TESOL Certificate

Teach English to speakers of other languages

Program facts

Credit hours: 16
Stackable to degree: No
Potential job outcomes: ESL instructor

Develop the skills and knowledge needed to teach English to speakers of other languages (TESOL) with this 16-credit-hour certificate program. As a TESOL teacher, you can help immigrants learn English, work with people of different cultures in a study abroad program, or travel to other countries to teach English. The program will prepare you for work in both domestic and international contexts.

Coursework focuses on theoretical linguistics, language and culture, English as a second language (ESL) teaching methods, language classroom observations and electives in other areas such as humanities, education, anthropology, psychology, philosophy and literature.

Certificate program requirements

Program Overview

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This 16 credit-hour certificate provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary to teach English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) in both domestic and international contexts. This certificate provides course work and hands-on experience in theoretical Linguistics, language and culture, English as a Second Language teaching methods, pedagogical grammar, second language assessment, second language acquisition, language classroom observations and (depending on students' choices of elective courses) in other areas such as humanities, education, anthropology, psychology, philosophy, and literature.

Admission Requirements: Students must be eligible for college-level credit courses in order to pursue the TESOL certificate. (If needed, remediation for students will be provided by Harper's Academic Support Services and the Writing Center.) Because the certificate is most often complementary to a college degree, those students who have completed a degree or are pursuing an Associate's degree would be most successful.

F = Fall only course S = Spring only course U = Summer only course

Required:

A grade of C or better is required in all LNG courses for all students.

Number	Course Title	Credits
LNG 105	Introduction to Language and Linguistics	3
Description: Explores language--its origins, properties, use, structure, and meaning. Studies sound systems, word-information systems, syntactic systems, and derivation of meaning from spoken and written forms. Includes first and second language acquisition and properties of visual languages. Class Schedule: Fall 2024
LNG 205	Language and Culture	3
Description: Explores the relationship between language and culture. Includes the language socialization of children, gender differences in language, standard varieties and dialects of language, and the effect of language on thought. Examines the nature of language in power relationships. Class Schedule: Fall 2024
LNG 220	Methods of Teaching English as a Second Language	3
Description: Introduces the teaching of English to speakers of other languages. Intended for those who contemplate a career working with non-native speakers of English. Through a program of lectures, readings, discussions, observations and practical teaching exercises, students will explore the educational contexts in which English is taught and learned. In addition, the course will offer practical techniques for teaching and assessing the skill areas of listening and speaking, reading, writing, and grammar. The foundation of the methods explored will be based on theories in applied linguistics. Class Schedule: Fall 2024
LNG 299	Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (tesol) Practicum	1
Description: Provides students with TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) classroom experience including critical observations of ESL classes and detailed activity planning/lesson development. In addition, scaffolded teaching experiences will offer students the opportunity to become familiar with the multiple steps of the language teaching process and the overall requirements of being a TESOL professional. Throughout the practicum, students will reflect on their own effectiveness as ESL teachers and present ways to improve the quality of their instruction. Class Schedule: Fall 2024

Linguistics and Education electives:

Hours Required:A grade of C or better is required in all LNG, ECE and EDU courses for all students.

Choose 1 or 2 courses (3 or 6 credit hours) from the following:

