Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
There are growing numbers of English language learners in west central Wisconsin, the Twin Cities, and the world. More and more, teachers and others who work with students or employees with limited proficiency in English feel that their own training and education is inadequate to meet this challenge.
The University of Wisconsin-River Falls offers courses that can prepare you to teach English to speakers of other languages (TESOL). The courses we offer are approved by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) to meet licensure for teaching English as a Second Language (ESL)
. In addition, teachers in Minnesota may also pursue certification upon completion of this program.
A master's degree in TESOL has also been recently approved and will begin Fall 2008.
- Practicing teachers who want to improve their expertise in working with limited English proficiency (LEP) students.
- Certified teachers who want to add licensure in ESL.
- ESL or bilingual education professionals who want to teach in countries around the world or in Adult Basic Education (ABE) positions in Wisconsin and Minnesota.
- Individuals with a baccalaureate degree and an interest in graduate study in language and linguistics.
- Individuals with a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution who are seeking an initial teaching license in ESL.
- International students who are seeking a master's degree in TESOL and an opportunity to improve their English skills while studying in the United States.
- Meets requirements for certification to teach English as a Second Language (ESL) or English as a Foreign Language (EFL) in Wisconsin. May meet requirements in other states.
- May be combined with undergraduate
degree to earn an initial teaching license.
- Learn ways to adapt current teaching practices and techniques to suit ESL learners from different cultural backgrounds, age groups, and language backgrounds.
- Increase sensitivity and respect for non-native cultural and language groups.
- Interact with non-native speakers in an instructional setting.
Program Curriculum for Additional Licensure in ESL
Teachers who hold a current Wisconsin
teaching license may take the following courses and apply for an additional license as an ESL teacher in Wisconsin. Teachers from other states should confirm requirements for licensure with their respective state department.
Required Courses (18 credits)
ENGL 511 Introduction to Language and Linguistics, 3 credits
ENGL 520 Structure of English, 3 credits
ENGL 522 Acquisition of Language, 3 credits
ENGL 560 Theory and Methodology of TESOL, 3 credits
ENGL 373 Techniques in Tutoring: TESOL Practicum, 3 credits
ENGL 620 Pedagogical Grammar, 3 credits (Prerequisite: ENGL 520)
Directed Electives: Cultural Component (6 credits)
Choose from the several courses offered by UWRF. Those who want to continue on to completing a master's degree when available should take:
TED 740 History/Philosophy/Multicultural Foundations of American Education, 4 credits
TED 760 Methods in Research, 3 credits
Additional student teaching would be required only if a student is seeking a different licensure level from his or her current license. An approved Wisconsin portfolio is required.
An analysis of candidates’ previous course work will determine if there are any additional teacher courses required, depending upon the candidates’ current license and the license they are seeking.
- Students need to have baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution.
- Students must complete a temporary application for graduate study at UW-River Falls. See Applying for Graduate Credit for application instructions and requirements.
Processing fee is waived for students who are not seeking a degree or certificate.
- Once admitted, students will receive instructions on how to register for classes online. See Registering for Credit Classes for more information.
- Students who are interested in pursuing an undergraduate degree and initial teaching license should visit the Admissions web page.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Current tuition rates are available at the Accounts Receivable web page.
Please note that students who are not admitted into a degree or certificate program may not be eligible for financial aid. Contact the Financial Aid Office for more information.
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The graduate certificate is designed for practicing teachers interested in professional development courses, or baccalaureate degree holders wanting to teach adult basic education classes in the U.S. or English as a foreign language in other countries, but do not want to complete a degree program. Students will complete four, three-credit courses for a total of 12 credits.
ENGL 511 Introduction to Language and Linguistics, 3 credits
ENGL 520 Structure of English, 3 credits
ENGL 560 Theory and Methodology of TESOL, 3 credits
ENGL 522 Acquisition of Language, 3 credits
Please note that certificate students may transfer only 9 credits of these credits toward the requirements of the master of arts degree in TESOL (see degree curriculum). The Master of Arts degree in TESOL is designed for ESL licensed or bilingual education professionals and for those who want to teach in foreign countries or in Adult Basic Education (ABE) positions in Wisconsin and Minnesota. Students will complete 36 credits and may choose a degree plan with or without a thesis.
Research Courses (6 credits)
ENGL 701 Writing, Reading, and Presentation of Research in English as a Second Language, 3 credits
ENGL 799 Thesis, 3 credits (Thesis Plan) or TED 760 Methods in Research, 3 credits (Non-Thesis Plan)
Pedagogy Courses (18 credits)
ENGL 560 Theory and Methodology of TESOL, 3 credits
ENGL 620 Pedagogical Grammar, 3 credits (Prerequisite: ENGL 520)
TSL 675 Assessment and Testing in TESOL, 3 credits
And three (3) of the following courses::
ENGL 650 Non-Native Speakers of the Midwest, 3 credits
ENGL 671 Issues in Bilingualism, 3 credits
TSL 789 Topics in TESOL Teaching and Research, 3 credits
TSL 765 Language and Culture, 3 credits
TSL 767 Teaching ESOL Reading, 3 credits
ENGL 755 Children’s Literature for International Students, 3 credits (International students only)
Linguistics (12 credits)
ENGL 520 Structure of English, 3 credits
ENGL 720 Educational Linguistics, 3 credits
ENGL 521 The English Language: History and Culture, 3 credits
ENGL 522 Acquisition of Language, 3 credits
ENGL 651 Phonetics and Phonology, 3 credits
ENGL 652 Lexicology: The Structure of English Vocabulary, 3 credits
Note: A maximum of 9 credits at the 500 level may be applied to the degree. Additionally, at least half of the credits must be earned in courses at the 700 level.
Please contact the Graduate Studies office by email or call 715-425-3843 or 800-228-5607 for application instructions.
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Individuals may pursue their initial teaching license in ESL in combination with the TESOL masters degree by taking the required courses in the TESOL degree curriculum and the following additional courses for a total of 37 credits, 19 of which are at the 700 level:
Professional Education Courses (12 credits)
Choose from the following courses:
PSYC 530 The Exceptional Child, 3 credits
TED 614 Development of the Transescent, 4 credits
TED 740 History/Philosophy/Multicultural Foundations of American Education, 4 credits
TED 745 Educational Psychology, 6 credits (requires field experience during the school day)
TED 755 Social Issues in Education, 3 credits
TED 428 Techniques of Elementary/Middle/Secondary Education: TESOL, 3 credits
Student Teaching (12 credits)
TED 470 Student Teaching
or
TED 475 Intern Teaching
Please contact the Graduate Studies office by email or call 715-425-3843 or 800-228-5607 for application instructions.
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Dr. Laura Zlogar, Chair
English Department
Web page: http://www.uwrf.edu/english/TESOL.html
E-mail:
lauralee.zlogar@uwrf.edu
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