TESL - Teaching English as a Second Language
Washington Academy of Languages (WAL), in cooperation with Seattle Pacific University (SPU), offers an internationally recognized graduate level TESL Certificate Program for teaching English here and abroad. A Bachelor's degree is a prerequisite for admission to the program.
Summer Program at Pacific Lutheran University!
In addition to our programs in Seattle, all eight TESL courses are now being held at PLU's beautiful campus in Tacoma. PLU has an outstanding reputation and we are very excited to bring our curriculum to teachers in the South Sound. To see the schedule of courses and dates, please click here.To learn more about Pacific Lutheran University please visit their website.
Program Content
The TESL Program gives participants a foundation in second language acquisition theory, linguistics, language teaching methods, and cultural issues related to teaching a diverse student population. Participants acquire hands-on experience utilizing contemporary instructional methods. Emphasis is placed on the practical aspects of teaching.
Teaching Prospects
The WAL/SPU TESL Certificate is internationally recognized by language schools all over the world. Graduates of our Certificate program have found teaching positions in local community colleges, grade schools, and high schools. Others have gone on to teach children and adults in Western and Eastern Europe, Asia, Africa and South America. Almost all of our graduates who have sought employment abroad have found positions of their choice.
TESL Certificate Requirements
Completion of the TESL Certificate requires a total of 8 courses (24 credits): See Course Schedule for meeting dates and times.
- Principles of Language Learning OR Introduction to Linguistics
- History and Methods of Teaching ESL/Bilingual Education
- English Structure for ELL Teachers
- Methods of Teaching Spoken Language
- Methods of Teaching Reading and Writing to the ESL Student
- Issues Across Cultures
- Testing and Evaluation of the ESL Student
- ESL Materials Selection and Development
Students who complete all eight courses will be awarded the TESL Certificate.* Graduates who already hold a Washington State Teaching Certificate will also be eligible for ELL Endorsement and Bilingual Education Endorsement.
*Students who transfer more than two courses toward the ELL Endorsement are not eligible to receive the TESL Certificate.
Courses and Credits
The program consists of eight courses at the post-baccalaureate level. Each course earns 3 university quarter credits, for a total of 24 university quarter credits. It is necessary to take all classes for credit in order to receive the Certificate.
