Teaching English Learners (TEL) Certificate - Career Certificate

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: 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 English Language Learners (ELLs) 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

Financial Aid/Scholarships Available

Based on need and/or achievement. Explore ways to pay for college.
Career Certificate

Earn a career certificate in 1 year or less to refine your skills into an in-demand career.
Program Length: 1.5 Years

Full-time students can complete in 1.5 years.

Career Outlook

Format typescript and graphic elements using computer software to produce publication-ready material.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $42,428
  
  Median
  
  $57,795
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $116,204
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $20.39
  
  Median
  
  $27.79
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $55.86
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  44.3%
  
  Certificate
  
  4.86%
  
  Some college
  
  1%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  11.14%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  38.7%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Plan, coordinate, revise, or edit written material. May review proposals and drafts for possible publication.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $40,171
  
  Median
  
  $71,276
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $127,489
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $19.31
  
  Median
  
  $34.26
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $61.29
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  81.7%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  18.3%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Teach academic and social skills to students at the elementary school level.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $51,846
  
  Median
  
  $71,742
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $110,574
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $24.92
  
  Median
  
  $34.48
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $53.15
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  0.97%
  
  Certificate
  
  0.97%
  
  Some college
  
  1.09%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  84.39%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  12.6%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Teach courses in English language and literature, including linguistics and comparative literature. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $44,643
  
  Median
  
  $80,088
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $139,804
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $21.45
  
  Median
  
  $38.50
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $67.21
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  9.61%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  31.68%
  
  Doctorate
  
  58.7%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Administer and maintain libraries or collections of information, for public or private access through reference or borrowing. Work in a variety of settings, such as educational institutions, museums, and corporations, and with various types of informational materials, such as books, periodicals, recordings, films, and databases. Tasks may include acquiring, cataloging, and circulating library materials, and user services such as locating and organizing information, providing instruction on how to access information, and setting up and operating a library's media equipment.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $45,965
  
  Median
  
  $65,222
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $106,611
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $22.09
  
  Median
  
  $31.35
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $51.25
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  Certificate
  
  4.45%
  
  Some college
  
  10.22%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  3.65%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  10.93%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  69.32%
  
  Doctorate
  
  1.44%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Assist librarians by helping readers in the use of library catalogs, databases, and indexes to locate books and other materials; and by answering questions that require only brief consultation of standard reference. Compile records; sort and shelve books or other media; remove or repair damaged books or other media; register patrons; and check materials in and out of the circulation process. Replace materials in shelving area (stacks) or files. Includes bookmobile drivers who assist with providing services in mobile libraries.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $31,968
  
  Median
  
  $43,866
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $62,228
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $15.36
  
  Median
  
  $21.08
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $29.91
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  15.02%
  
  Certificate
  
  17.05%
  
  Some college
  
  8.85%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  27.66%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  29.62%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  1.81%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Teach one or more subjects to students at the middle, intermediate, or junior high school level.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $53,127
  
  Median
  
  $77,364
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $116,677
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $25.53
  
  Median
  
  $37.19
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $56.09
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  1.87%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  5.99%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  77.3%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  14.84%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).

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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.

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

Course Code	Course Title	Credits
CLC 120	CLC 120 College Success Seminar Class Description This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.	2
ENG 128	ENG 128 Linguistics and Society Class Description This course will introduce students to some of the important principles of linguistics, as well as to the complex nature of language acquisition and use within any given society. The course will discuss some of the unique characteristics of human languages, the various theories of first and second language acquisition, the interrelation between language and gender and language and ethnicity and the social and political ramifications of different language attitudes; in addition, the course will examine the communicative and social significance of different Speech Acts.	3
ENG 262	ENG 262 Theories of Teaching ELLs and Bilingual Education Class Description This course will introduce the prominent theories of second language acquisition and teaching with a special emphasis on the instructional models for teaching of English Language Learners (ELLs). In addition, the course will discuss the relationship between theory and practice and the relevance of theory to the language classroom.	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	CLC 120
Course Title	CLC 120 College Success Seminar Class Description This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.
Credits	2

Course Highlights
Course Code	ENG 128
Course Title	ENG 128 Linguistics and Society Class Description This course will introduce students to some of the important principles of linguistics, as well as to the complex nature of language acquisition and use within any given society. The course will discuss some of the unique characteristics of human languages, the various theories of first and second language acquisition, the interrelation between language and gender and language and ethnicity and the social and political ramifications of different language attitudes; in addition, the course will examine the communicative and social significance of different Speech Acts.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	ENG 262
Course Title	ENG 262 Theories of Teaching ELLs and Bilingual Education Class Description This course will introduce the prominent theories of second language acquisition and teaching with a special emphasis on the instructional models for teaching of English Language Learners (ELLs). In addition, the course will discuss the relationship between theory and practice and the relevance of theory to the language classroom.
Credits	3

