Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Undergraduate Certificate
Are you ready to make a global impact? The Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Certificate prepares students to teach English in other countries or in the U.S. in non-traditional classroom settings. Through hands-on learning, opportunities to gain cross-cultural understanding, and working with expert instructors, students will gain the skills necessary to teach learners of diverse backgrounds, ages, and levels.
Program Overview
The TESOL certificate gives students practical, hands-on teaching experience working with ESL (English as a Second Language) and L2 (Second Language) learners.
Designed as an add-on certificate, the TESOL certificate teaches students to develop teaching materials, learn effective pedagogical techniques, and adapt instructional methods to the needs of culturally diverse learners.
Students will work alongside faculty and instructors in the Department of English, or with ESL/L2 learners outside the classroom—in community centers, public libraries, or adult and continuing education centers—to gain the cultural competence needed to support language learners in any context.
Why Study TESOL?
The TESOL certificate is a great fit for students interested in teaching, learning about new cultures, or making an impact in their communities and beyond.
Gain Real-World Teaching Experience
At UT, students can work as teaching assistants in courses such as ENGL 121, ENGL 131, ENGL 132, or ENGL 102/ENGL 132, where they’ll learn practical, pedagogical techniques with instructors in the Department of English.
Empower Diverse Learners
A TESOL certificate equips students to meet the unique needs of learners from varied cultural backgrounds, age groups, and speaking proficiencies. You’ll gain the skills and knowledge needed to help learners overcome language barriers and feel successful wherever they end up.
Discover the World
With your TESOL certificate, you can teach abroad in countries across Asia, Europe, and Latin America. With opportunities like the U.S. Fulbright Scholarship Program, you can make an impact wherever your path leads.
What Can You Do with a Certificate in TESOL After Graduation?
A TESOL certificate opens doors, both at home and abroad. Students might work as international English teachers, adult educational instructors, or community outreach advocates. Graduates might go on to teach English in non-public schools across the U.S., working for literacy centers, non-profit organizations, or community education programs. With a TESOL certificate, you’ll go on to support English language learners, fostering success at any stage of life.
Featured Courses
ENGL 471 Sociolinguistics
This course teaches students language in relation to societies. A Theoretical and empirical study of language variation in individuals (style-shifting) and among social, cultural, and national/international groups will be conducted.
ENGL 477 Pedagogical Grammar for ESL Teachers
Students will learn aspects of English syntax and morphology presenting difficulties for non-native learners of English including basic and complex sentence structures; the noun and article system; and verb tense, aspect, modality, and complementation.
Complementary Majors, Minors, and Certificates
Looking to enhance your degree? Consider these programs as a complement to your primary major.
Looking For More Options?
The College of Arts and Sciences offers students the broadest range of academic programs and opportunities for research and creative activities at the University of Tennessee, powered by faculty expertise across every discipline.
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