TESOL Certificate (In Moratorium)

Note: The TESOL Certificate is currently not accepting new students. For further information contact the Elementary Education Department, Western Washington University, Miller Hall 300, 516 High Street, Bellingham, WA 98225-9086, 360-650-3336.

Department of Elementary Education, Woodring College of Education

27 credits

Introduction

Completion of the 27 credit sequence of courses results in a TESOL certificate awarded by Western Washington University. This certificate can be used both domestically and internationally as evidence of in-depth training in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). The program is academically rigorous and experientially rich. TESOL students must successfully complete TESOL track coursework in methodology and linguistics with a minimum GPA of 2.7, demonstrate study of another culture (gained through experience, or the minimum of 3 credits of approved course work) and the equivalent of one year of college-level foreign language study. TESOL certificate candidates accumulate 100 hours of teaching experience with English language learners through classroom tutoring and a supervised and mentored teaching practicum.

Why Consider a TESOL Certificate?

There is a growing demand around the world for trained TESOL professionals. Successful completion of Western’s TESOL Program provides a minor (for students enrolled in a Bachelor’s degree program at Western), an international certificate, and the skills to thrive in settings that are culturally and linguistically diverse. The TESOL certificate demonstrates evidence of in-depth training, opening doors to opportunities to teach English internationally and nationally. Employment may be found at international language schools and community language settings for recent immigrants.

Contact Information

Andrew Blick Director, Instructional Design and Curriculum Outreach and Continuing Education 360-650-2841 blicka@wwu.edu

Sample Careers

Employment may be found at international language schools and community language settings for recent immigrants. The cross-cultural, cross-linguistic, and presentation skills developed in the program are valued in a variety of careers that involve working with diverse populations.

Major/Career Resources

www.wwu.edu/careers/students_choosingamajor.shtml

How to Declare (Admission and Declaration Process):

Review the following eligibility requirements and application process for currently enrolled Western students and for prospective students not yet formally admitted to the University. Additional information can be found on the “How to Apply” section of the TESOL webpage at wce.wwu.edu/tesol/how-apply.

Eligibility

• Applicants must have completed at least 45 credits of college-level coursework with a preferred minimum GPA of 3.0.
• Non-native English speakers are required to have a TOEFL score of 550 or higher.
• Successful completion of a criminal background check.

Students currently admitted/enrolled at Western

• Submit the TESOL Program Application.
• Once admitted to the TESOL program, you will be provided with registration information.

Prospective students not currently enrolled at Western

• Submit WWU Admissions Application, transcripts and fee.
• Submit the TESOL Program Application.
• Once formally admitted to Western and to the TESOL program, you will be provided details on how to register.

Grade Requirements

A grade of C- or better is required for a student’s certificate courses, and supporting courses for certificates.