Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (GC)

The graduate certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) prepares graduate students to teach English learners in a variety of U.S. and international contexts, including K-12 and higher education. 

Current Catalog Year
2024-2025
Degree
Certificate
Major / Total Credits
18 / 18
Locations
Mankato
Online

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LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT:

  • Students whose first language is English must have a minimum of two consecutive years of high school foreign language study or one year of college-level foreign language study or an equivalent. This requirement may be met in residence, but courses taken to fulfill it will not count toward the certificate.
  • Students whose first language is not English must have a minimum TOEFL score of iBT 80, IELTS 6.5, or Duolingo of 110 to be admitted to the program.

TRack Options:

  • 18 credits for non-licensure track/higher education preparation
  • 19 credits for K-12 ESL licensure-preparation track
  • Please note that transcripts of applicants pursuing K-12 ESL licensure will be evaluated by the College of Education to determine if current professional education requirements have been met. Additional coursework may be required.

Admissions and Application Requirements:

Please visit the Graduate Studies page for complete application requirements.

MORE INFORMATION:
For more information about the TESOL Graduate Certificate, please contact Nancy Drescher, ESL Licensure Advisor.

Program Requirements

Common Core

Introduction to theory and best practices of teaching second language listening and speaking to a variety of English learners in multiple contexts.

Prerequisites: none

Introduction to theory and best practices of teaching second language grammar and vocabulary to a variety of English learners in multiple contexts - specifically focusing on content based teaching practices.

Prerequisites: none

Introduction to theories and classroom practices that have shaped second language teaching and learning. Topics of study focus on prominent second language learning/acquisition theories, individual and sociocultural factors in language learning, technology-based resources that enhance language learning, as well as practical issues and applications of theory in a wide range of instructional contexts.

Prerequisites: none

Introduction to theory and best practices of teaching second language reading and writing to a variety of English learners in multiple contexts.

Prerequisites: none

Restricted Electives

Select either Higher Education Preparation or K-12 ESL Licensure Preparation

Higher Education Preparation - Choose 6 Credit(s).

Study of current theories and practices in TESOL in connection to students' placement in a university-level ESL classroom.

Prerequisites: none

Exploration of second language literacy as a situated social practice. Current second language literacy theories and practices are studied and applied to a variety of second language reading and writing instructional contexts.

Prerequisites: none

Exploration of major theories of second language acquisition through supporting research and pedagogical applications.

Prerequisites: none

Examination of a special topic or topics in the field of TESOL/Applied Linguistics. Course may be repeated.

Prerequisites: none

Survey of language tests and other forms of related assessment that measure various second language abilities.

Prerequisites: none

Examination of the social factors and conventions that inform language choices, how sociolinguistic and pragmatic norms differ among social, cultural, and language groups, and how language learners acquire these norms.

Prerequisites: none

K-12 ESL Licensure Preparation - Choose 7 Credit(s). One (1) credit required for KSP 662.

Exploration of state and federal legislation affecting ESL programs, current models of ESL program delivery, and Minnesota State Standards and standardized testing. Additionally, the course develops the ability to understand related students, families, and programs in context.

Prerequisites: none

Examination of the social factors and conventions that inform language choices, how sociolinguistic and pragmatic norms differ among social, cultural, and language groups, and how language learners acquire these norms.

Prerequisites: none

This 80+ hour field experience will provide opportunities for practicing teachers with a current MN Teaching license to put theory into practice in a K-12 environment. During field experiences candidates will become familiar with specific school-related issues, technologies, strategies to assist students in learning and apply strategies to help students study and learn within the classroom environment.

Prerequisites: none

Degree Plan

First Year

Fall - 9 Credits

Introduction to theory and best practices of teaching second language listening and speaking to a variety of English learners in multiple contexts.

Prerequisites: none

Introduction to theories and classroom practices that have shaped second language teaching and learning. Topics of study focus on prominent second language learning/acquisition theories, individual and sociocultural factors in language learning, technology-based resources that enhance language learning, as well as practical issues and applications of theory in a wide range of instructional contexts.

Prerequisites: none

Spring - 9 Credits

Introduction to theory and best practices of teaching second language grammar and vocabulary to a variety of English learners in multiple contexts - specifically focusing on content based teaching practices.

Prerequisites: none

Introduction to theory and best practices of teaching second language reading and writing to a variety of English learners in multiple contexts.

Prerequisites: none

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