Opportunities in TESOL
Specialists in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) teach English (speaking, listening, reading, writing) to people who do not speak English as their first language. They may teach children of immigrants, refugees, or non-permanent residents. They may also teach children who speak different languages, such as Spanish, Vietnamese, or Navaho, at home or in the community. TESOL specialists may also teach adults in universities, community colleges, or various literacy programs. Some may teach overseas in schools, businesses, or other settings, such as the Peace Corps. A TESOL specialist has an interest in foreign languages, language structure, teaching, and working with people from other cultures.
Graduate students in English may emphasize TESOL course work in their M.A. program without necessarily seeking certification; some may seek Missouri state K–12 TESOL certification as described below.
TESOL Certification Option
All students who wish to be certified in TESOL must complete the following requirements:
- Complete a bachelor's degree.
- Hold a Missouri teaching certificate in another area (e.g. elementary education, secondary English).
- Complete the following professional education requirements (may be taken as part of bachelor's degree): SPE 330 or SPE 530 or RDG 474.
- Complete the TESOL certification requirements outlined below. It is preferred, though not required, that the student complete course work in a foreign language or experience a foreign culture.
Certification Requirements (18 hours)
| ENG 296: Introduction to Linguistics | 3 hrs. |
| ENG 592: Sociolinguistics for Language Teaching | 3 hrs. |
| ENG 595: Principles of Second Language Acquisition | 3 hrs. |
| ENG 596: Materials and Assessment in TESOL | 3 hrs. |
| ENG 505: Methods and Materials in TESOL | 3 hrs. |
| ENG 597: TESOL Practicum | 3 hrs. |
| Total | 18 hrs. |
For course descriptions, see the English Course Catalog.
Additional Certification Requirements
Students must take an additional three hours of electives in English, education, or other cognate areas. Students must earn a "C" or higher in all courses that count toward state certification.