Number	Course Title	Credits
ECE 101	Introduction to Early Childhood Education	3
Description: Provides an overview of early childhood care and education, including the basic values, structure, organization and programming. Examination of the student’s personal qualities in relationship to expectations of the field. Directed observation in a variety of programs and settings. Six (6) hours of observation required. (NOTE: The program’s health requirements must be completed prior to observation.) Class Schedule: Fall 2024
EDU 201	Introduction to Education	3
Description: Provides an introduction to teaching as a profession in the American education system. Offers a variety of perspectives on education including historical, philosophical, social, legal, and ethical issues in a diverse society. Includes organizational structure and school governance. There is a mandatory 15 hour clinical component in this course; therefore, the student must pass a criminal background check for successful completion of this course. Class Schedule: Fall 2024
EDU 220	Diversity in Schools and Society	3
Description: Provides an introduction to diversity issues in schools and society today. Examines how schooling is shaped by the social contexts in which it occurs, particularly in multicultural and global contexts. Includes examination of both social and global perspectives. Class Schedule: Fall 2024
LNG 230	Second Language Assessment	3
Description: Explores concepts, issues, principles, and design of second language assessments. Includes formal and informal evaluation of reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. Class Schedule: Fall 2024
LNG 235	Second Language Acquisition (sla)	3
Description: Explores important theories in second language acquisition (SLA), especially as they relate to language teaching. Includes age, psychological factors, sociocultural factors, and linguistic factors. Examines the connections between theory and teaching practice in the language classroom. Prerequisite: LNG 105 or permission of instructor. Class Schedule: Fall 2024
LNG 240	Introduction to Pedagogical Grammar	3
Description: Explores theories in teaching grammar to second language learners. Teachers will study syntactic and discourse structures of English and common mistakes in those structures made by second language learners. Students will practice and create classroom materials designed to help English language learners in their oral and written communication. This course is an elective component for Illinois State Board of Education certification in Teaching English as a Second Language. Class Schedule: Fall 2024

Other electives:

A grade of C or better is required in all ECE, EDU and LNG courses for all students.

Hours Required: Choose 1 course from the list of courses below. If 2 education courses (6 credit hours) were chosen from the Linguistics and Education electives, then no credits are required from this category (0 or 3 credit hours).

