Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Certificate
Vision Statement
In the United States, the need for well-prepared language teachers is constant. Teachers are more likely than ever to have the opportunity to teach students who come from a variety of cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
The Department of English offers students the opportunity to obtain a certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). This is a 15-hour/5-course certificate. Normally, students are able to complete the certificate requirements within three or four semesters.
The TESOL faculty have designed the certificate to help students get up to speed on language theory and pedagogy. You’ll start with ENGL 3610 Introduction to Linguistics, which sets the foundation for upper-division courses. Then, you’ll learn specifics about the English language so that you can explain sounds, words, sentences, and meanings to your students. In addition, you’ll study theories about how adults learn languages as well as strategies for teaching language and designing curriculum.
A TESOL certificate does not certify a graduate to teach in Nebraska public schools. Instead, it is an academic credential meant (1) for teachers already certified in other areas, (2) for people who plan to teach in venues other than public schools, and (3) for anyone who works in some capacity with non-native speakers of English. The TESOL Certificate is a rigorous program that will make you very attractive to future employers, whether you remain in the U.S. or work overseas. But learning how to be a good teacher isn’t easy. Are you ready for the challenge?
Students in Teacher Education or in Speech/Language Pathology should contact the TESOL director before applying to this program.
Program Contact Information
Sarah Osborn, PhD, Director
189S Arts & Sciences Hall (ASH)
srfosborn@unomaha.edu
Program Website
Application Deadlines
Applications for this program are accepted on a rolling basis. To apply, write an email to the TESOL Director (srfosborn@unomaha.edu) and include the following information:
- Your major (and minor if applicable)
- Your overall GPA at UNO
- Your reasons for wanting to complete the TESOL Certificate.
If you’re accepted into the program, you will see this change reflected in your UNO DegreeWorks within a few days.
Note that UNO also offers a Graduate TESOL Certificate, which has a separate application process. Visit the Graduate Studies page for more information. (https://catalog.unomaha.edu/graduate/degree-programs-certificates-minors/english/teaching-english-speakers-other-languages-certificate/index.html#text)
Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Certificate Requirements
Students seeking a certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) must take one course from each of the five categories below for a total of 15 credit hours.
Students in Teacher Education or in Speech/Language Pathology should contact the TESOL director before applying to this program.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Take one course from each of the 5 categories below: | 15 | |
| Category I | ||
| INTRODUCTION TO LINGUISTICS | ||
| Category II | ||
| APPLIED LINGUISTICS | ||
| Category III | ||
| STRUCTURE OF ENGLISH | ||
| Category IV | ||
| WRITING CENTER THEORY, PEDAGOGY, AND RESEARCH 1 | ||
| COMPOSITION THEORY & PEDAGOGY 1 | ||
| Category V | ||
| HISTORY OF ENGLISH | ||
| SOCIOLINGUISTICS | ||
| ENGLISH INTERNSHIP (with a TESOL Placement) | ||
- 1
With a TESOL-focused project.
- Note 1: Under some circumstances, the TESOL Certificate Director may allow substitute courses.
- Note 2: Students who earn less than a B in ENGL 3610 Introduction to Linguistics may be disenrolled from the program.
The linguistics faculty strongly recommends that students become proficient in a second language.