to non-native speakers, you might consider heading to graduate school to focus on TESOL. This guide to TESOL meaning and careers explains why you might consider this path in your education career.
