Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Certificate

The California State University, East Bay Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) meets the needs of those who plan to serve as English-language teachers in the U.S. and overseas. Taught by top TESOL instructors, students who enter the program will learn and apply the most effective and up-to-date second-language teaching techniques. Interested students also can obtain a master's degree in English with a focus on TESOL.

Program Overview

This enables people from any educational background to gain a sound theoretical foundation plus the hands-on classroom experience necessary to pursue teaching opportunities either in the United States or abroad. The program explores the relationship between language learning, teaching and aspects of second language acquisition from the point of view of the learner. It also examines the theory and practice of planning, teaching, grammar, culture, and assessing lessons in the four skills (speaking, listening, reading and writing) through experiential activities, teaching demonstrations, discussions, lesson planning, materials development and readings.

Admission Requirements

• Four-year bachelor degree from an accredited institution
• TOEFL Score 525 (paper), 197 (CBT), 71 (iBT) or higher

Ideal Student(s)

• International teachers of English as a Foreign Language who want to continue their professional development
• Recent college graduates seeking to prepare themselves to teach English while living or traveling abroad
• Professionals who are contemplating a change of career or returning to work
• Current teachers who wish to improve their capacity to meet the needs of the growing number of students studying English.

Program Outcomes

• Ability to teach English as a Second or Other Language in a variety of world English contexts
• Ability to adapt materials for special groups of learners
• Ability to apply the latest research on language acquisition in your classroom
• Familiarity with support programs for language students, including outside activities and specialized multimedia software

Program Benefits

• Strong theoretical background knowledge, as well as proven methodologies
• Exposure to the latest research and testing methodologies
• Creation of practical lesson plans and activity samples that can be used later in your classroom
• Experience with a variety of teaching tools and materials

Program Features

• Six-month, full-time program of study, including supervised observations and practice teaching
• Four hours per week of tutorials to support coursework
• Classes in state-of-the-art TESOL theory and methods taught by teacher trainers experienced in worldwide conditions
• Fully accredited postgraduate qualification
• In-depth observations and practice teaching in the University's Intensive English program and/or in a local school of student's choice
• Cal State East Bay undergraduate credit earned in English through course attendance

Certificate Requirements

• Six required courses completed in two quarters (six months)
• Maintain 2.5 overall grade point average
• Receive no grade below a C in any course

Master's Degree Option

Participants can further their education and obtain a master's degree in English with a focus on TESOL. Some TESOL Certificate units are transferable by arrangement with the Cal State East Bay English Department.

Course Curriculum

See the TESOL course descriptions for more information on courses.

• Approaches, Designs and Procedures in Teaching ESL I
  ENGL 7000 (4 units)
• Approaches, Designs and Procedures in Teaching ESL II
  ENGL 7702 (4 units)
• Pedagogical Grammar/Outcomes Assessment
  ENGL 7001 (4 units)
• ESL Practicum, Supervised Teaching
  ENGL 7703 (4 units)
• Supplementary Practicum in American Language
  Program (Pass/Fail)
• Undergraduate English Elective (4 units)

Tuition and Fees

Application Fee: $100
Tuition: $2,300/quarter
Living Expenses: $2,700/quarter
Books: $250/quarter

Apply Now!

To apply to the TESOL Certificate program, complete and submit all required documents listed in the Diploma/Certificate Application Checklist.