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 and degree plans 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.
- Practicing teachers who want to earn a master's degree and improve their skills in working with limited English proficiency (LEP) students.
- Individuals with a baccalaureate degree 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
Pedagogy Courses (18 credits)
ENGL 560 Theory and Methodology of TESOL, 3 credits
ENGL 620 Pedagogical Grammar, 3 credits (Prerequisite: ENGL 520)
ENGL 675 Assessment and Testing in TESOL, 3 credits
ENGL 720 Educational Linguistics, 3 credits
TSL 765 Language and Culture, 3 credits
TSL 767 Teaching ESOL Reading, 3 credits
TSL 789 Topics in TESOL Teaching and Research, 3 credits
International students must also take:
ENGL 755 Children’s Literature for International Students, 3 credits
Linguistics (12 credits)
Choose three from:
ENGL 520 Structure of English, 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
Research Courses (6 credits)
ENGL 701 Writing, Reading, and Presentation of Research in English as a Second Language, 3 credits
ENGL 799 Thesis (Thesis Plan) or TED 798 Independent Research (Non-Thesis Plan), 3 credits
International students must also take:
ENGL 705 Critical Reading and Writing for International Students, 3 credits
Note: Up to nine credits at the 500 level may be applied to the degree and no fewer than half of the credits applied to the degree must be at the 700 level .
Those who would like to earn their initial teaching certification and then continue with their program of study to earn a master's degree in TESOL may do so. Students would begin by applying for an initial certification in Secondary Education (web page). Completing both the teaching certification requirements and the degree requires 37 credits, 19 of which are at the 700 level.
Required Courses (18 credits)
ENGL 560 Theory and Methodology of TESOL, 3 credits
ENGL 620 Pedagogical Grammar, 3 credits (Prerequisite: ENGL 520)
ENGL 675 Assessment and Testing in TESOL, 3 credits
TESL 765 Language and Culture, 3 credits
TESL 767 Teaching ESOL Reading, 3 credits
TESL 789 Topics in TESOL Teaching and Research, 3 credits
International students must also take:
ENGL 755 Children’s Literature for International Students, 3 credits
Linguistics (12 credits)
Choose one class (3 credits) from:
ENGL 651 Phonetics and Phonology, 3 credits
ENGL 652 Lexicology: The Structure of English Vocabulary, 3 credits
ENGL 720 Educational Linguistics, 3 credits
Choose 3 classes (9 credits) from:
ENGL 520 Structure of English, 3 credits
ENGL 521 The English Language: History and Culture, 3 credits
ENGL 522 Acquisition of Language, 3 credits
Research Courses (6 credits)
ENGL 701 Writing, Reading, and Presentation of Research in English as a Second Language, 3 credits
ENGL 799 Thesis (Thesis Plan) or TED 760 Methods in Research(Non-Thesis Plan), 3 credits
International students must also take:
ENGL 705 Critical Reading and Writing for International Students, 3 credits
In addition to these graduate-level courses, student will complete 12 undergraduate credits in student teaching and a certification portfolio as specified by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (external site). For more information on initial teaching certification, visit the Secondary Education web page.
Foreign language study or experience is required of all TESOL candidates. You must have either six semesters of a foreign language study at the high school or college level or demonstrate proficiency in a foreign language.
- Completed online application for graduate study and payment of the application processing fee.
- Scores from a Graduate Record Exam (GRE) are not required.
- A baccalaureate degree earned from an accredited institution, with official transcripts sent directly to Graduate Studies from the institution.
- An overall undergraduate grade point average of at least 2.75 (on a four-point scale) or an average of at least 2.90 based on the last 60 semester credits (90 quarter credits) of the undergraduate program.
- International students must have a minimum score of 550 on the paper-based version of the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or 80 on the Internet-based version of the TOEFL. See additional requirements for international students.
UW-River Falls tuition rates are competitive with other public and private higher education institutions in this area. Minnesota reciprocity is available. For all tuition rates, visit the web site at www.uwrf.edu/accounts-receive.
Students may be eligible for financial assistance. Visit the web site at www.uwrf.edu/financial-assistance or send an email to finaid@uwrf.edu for more information
Dr. Laura Zlogar, Chair
English Department
Web page: http://www.uwrf.edu/english/TESOL.html
E-mail:
lauralee.zlogar@uwrf.edu
Michael Martin, UWRF Certification Officer
College of Education and Professional Studies
E-mail: michael.martin@uwrf.edu
Phone: (715) 425-3740
Web page: http://www.uwrf.edu/college-of-education
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