Course Code	Course Title	Credits	Course Highlights
CMM 127	CMM 127 Intercultural Communication Class Description This course will examine the complex relationships between communication and culture by using social, psychological, interpretive and critical perspectives. Additionally, this course will allow one to consider the role that communication has in creating, maintaining, or challenging cultural assumptions, norms, rules and power structures and will also encourage one to consider the importance of social, historical, and cultural contexts in intercultural interactions. Students of CMM127 will explore how diverse underlying cultural orientations and patterns influence communication within and between cultures and will learn to evaluate their own and other's communicative behaviors from a culturally sensitive perspective. Throughout the semester, students will build communication skills with a particular emphasis on bridging cultural barriers through in class and out of class activities. Theoretical and practical aspects of intercultural communication will be addressed with a focus on building culturally competent communication skills.	3
ENG 261	ENG 261 Methods of Teaching English Language Learners (ELLs) Class Description This course will discuss approaches to teaching English Language Learners (ELLs). Techniques for needs assessment, syllabus design, selection of course materials and assessment will be introduced. Current methods of teaching academic content in English to ELLs will also be presented.	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	CMM 127
Course Title	CMM 127 Intercultural Communication Class Description This course will examine the complex relationships between communication and culture by using social, psychological, interpretive and critical perspectives. Additionally, this course will allow one to consider the role that communication has in creating, maintaining, or challenging cultural assumptions, norms, rules and power structures and will also encourage one to consider the importance of social, historical, and cultural contexts in intercultural interactions. Students of CMM127 will explore how diverse underlying cultural orientations and patterns influence communication within and between cultures and will learn to evaluate their own and other's communicative behaviors from a culturally sensitive perspective. Throughout the semester, students will build communication skills with a particular emphasis on bridging cultural barriers through in class and out of class activities. Theoretical and practical aspects of intercultural communication will be addressed with a focus on building culturally competent communication skills.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	ENG 261
Course Title	ENG 261 Methods of Teaching English Language Learners (ELLs) Class Description This course will discuss approaches to teaching English Language Learners (ELLs). Techniques for needs assessment, syllabus design, selection of course materials and assessment will be introduced. Current methods of teaching academic content in English to ELLs will also be presented.
Credits	3

Course Code	Course Title	Credits	Course Highlights
ENG 127	ENG 127 Introduction to General Linguistics Class Description This introductory course will explore the origins of language, its internal structure and its function. This course will analyze language in terms of its phonology, morphology, grammar, syntax, semantics and pragmatics. In addition, the course will examine the application of linguistic theory to second language learning and teaching.	3
ENG 268	ENG 268 Assessment of Multilingual Learners Class Description This course will provide participants with a basic understanding of assessment concepts and terminology. Current assessment tools used with multilingual learners (MLLs) will be introduced. The course will also examine alternative assessments and techniques for evaluating and designing effective assessments for MLLs.	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	ENG 127
Course Title	ENG 127 Introduction to General Linguistics Class Description This introductory course will explore the origins of language, its internal structure and its function. This course will analyze language in terms of its phonology, morphology, grammar, syntax, semantics and pragmatics. In addition, the course will examine the application of linguistic theory to second language learning and teaching.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	ENG 268
Course Title	ENG 268 Assessment of Multilingual Learners Class Description This course will provide participants with a basic understanding of assessment concepts and terminology. Current assessment tools used with multilingual learners (MLLs) will be introduced. The course will also examine alternative assessments and techniques for evaluating and designing effective assessments for MLLs.
Credits	3

Total Credit Hours

20

*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.

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.

View the TESOL Program Overview

Frequently asked questions

Add in-demand skills to your resume and advance your career. CLC is one of the few community colleges in the Midwest to offer an 18-hour TEL certificate. Graduate faster and get to work. The certificate can give you more job security, as multilingual learners are the fastest growing population in U.S. K-12 schools.
The Certificate in Teaching English Learners is 18 credit hours and takes an average of two semesters to complete. Your coursework includes a class on assessment techniques for multilingual learners, which prepares you to design effective tests for English language proficiency.
Your classes include:
- Intercultural Communication
- ELL/Bilingual Education
- Theory Methods of Teaching ELLs

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Teaching English Learners (TEL)

Teach English to multilingual learners

What can you do with a Certificate in Teaching English Learners?

Highlights

Financial Aid/Scholarships Available

Career Certificate

Program Length: 1.5 Years

Career Outlook

Desktop Publishers

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Editors

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Librarians and Media Collections Specialists

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Library Technicians

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

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Recommended Pathway

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Semester 1 8 Credits

Semester 2 6 Credits

Semester 3 6 Credits

Total Credit Hours

TESOL at CLC

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Frequently asked questions

Why should I get a TEL Certificate at CLC?

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