Graduate Certificate of Completion in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
Overview
Develop into an Educational Leader in TESOL
The Graduate Certificate of Completion in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) provides licensed teachers and administrators with the opportunity to enhance their credentials and develop an advanced specialty in supporting English language learning (ELL) students. Gain a foundation in ELL policies and instructional programs, curricula design and instructional methods, evaluating and structuring assessments, multicultural education and engaging bilingual individuals with special needs.
The format and courses of this TESOL graduate certificate are tailored to meet the needs of working adult learners and maximize strengths already possessed by quality teaching professionals. All courses are directly aligned with the Interstate Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (InTASC) and the Standards for the Recognition of Initial TESOL Programs in P–12 ESL Teacher Education (TESOL).
You will have opportunities to apply concepts, theories and research throughout the program. This program emphasizes TESOL field experiences and a practicum designed to guide you through 40 hours of observational and practice-based experiences.
You must have one year of teaching experience as documented on the Teaching Verification Form or a current teaching certificate. Program requirements also include access to a P-12 classroom with ESL students to complete the practicum course and program assignments.
Degree Outcomes
Broaden Your Impact in Education
As a graduate of this certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages program, you will have the expanded skill set in education to lead in ESL/BLE/TESOL at the P–12 classroom, school, district and community college level. You will enhance your ability to further impact students of any grade level who speak English as a second language and help them overcome language barriers for success – both inside and outside of the classroom. This TESOL graduate certificate of completion provides an additional endorsement on certification.
What You Will Learn
Embrace TESOL to Make a Greater Difference
You will learn from experts in their respective fields who share knowledge and experience in the areas of linguistics, second language acquisition and curriculum development. The TESOL certificate program introduces you to language learning theories, methodologies and practices with the Foundations of Instruction for English Language Learners course. You will move on to explore the influence of school, community and family culture in teaching, learning and development.
Other course topics throughout the program include:
- Linguistics fundamentals and principles to incorporate into teaching practice
- Design of culturally responsive curricula and instructional methods in ELL and dual language educational settings
- Ways to integrate assessment procedures into curriculum and designing assessment tasks for improved learning
- Special needs of bilingual individuals and English Language Learners with disabilities
Career Outcomes
Lead in Diverse Classrooms and Communities
The purpose of this TESOL certificate program is to prepare you to become a leader in ESL/TESOL initiatives undertaken by districts to support a school climate with ever-increasing diversity. You may not necessarily work in the field of TESOL, but you will possess the knowledge to help foster effective English language learning in the classroom and improve overall learning.
Program Core Courses
Course Description
This course provides the historical, sociological, political, and legal foundations of policies and instructional programs for English Language Learners (ELLs) in the United States. Emphasis will be placed on understanding, comparing, and evaluating current language models and prototypes. This course will also introduce students to primary theories of language learning and current methodologies and practices.
Course Description
In this course candidates will explore school, community, and family culture. Emphasis will be placed on the major goals, principles, and concepts of multicultural education, including multiple perspectives in culture and history and understanding cultural and individual differences in teaching and learning. Research is utilized to investigate the social, community, cultural, and familial contexts that influence learning and development. Practicum/field experience hours: 10. Fingerprint clearance required.
Course Description
In this course, candidates become familiar with the fundamentals of linguistics. Emphasis will be placed on phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, pragmatics, sociolinguistics, historical linguistics, and first and second language acquisition theories. Candidates will synthesize research-based methods of incorporating linguistic principles into their teaching practice.
Course Description
In this course candidates will review curricula and methods appropriate for the teaching of subject areas in ELL and dual language educational settings. Emphasis is placed on linguistic, cognitive, developmental, and socio-cultural considerations in the design of culturally responsive curricula; exploration of culturally responsive instructional methods and materials for use in language arts and content areas; and critique of current commercially prepared products. Practicum/field experience hours: 10. Fingerprint clearance required.
Course Description
In this course candidates will explore the principles of (or for) evaluating and structuring assessments. Candidates will design rubrics and examine assessment for the purposes of identification, placement, and instructional delivery. Emphasis will be placed on learning ways to integrate assessment procedures into any curriculum, and designing assessment tasks that allow for improved learning. Practicum/field experience hours: 10. Fingerprint clearance required. Prerequisite: TSL-558.
Course Description
In this course, candidates will be introduced to the field of bilingual and English language learners in special education. Candidates will be engaged in the study of the nature, psycho-social and emotional needs of bilingual individuals and English language learners with exceptionalities. Emphasis will be placed on research in bilingual and English language learner education in relation to the complexity of the over-representation and under-representation of bilingual students in special education, issues in relation to differentiating cultural and linguistic-related learning variations from special education issues, and instructional implications. Practicum/field experience hours: 10. Fingerprint clearance required.
Online
* Please note that this list may contain programs that are not presently offered as program availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability of the program.
* The Department of Education defines how an institution must calculate a program's On-Time Completion rate for federal disclosure purposes. The On-Time Completion rate is based on a program's published required number of months to complete all degree requirements as provided in the institution's catalog. Completion statistics are updated every January and are based on the cohort of students who started the program in the same year and then graduated within the published program length.
Online and Evening program disclosures (10 months) Online and Evening program disclosures (7 months) Online and Evening program disclosures (7 months)* Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Program subject to change.