Number	Course Title	Credits
ANT 101	Introduction to Anthropology	3
Description: Addresses such central questions as “What does it mean to be human?” and “How did we get to be the way we are?” Among the topics to be examined will be human, physical, and cultural evolution; the origin of culture; language; religion; kinship; economics; and the impact of contemporary life on the world’s populations. This course meets the World Culture and Diversity graduation requirement. IAI S1 900N Class Schedule: Fall 2024
ANT 202	Cultural Anthropology	3
Description: Describes and analyzes how people throughout the world define and resolve the problems of life that are found everywhere. Some of the specific topics studied will be religion, social structure, law, “the unknown,” economics and the formation of behavior within particular groups. IAI S1 901N Class Schedule: Fall 2024
ECE 102	Child Development	3
Description: Provides a study of human development from conception through adolescence. Includes research methods and developmental theories. Address all major areas of development (physical, social, emotional and cognitive, language, and aesthetic) and the interaction among these areas. Also examines current research and major developmental theoretical points of view, including those of Piaget, Erikson, Vygotsky, Skinner, Gardner and others. Explores child development in the context of gender, family, culture, socio-economics, race, ethnicity, religion, and society. Emphasis is on the implication for early childhood professional practice. IAI ECE 912 Class Schedule: Fall 2024
ECE 209	Language Development and Activities for the Young Child F	3
Description: This course is only offered in the fall term. Provides an in-depth knowledge and understanding of language development, the stages involved, the role that adults play, and the relationship of language to other aspects of development. Introduces the student to a wide variety of language activities appropriate for young children and develops skills in preparing, presenting and evaluating language activities. Prerequisite: ECE 115. Class Schedule: Fall 2024
EDU 202	Pre -Student Teaching Clinical Experience S	1
Description: This course is only offered in the spring term. Provides an in-depth study of classroom practices in the subject and age category that each student is training to teach. Students will complete the clinical component of this course by observing classrooms in their area of interest and will attend a seminar once weekly to discuss their experience; therefore, the student must pass a criminal background check for successful completion of this course. Class Schedule: Fall 2024
EDU 211	Educational Psychology	3
Description: Examines psychological principles underlying educational practice. Theories concerning cognitive and psychological development, human learning, and motivation are studied with emphasis on application for instruction, including assessment. Emphasis will also be placed on learner-centered instruction and diversity. There is a clinical component in this course, therefore; the student must pass a criminal background check for successful completion of this course. Prerequisite: PSY 101 or consent of instructor. Class Schedule: Fall 2024
EDU 219	Students With Disabilities in School	3
Description: Presents the historical, philosophical and legal foundations of special education as well as an overview of the diverse characteristics of individuals with exceptional cognitive, physical, social and emotional needs, including, but not limited to, children identified as learning disabled. Covers identification, intervention strategies, cross-categorical methods of instruction and programs to meet their needs, including, but not limited to, assistive technologies, Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), behavioral interventions, and Universal Design. Studies applicable state and federal laws and requirements, including Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), American with Disabilities Act (ADA), Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP), Individual Education Plan (IEP), Response to Intervention (RTI) and inclusive programming. This course addresses the coursework identified in the Illinois Administrative Code 25, Section 25:25 for professional educator licensure. There is a mandatory fifteen (15) hour clinical component in this course; therefore, the student must pass a criminal background check for successful completion of this course. IAI ECE 913 Class Schedule: Fall 2024
EDU 230	Introduction to Language Arts in Elementary /Middle School Teaching S	3
Description: This course is only offered in the spring term. Examines the foundations of effective practices in supporting student progress toward both fluent and strategic reading and writing. Provides an introduction to the theory and practices of language arts education for students who are interested in becoming teachers. Focuses on construction of meaning from print, the relationship between reading and writing, and the principles of classroom assessment. Provides an introduction to the Illinois Learning Standards for English Language Arts. Class Schedule: Fall 2024
EDU 250	Introduction to Technology in Education F	3
Description: This course is only offered in the fall term. Introduces educators to the knowledge and skills required to demonstrate their proficiency in the current technology standards. The course focuses on both knowledge and performance, and includes hands-on technology activities. Prerequisite: Keyboarding, basic skill word processing, spreadsheet, and database programs, or consent of instructor. Class Schedule: Fall 2024
FRN 201	Intermediate French I ¹ F	4
