Teaching English Learners (TEL) Certificate
- Cost
- $3,500* (estimated)
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Register for Summer and Fall 2026 classes
Get registration details and learn how to apply.
- Summer classes start Monday, June 8. View Summer term classes
- Fall classes start Monday, Aug. 17. View Fall semester classes
Get registration help before summer classes begin. CLC is open Saturday, June 6. View details
Campus buildings are closed Fridays and weekends June 8 to July 31, 2026. View summer hours
- Summer classes start Monday, June 8. View Summer term classes
Teach English to multilingual learners
Become certified to teach English as a Second Language (ESL) in just 18 credit hours. Here’s the major benefit to you: If you are a certified teacher, the coursework for this certificate satisfies the requirements of the Illinois State Board of Education English as a Second Language endorsement, including the 100 hours of clinical experience! Just complete an application to the State to have this endorsement added to your existing teaching certificate(s).
Once you receive this certificate, you also become certified to teach ESL in the classroom. Help Multilingual Learners (MLs) succeed with your understanding of relevant theoretical foundations of teaching. Teach anywhere you want—in the U.S. or in a non-English speaking country.
What can you do with a Certificate in Teaching English Learners?
Future-proof your career by becoming better equipped to work with multilingual learners and their families with this one-of-a-kind certificate. Most students work in a pre-K-12 program in a mainstream or dual-language classroom. Some work in community programs or as an online or face-to-face tutor.
Start right away with your certificate in roles such as:
- ESL tutor or online tutor
- teacher assistant
- classroom aide
With additional education, you can help people as a:
- ESL classroom or resource teacher
- dual-language teacher
- ESL instructor in the U.S. or overseas
Highlights
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Financial Aid / Scholarship Opportunities
Explore ways to pay for college (based on need/achievement). -
Career Certificate
Gain in-demand technical and job-ready skills by earning a certificate in 1 year or less. -
Program Length: 1.5 Years
Finish in 1.5 years as a full-time student.
*Estimated cost is based on the minimum number of credit hours to complete the program. This estimate includes in-district tuition and comprehensive fees for the 2026-2027 academic year, before financial aid, including grants, loans and scholarships, is applied. Actual cost may vary to include additional fees, materials and other cost of attendance factors such as living expenses, transportation, etc. Explore opportunities for financial assistance at CLC. Learn more about the Cost of Attendance.
Career Outlook
Need help getting started?
Ask us for help. Your College & Career Navigator (CCN) will help you:
- complete the admission process
- choose an academic program
- enroll in first-semester classes
- get access to helpful resources
Recommended Pathway
This pathway serves as a guide for students to complete the degree or certificate assuming full-time enrollment (registered in 12 or more credit hours per semester) with Semester 1 typically representing a Fall term.
Students are strongly encouraged to meet with their College and Career Navigator (CCN) to identify coursework that will meet degree requirements based on individual academic goals. For a more comprehensive list of course options and degree requirements, see the CLC college catalog.
TESOL at CLC
Get the bigger picture
A certificate is just one possible way to study Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. Get the bigger picture—degrees, credentials and extra options.
Apply now: It's easy and free
Complete the application form to begin your program.
After you apply, a Career and College Navigator (CCN) will reach out to answer your questions, guide your next steps and help you get enrolled. Explore steps to apply at CLC.
Frequently asked questions
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