TESOL Certificate Program

Have you studied abroad and wished that you could return for a longer stay?

Are you studying another language and wish that you could put your new skills to use for an extended period after graduation?

Are you interested in spending time outside the United States after graduation?

Are you fascinated by the many cultures and languages of the world and wish to explore them while beinggainfully employed?

If you said yes to any of the questions above, you may be the ideal candidate for a Saint Mary's TESOL Certificate. This stand-alone certificate program is open to all students prior to or after graduation.

What is TESOL?

TESOL or Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages is a growing field of study and training that prepares individuals to teach English in a non-English speaking context. The TESOL profession has grown rapidly in response to the global call for English language teaching. A program in TESOL offers future teachers of English an opportunity to develop their knowledge of theories and methods of language teaching, as well as practical skills relevant to teaching English language.

The Saint Mary's Certificate in TESOL is a stand-alone certificate program open to both degree-seeking and non degree-seeking students. The Certificate is a joint program of the Departments of English and Modern Languages and complements existing programs in English, Modern Languages, Education, and Intercultural Studies, among others.

Alumni of the Saint Mary's TESOL Certificate program are equipeed with a theoretical and practical grounding in the field that is designed to prepare them to assess and exercise sound judgment in any teaching situation. University certificates in TESOL are credentials respected worldwide that usually enhance applicants' employment opportunities.

Because the Saint Mary's Certificate in TESOL is designed to prepare teachers for placement around the world and in a variety of instructional venues, its curriculum is not limited by or determined by US federal or state mandates; thus the Certificate differs from ENL minors in education departments that certify teachers for US public school instruction and does not provide this certification.
TESOL Certificate information (pdf)

What can I do with the professional TESOL certificate?

In most countries, the Saint Mary's Certiciate in TESOL will provide opportunities for employment at specialized English language schools, in primary and secondary schools, as well as colleges and universities, for businesses seeking to train their staff in English, or as private tutors.

The TESOL Certificate Program

The program consists of four 3-credit courses offered in sequence with an additional requirement of an internship. The courses are offered sequentially at four 10-day, forty-five hour courses over the summer terms.

Internships may include on-campus and off-campus opportunities. It may be possible for students to serve as teaching assistants for CWIL's summer Academy or in the new non-credit Intensive English Language Program, both of which are for international students.

Off-campus opportunities could include teaching ESL/ENL classes offered through various agencies locally, nationally, or internationally. Certificate candidates will need to provide reports from their on-site supervisor and a written reflection on their teaching experience to the instructor of record for MODL 499. Click here to view the TESOL brochure

Program Dates

May 21 - July 26, 2012
 Monday through Thursday
 1:00 - 3:15 and 4:00 - 6:15 pm

Courses

The Saint Mary's Certificate in TESOL comprises four three-credit courses and an internship. The content courses should be taken in the sequence listed below and may be taken across either one or two summers. During the internship candidates teach English as a new languages in a supportive environment. The internship may be taken after completion of the four content courses. 

CONTENT COURSES

Each course runs for 10 class days across two and a half weeks. Each class convenes twice a day. Students attend two class sessions per day, both for the same course.

Program Costs

For More Information

Contact Dr. Mana Derakhshani at (574) 284-4058 or email mana [at] saintmarys [dot] edu