TESOL . . .
stands for
Teaching English
to Speakers of Other
Languages. While many
speakers clearly know
English, the TESOL
major and minor provide
them with the ability to
articulate their knowledge
in a meaningful, systematic
manner to non-native
speakers.
Department of English
245 Kleinpell Fine Arts Building
(715) 425-3537
Undergraduate Catalog
Goals and Objectives
The TESOL major and minor teach students about English as a language; provide knowledge about current teaching theories, practices, and techniques; and encourage familiarity with cultural variables that influence language learning. In acquiring K- 12 certification in TESOL, students have the opportunity to observe master teachers at work and to student teach. Student teaching is arranged through the College of Education and Professional Studies. For information on certification, contact Mike Martin, Certification Officer in the College of Education and Professional Studies.
Program
The TESOL major and minor includes a foreign language requirement: six credits of a foreign language, the high school equivalent, or proven proficiency in a foreign language. This foundation requirement is not included in the number of credit hours needed for the major proper. The cultural component of the TESOL program offers knowledge and practical experience in cultural studies, including possibilities of travel abroad. The program gives students the knowledge to describe English and other languages in the world. They also discover how language is acquired as a native speaker or learned as a foreign language. The program includes tutoring practice. Students work one-on-one or with a group of non-native speakers in the four language skill areas of listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
Faculty
Annette Klemp, Ph. D., Pennsylvania State University, Phone: (715) 425-3354
Vladimir Pavlov, Ph.D., Odessa State University (Ukraine), Phone (715) 425-3173
Robyne Tiedeman, Ph.D., University of Connecticut, Phone (715) 425-3124
For students planning to teach in the public schools:
- TESOL as second major or a minor can increase the marketability of future teachers.
- TESOL as a second major or minor can prepare future teachers for the challenges presented by a multicultural classroom containing non-native speakers with varying levels of English language proficiency.
For students seeking employment in the public sector or overseas:
- TESOL enables the students to prepare for employment in private U. S. institutes devoted to intensive or remedial English training of nonnative speakers.
- TESOL prepares the student for a variety of teaching positions available in other countries.
For students interested in pursuing a higher degree:
- TESOL provides the background knowledge necessary to pursue a master’s or doctorate degree in TESOL or in linguistics.