Description: This course is only offered in the fall term. Further develops reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills in French. Students learn more complex structures of French grammar, fine-tune pronunciation, gain more advanced skills in composition, and continue to expand their vocabulary. Attention is given to complexity, accuracy, and fluidity. Fosters expanded knowledge of and appreciation for the cultural heritage and history of French-speaking areas. All new students who have prior experience with or have taken classes in French should consult with the department for placement before registering for a course. Instructions can be found on the World Languages website. Prerequisite: FRN 102 with a grade of C or better, or required placement exam scores. Class Schedule: Fall 2024
FRN 202	Intermediate French II ¹ S	4
Description: This course is only offered in the spring term. Provides a crucial bridge between intermediate and advanced language courses. Focuses on a more in-depth study of history, geography, literature, and culture of French-speaking people. Includes analysis of daily life and current events. Students practice more complex structures of French grammar, fine-tune pronunciation, gain more advanced skills in composition, and continue to expand their vocabulary. Attention is given to complexity, accuracy and fluency. All new students who have prior experience with or have taken classes in French should consult with the department for placement before registering for a course. Instructions can be found on the World Languages website. IAI H1 900 Prerequisite: FRN 201 with a grade of C or better, or required placement exam scores. Class Schedule: Fall 2024
FRN 205	French Conversation ¹ F	3
Description: This course is only offered in the fall term. Provides conversational practice beyond the intermediate level and refines spoken French skills to achieve fluency of expression. Includes the study of the culture of French-speaking people and critical analysis of daily life and current events. Attention is given to complexity, accuracy and fluency. Not available for credit to native speakers of French. All new students who have prior experience with or have taken classes in French should consult with the department for placement before registering for a course. Instructions can be found on the World Languages website. Prerequisite: FRN 202 with a grade of C or better, or required placement exam scores. Class Schedule: Fall 2024
FRN 210	Introduction to French Literature ¹ S	3
Description: This course is only offered in the spring term. Provides an introduction to literature from the French-speaking world and exposes students to a variety of literary genres and eras. Focuses on the development of more complex use of the language and addresses speaking, listening, writing, and reading. Attention is given to complexity, accuracy, and fluency. All new students who have prior experience with of have taken classes in French should consult with the department for placement before registering for a course. Instructions can be found on the World Languages website. IAI H3 917 Prerequisite: FRN 202 with a grade of C or better, or required placement exam scores. Class Schedule: Fall 2024
GER 201	Intermediate German I ¹ F	4
Description: This course is only offered in the fall term. Further develops reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills in German. Students learn more complex structures of German grammar, fine-tune pronunciation, gain more advanced skills in composition, and continue to expand their vocabulary. Attention is given to complexity, accuracy, and fluidity. Fosters expanded knowledge of and appreciation for the cultural heritage and history of German-speaking areas. All new students who have prior experience with or have taken classes in German should consult with the department for placement before registering for a course. Instructions can be found on the World Languages website. Prerequisite: GER 102 with a grade of C or better, or required placement exam scores. Class Schedule: Fall 2024
GER 202	Intermediate German II ¹ S	4
Description: This course is only offered in the spring term. Provides a crucial bridge between intermediate and advanced language courses. Focuses on a more in-depth study of history, geography, literature, and culture of German-speaking people. Includes analysis of daily life and current events. Students practice more complex structures of German grammar, fine-tune pronunciation, gain more advanced skills in composition, and continue to expand their vocabulary. Attention is given to complexity, accuracy, and fluency. All new students who have prior experience with or have taken classes in German should consult with the department for placement before registering for a course. Instructions can be found on the World Languages website. IAI H1 900 Prerequisite: GER 201 with a grade of C or better, or required placement exam scores. Class Schedule: Fall 2024
GER 205	German Conversation ¹ F	3
Description: This course is only offered in the fall term. Provides conversational practice beyond the intermediate level and refines spoken German skills to achieve fluency of expression. Includes the study of the culture of German-speaking people and critical analysis of daily life and current events. Attention is given to complexity, accuracy, and fluency. Not available for credit to native speakers of German. All new students who have prior experience with or have taken classes in German should consult with the department for placement before registering for a course. Instructions can be found on the World Languages website. Prerequisite: GER 202 with a grade of C or better, or required placement exam scores. Class Schedule: Fall 2024
GER 210	Introduction to German Literature ¹ S	3
Description: This course is only offered in the spring term. Provides an introduction to literature from the German-speaking world and exposes students to a variety of literary genres and eras. Focuses on the development of more complex use of the language and addresses speaking, listening, writing, and reading. Attention is given to complexity, accuracy, and fluency. All new students who have prior experience with of have taken classes in German should consult with the department for placement before registering for a course. Instructions can be found on the World Languages website. IAI H3 917 Prerequisite: GER 202 with a grade of C or better, or required placement exam scores. Class Schedule: Fall 2024
