Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL)

Career Certificate
Cost
$2,670*

Help students learn English

Enhance your teaching skills with a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) Certificate and help non-native speakers overseas learn English.

CLC is one of the few community colleges in the Midwest to offer a TEFL Certificate. Expect to learn skills for multilingual learners (MLLs), including:

  • various approaches to teaching
  • assessment techniques
  • strategies to improve grammar and pronunciation

What can you do with a TEFL Certificate?

Add a competitive advantage with the TEFL certificate. Work with MLLs to enhance their academic and professional opportunities.

Once you receive your certificate, you may work in a pre-K-12 program overseas in a mainstream or dual-language classroom. Some students find work in community programs or as an online or face-to-face tutor.

Start right away with your certificate in roles such as:

  • English as a Foreign Language teacher
  • ESL tutor

With additional education, you can help people as a:

  • ESL classroom or resource teacher
  • dual-language teacher
  • ESL instructor

Highlights

  • Career Certificate

    Earn a career certificate in 1 year or less to refine your skills into an in-demand career.

  • Program Length: 1 Year

    Full-time students finish in 1 year.

Career Outlook

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Need help?

Your College & Career Navigator (CCN) helps you

  • complete the admission process
  • choose an academic program
  • enroll in first-semester classes
  • get access to helpful resources

Talk to a CCN

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 inclusive list of course options, see the college catalog.

Icon Key

  • Credit for prior learning available
  • Dual credit options available
  • Global citizenship
  • Online/Virtual options available

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    ENG 272

    ENG 272 Principles and Practices in Foreign Language Teaching

    Class Description

    This course will present important principles and practices in language learning and teaching in a foreign language context. There will be an overview of first and second language acquisition theories and of issues to consider in both first and second language acquisition. There will be a discussion of the importance of considering the teaching and learning context, as well as other factors that need to be considered when planning instruction, including learners’ backgrounds, learning preferences and current needs. Please note: This course does not satisfy the requirements of the ISBE ESL endorsement.
         		3
    ENG 273

    ENG 273 English Language: Structure and Use

    Class Description

    This introductory course will explore the English language, its internal structure and its function. An analysis of the English language in terms of its phonetics, phonology, and grammar will be made. Students will apply this knowledge in examining and developing methods and techniques to teach English learners in different teaching contexts. Please note: This course does not satisfy the requirements of the ISBE ESL endorsement.
         		3
    • Course Code ENG 272
      Course Title

      ENG 272 Principles and Practices in Foreign Language Teaching

      Class Description

      This course will present important principles and practices in language learning and teaching in a foreign language context. There will be an overview of first and second language acquisition theories and of issues to consider in both first and second language acquisition. There will be a discussion of the importance of considering the teaching and learning context, as well as other factors that need to be considered when planning instruction, including learners’ backgrounds, learning preferences and current needs. Please note: This course does not satisfy the requirements of the ISBE ESL endorsement.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code ENG 273
      Course Title

      ENG 273 English Language: Structure and Use

      Class Description

      This introductory course will explore the English language, its internal structure and its function. An analysis of the English language in terms of its phonetics, phonology, and grammar will be made. Students will apply this knowledge in examining and developing methods and techniques to teach English learners in different teaching contexts. Please note: This course does not satisfy the requirements of the ISBE ESL endorsement.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    ENG 274

    ENG 274 Teaching English as a Foreign Language Pedagogy

    Class Description

    This course will discuss approaches to teaching English in a non-English speaking context, referred to as Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL).There will be a brief overview of the methodical history of foreign language teaching. Strategies, approaches and techniques to develop learners’ receptive (listening and reading) and productive skills (writing and speaking) will be presented. In addition, the course will present ways to integrate language and content instruction. Please note: This course does not satisfy the requirements of the ISBE ESL endorsement.
         		3
    ENG 275

    ENG 275 Language Teaching Fieldwork

    Class Description

    This practicum program allows students a chance to gain hands-on experience in a real classroom environment while using the skills and methods addressed in the TEFL courses. The practicum also gives students a chance to experiment with new classroom situations and program ideas in an environment where they can consult with others. Please note: This course does not satisfy the requirements of the ISBE ESL endorsement.
         		3
    • Course Code ENG 274
      Course Title

      ENG 274 Teaching English as a Foreign Language Pedagogy

      Class Description

      This course will discuss approaches to teaching English in a non-English speaking context, referred to as Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL).There will be a brief overview of the methodical history of foreign language teaching. Strategies, approaches and techniques to develop learners’ receptive (listening and reading) and productive skills (writing and speaking) will be presented. In addition, the course will present ways to integrate language and content instruction. Please note: This course does not satisfy the requirements of the ISBE ESL endorsement.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code ENG 275
      Course Title

      ENG 275 Language Teaching Fieldwork

      Class Description

      This practicum program allows students a chance to gain hands-on experience in a real classroom environment while using the skills and methods addressed in the TEFL courses. The practicum also gives students a chance to experiment with new classroom situations and program ideas in an environment where they can consult with others. Please note: This course does not satisfy the requirements of the ISBE ESL endorsement.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights

Total Credit Hours

12

*Cost is estimated based on recommended pathway credit hours. This includes in-district tuition and other fees, such as books and materials before financial aid is applied, as well as grants, loans or scholarships. There are many opportunities for financial assistance at CLC. Learn more about Cost of Attendance.



Female student taking notes in class

TESOL at CLC

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