Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)

Career Certificate
Cost
$6,028*

Go forth and teach English

Help others comprehend English language with this certificate from College of Lake County. You can teach others to communicate clearly and efficiently in the four domains of reading, writing, speaking and listening. Upon program completion, you’re ready to share this valuable knowledge in classroom or one-on-one settings.

What can you do with a Certificate in TESOL?

This certificate provides you with job-ready skills.

With it, you’re ready to serve in these roles:

  • assistant language teacher (either in the United States or overseas)
  • English as a Second Language (ESL) tutor

With additional education, you can fill these ESL positions:

  • English as Foreign Language teacher overseas (may require bachelor's degree)
  • community program instructor (usually requires a bachelor's degree)
  • K-12 teacher (usually requires a bachelor's degree)
  • college faculty member (usually requires a master's degree or higher)

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: 2 Years

    Full-time students finish in 2 years.

Career Outlook

View more careers

Need help?

Your College & Career Navigator (CCN) is your "go-to person" ready to help you get started at CLC.

Your CCN guides you through the admission process, helps you choose your academic program, enroll in classes and connect you with 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
    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
    EDU 121

    EDU 121 Introduction to Teaching

    Class Description

    This course provides the prospective teacher with an introduction to teaching in United States school systems. Other topics included are history and philosophy of education, school organization and governance, ethical and legal issues, the nature of teaching, curriculum, the social context, diversity, professional leadership, and current issues.
         		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
    ENG 265

    ENG 265 Teaching Grammar to ELLs

    Class Description

    This course will begin with a brief historical perspective of transformational, structural and traditional methodologies used in teaching English Language Learners (ELLs). In addition, the course will focus on a descriptive analysis of English and some of the nuances of English grammar. Finally, the course will consider the role of grammar instruction in the English language classroom.
         		3
    • 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 EDU 121
      Course Title

      EDU 121 Introduction to Teaching

      Class Description

      This course provides the prospective teacher with an introduction to teaching in United States school systems. Other topics included are history and philosophy of education, school organization and governance, ethical and legal issues, the nature of teaching, curriculum, the social context, diversity, professional leadership, and current issues.
      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 Highlights
    • Course Code ENG 265
      Course Title

      ENG 265 Teaching Grammar to ELLs

      Class Description

      This course will begin with a brief historical perspective of transformational, structural and traditional methodologies used in teaching English Language Learners (ELLs). In addition, the course will focus on a descriptive analysis of English and some of the nuances of English grammar. Finally, the course will consider the role of grammar instruction in the English language classroom.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights

  • 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 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 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 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 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 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 Highlights

  • 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 267

    ENG 267 Teaching Pronunciation to ELLs

    Class Description

    This course will introduce students to the basic concepts in articulatory phonetics, including the physiology of articulation, phonetic characterization of individual speech sounds, stress at the word and sentence level, intonation patterns, rhythm and blending. Students will apply this knowledge in examining and developing methods and techniques used to teach pronunciation to English language learners (ELLs).
         		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 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 267
      Course Title

      ENG 267 Teaching Pronunciation to ELLs

      Class Description

      This course will introduce students to the basic concepts in articulatory phonetics, including the physiology of articulation, phonetic characterization of individual speech sounds, stress at the word and sentence level, intonation patterns, rhythm and blending. Students will apply this knowledge in examining and developing methods and techniques used to teach pronunciation to English language learners (ELLs).
      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
      Course Highlights

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    ENG 271

    ENG 271 Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages Practicum

    Class Description

    This course will include observation of experienced ESL teachers, as well as supervised teaching in an ESL setting. It will include evaluating course materials and planning and implementing of lesson plans that apply TESOL theory and methodology in the language classroom.
         		3
    • Course Code ENG 271
      Course Title

      ENG 271 Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages Practicum

      Class Description

      This course will include observation of experienced ESL teachers, as well as supervised teaching in an ESL setting. It will include evaluating course materials and planning and implementing of lesson plans that apply TESOL theory and methodology in the language classroom.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights

Total Credit Hours

32

Female student taking notes in class

TESOL at CLC

Get the bigger picture

A certificate is just one possible way to study TESOL. Get the bigger picture—degrees, credentials and extra options.

View the TESOL Program Overview

Frequently asked questions

*Cost includes tuition and other fees, including books and materials before financial aid is applied, such as grants, loans or scholarships. There are many opportunities for financial assistance at CLC. Learn more about Cost of Attendance.

Take the next step...

Be debt-free at CLC

CLC has some of the lowest tuition around. Financial aid and scholarships are available—even for working adults.

Paying for college

Explore careers

Discover majors and career paths to complement and extend your intuitive interests and abilities.

Explore Career Coach

Request info

Your education is a big investment of your time, money and attention. Gather all the info you need.

Send me info

Get started

Start your application today—it’s free and easy to complete. When you’re ready, we’re ready to help you take the next step.

Start today!
1/4