GER 230	German Civilization and Culture	3
Description: Introduces students to multiple aspects of German culture and civilization from the 20th century to today. Familiarizes students with history, political institutions, economic development, literature, art and culture of Germany. Gives students an overview of the German-speaking regions of Austria, Switzerland and Liechtenstein. This course is taught in English. Class Schedule: Fall 2024
HST 243	The Far East in the Modern World	3
Description: Studies history of East Asia since 1800. The traditional cultures of China and Japan, the Western impact and the Asian response will be covered. IAI S2 920N Class Schedule: Fall 2024
HUM 105	Great Ideas of World Civilizations	3
Description: Introduces students to a selection of formative historical and contemporary texts in a variety of disciplines, including philosophy, the social sciences, literature, gender/multicultural studies and the history of science.(Also listed as HST 105. Credit will be given for either HUM 105 or HST 105, but not both.) IAI H9 900 Class Schedule: Fall 2024
HUM 106	The Cultures of Asia	3
Description: Examines the arts of Asian cultures from ancient times to the present. Studies examples of the visual arts, music, dance, literature, world views, and religious traditions from selected civilizations in Asia, south of Russia, excluding the countries of the Middle East. IAI HF 904N Class Schedule: Fall 2024
HUM 107	The Cultures of Africa	3
Description: Examines the arts of African cultures from ancient times to the present. Studies examples of the visual arts, music, dance, literature, world views, and religious traditions from selected civilizations in North Africa, the Sahel, South Africa, Central and East Africa, and West Africa, excluding countries associated with the Middle East. IAI HF 904N Class Schedule: Fall 2024
HUM 115	International and Regional Studies in Humanities	1-4
Description: Students travel with faculty to international or regional locations which may vary from year to year to study the humanities. May emphasize the literature, language, philosophy, or humane arts of the locale visited. Presentation by onsite individualized study, lectures, field trips. Classes held on campus prior to and following the off-campus learning experience. Travel expenses are paid for by the student. One Credit: Students must attend all classes and field trips, submit a daily log covering one week of travel and write a personal essay of at least five typewritten pages. Two Credits: Students must attend all classes and field trips, submit a log covering one-two weeks of travel and write a research paper of at least eight typewritten pages, plus bibliography and footnotes. Three Credits: Students must attend all classes and field trips, submit a log covering three weeks of travel and write a research paper of at least 10 typewritten pages, plus bibliography and footnotes. Four Credits: Students must attend all classes and field trips, submit a log covering four weeks of travel and write a research paper of at least 12 typewritten pages, plus bibliography and footnotes. Class Schedule: Fall 2024
JPN 201	Intermediate Japanese I ¹ F	4
Description: This course is only offered in the fall term. Continues JPN 102. Emphasis on more complex conversation and advanced grammatical components; continued reading and writing. Emphasis on advanced composition. Prerequisite: JPN 102 with a grade of C or better, or consent of instructor. Class Schedule: Fall 2024
JPN 202	Intermediate Japanese II ¹ S	4
Description: This course is only offered in the spring term. Continues JPN 201. Accuracy and ease in more complex conversation; advanced study of reading and writing. Study of more complex syntax and composition. IAI H1 900 Prerequisite: JPN 201 (Intermediate Japanese I) with a grade of C or better, or consent of instructor. Class Schedule: Fall 2024
JPN 205	Japanese Intensive Oral Practice ¹ F	3
Description: This course is only offered in the fall term. Develops oral facility with the Japanese language using specially designed exercises in pronunciation, stress, and rhythm. Discusses individual readings of modern Japanese works in class. Assigns written and oral compositions based on readings. Helps students to bridge the gap between the intermediate and advanced levels. Develops the ability to use the Japanese language with fluency and accuracy of expression that is achieved by extensive oral conversation in class. Prerequisite: JPN 202 with a grade of C or better, or consent of instructor. Class Schedule: Fall 2024
LIT 208	Non -Western Literature	3
Description: Studies selected works from non-western civilizations, such as Africa, China, India, Japan and the Middle East. Fiction, poetry and drama will be included. This course meets the World Culture and Diversity graduation requirement. IAI H3 908N Class Schedule: Fall 2024
LNG 225	Language and Health	3
Description: Provides an introduction to the study and application of concepts and theories from Linguistics and Health Communication. Focuses on practical applications of effective communication strategies across diverse patient populations by discussing case studies from different healthcare settings, and by analyzing actual provider-patient interactions to understand how specific language choices contribute to constructing meaning in health communication. Includes a strong focus on patients’ perspectives regarding language use and culture-specific characteristics surrounding illness and personal identity, patient advocacy, cooperation, and consent. (Also listed as HSC 225. Credit will be given for LNG 225 or HSC 225, but not both.) Class Schedule: Fall 2024
PHI 160	Non -Western Philosophy	3
Description: Introduces selected philosophical concepts and value systems of several non-Western cultures. Gives attention to the Bhagavad Gita, Vedanta and other Hindu texts, Confucius, the Tao Te Ching and other Chinese classics and key texts from at least two other traditions. IAI H4 903N Class Schedule: Fall 2024
