Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages

Plan Options:

Select one of the following plan options to learn more:

Master of Arts in TESOL

Master of Arts with Teaching License

Teaching License in TESOL

Graduate Certificate for Professional Development

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 a Minnesota license upon completion of this program.

Who Should Enroll

• Practicing teachers who want to earn a master's degree and improve their skills in working with limited English proficiency (LEP) students.
• Licensed teachers who want to add a license in ESL.
• 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.

Key Features

• 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 can be completed on campus or online.

Admission Requirements

Students must meet the general admissions requirements for graduate study at UWRF. International students must have a minimum score of 80 on the Internet version of the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or its equivalent. See additional requirements for international students.