SGN 201	American Sign Language III ¹ F	4
Description: This course is only offered in the fall term. Reviews American Sign Language vocabulary, language functions and grammatical structures presented in SGN 102 and focuses on grammatical and lexical expansion with emphasis on idiomatic usage and socio-cultural communicative functions. Prerequisite: SGN 102 with a grade of C or better, or consent of department chair. Class Schedule: Fall 2024
SGN 202	American Sign Language IV ¹ S	3
Description: This course is only offered in the spring term. Reviews American Sign Language grammatical structures and lexical items presented in SGN 201. Focuses on conversational practice to develop expressive and receptive facility with the language. Includes culturally significant topics and interaction with members of the deaf community. H1 900 Prerequisite: SGN 201 (American Sign Language III) with a grade of C or better, or consent of department chair. Class Schedule: Fall 2024
SGN 205	American Sign Language V ¹	3
Description: Provides an examination of the grammatical features of American Sign Language. Includes a contrastive analysis of English and ASL syntax and semantics. Further develops ASL discourse skills. Emphasizes ASL storytelling, analyzing, retelling, and translating ASL discourse. Designed for students interested or currently enrolled in the Sign Language Interpreting program. Prerequisite: SGN 202 with a grade of C or better, or consent of department chair. Class Schedule: Fall 2024
SGN 210	American Sign Language: Cultural Perspective	4
Description: Examines the history of American Sign Language, the emergence of the deaf community as a linguistic and cultural group, the cultural norms, values, traditions and rules of social behavior of the deaf community, minority dynamics and cross cultural interactions. No knowledge of American Sign Language is required for this course; it is taught in ASL with an interpreter. Class Schedule: Fall 2024
SGN 212	Introduction to American Sign Language Literature ¹	3
Description: Explores American Sign Language literature as an expression of the lives of deaf people in America. Introduces the tradition of the deaf community within historical, social and cultural contexts in works of folklore, nonfiction, fiction, poetry and drama. Designed to increase students’ knowledge, skills and appreciation of American Sign Language, deaf culture and deaf literature. Provides students with an appreciation of the diversity of American culture. Prerequisite: SGN 205 with a grade of B or better, or consent of department chair. Class Schedule: Fall 2024
SPA 201	Intermediate Spanish I ¹	4
Description: Further develops reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills in Spanish. Students learn more complex structures of Spanish grammar, fine-tune pronunciation, gain more advanced skills in composition, and continue to expand their vocabulary. Attention is given to complexity, accuracy, and fluidity. Fosters expanded knowledge of and appreciation for the cultural heritage and history of Spanish-speaking areas. All new students who have prior experience with or have taken classes in Spanish should consult with the department for placement before registering for a course. Instructions can be found on the World Languages website. Prerequisite: SPA 102 with a grade of C or better, or required placement exam scores. Class Schedule: Fall 2024
SPA 202	Intermediate Spanish II	4
Description: Provides a crucial bridge between intermediate and advanced language courses. Focuses on a more in-depth study of history, geography, literature, and culture of Spanish-speaking people. Includes analysis of daily life and current events. Students practice more complex structures of Spanish grammar, fine-tune pronunciation, gain more advanced skills in composition, and continue to expand their vocabulary. Attention is given to complexity, accuracy, and fluency. All new students who have prior experience with or have taken classes in Spanish should consult with the department for placement before registering for a course. Instructions can be found on the World Languages website. IAI H1 900 Prerequisite: SPA 201 with a grade of C or better, or required placement exam scores. Class Schedule: Fall 2024
SPA 205	Spanish Conversation ¹ F	3
Description: This course is only offered in the fall term. Provides conversational practice beyond the intermediate level and refines spoken Spanish skills to achieve fluency of expression. Includes the study of the culture of Spanish-speaking people and critical analysis of daily life and current events. Attention is given to complexity, accuracy, and fluency. Not available for credit to native speakers of Spanish. All new students who have prior experience with or have taken classes in Spanish should consult with the department for placement before registering for a course. Instructions can be found on the World Languages website. Prerequisite: SPA 202 with a grade of C or better, or required placement exam scores. Class Schedule: Fall 2024
SPA 210	Introduction to Spanish Literature ¹ S	3
Description: This course is only offered in the spring term. Provides an introduction to literature from the Spanish-speaking world and exposes students to a variety of literary genres and eras. Focuses on the development of more complex use of the language and addresses speaking, listening, writing, and reading. Attention is given to complexity, accuracy, and fluency. All new students who have prior experience with of have taken classes in Spanish should consult with the department for placement before registering for a course. Instructions can be found on the World Languages website. IAI H3 917 Prerequisite: SPA 202 with a grade of C or better, or required placement exam scores. Class Schedule: Fall 2024

¹ - This course has a prerequisite that must be met prior to enrollment.

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Next steps

For more information about the TESOL program, contact Admission Outreach at 847.925.6700, or submit a request information form. You can also apply online.