Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages

Program Details

Credential Received

Advanced Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages

Advanced Diploma in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages

Overview

Program Summary

The Selkirk College TESOL Advanced diploma and certificate program is for students interested in teaching English as a second or foreign language either domestically or internationally. Classes are offered in one intensive semester of study, during which time students gain both theoretical and practical knowledge in teaching language. Upon completion of both Theory and Practicum, students, with a degree, are eligible for TESL Canada Professional 1 Certification.

The program includes course work in the areas of second language acquisition theory and linguistics, curriculum design, materials development for core skill areas - reading writing, speaking, listening and pronunciation, classroom management, and assessment. In addition to the 18 hours a week of class time, students observe and teach in Selkirk College’s multicultural adult English Language Program on the Castlegar campus. TESOL students also have the opportunity to participate in language partnerships with ESL students and gain work experience as ESL tutors. There are two program options:

TESOL Advanced Diploma

Students complete 250 hours of methodology coursework plus a 20-hour practicum which includes 10 hours of observation and 10 hours of practice teaching in one of Selkirk’s skill-based, multicultural ESL classrooms.

Students who hold a degree and successfully complete Selkirk’s TESOL Advanced Diploma program are eligible to apply for TESL Canada Professional 1 Certification.

TESL Advanced Certificate

Students complete 250 hours of methodology coursework, but they do not participate in the Practicum component. This program does not meet all the requirements needed to apply for TESL Canada recognition. If students who have completed the Advanced certificate program and wish to complete the practicum component and convert their Advanced Certificate to an Advanced Diploma, they can do so within one year and with the approval of the School Chair. There is an additional charge for this practicum experience.

Practicum Options

Extended Practicum

For those interested in TESL Canada Professional 2 Certification, Selkirk College offers an Extended Practicum (usually 8 weeks) which includes an additional 20 hours of observation and 10 hours of teaching in one of Selkirk’s skill-based, multicultural ESL classrooms. Students must have successfully completed the Advanced Diploma prior before commencing this program. There is an additional charge for the extended practicum.

International Practicum

An international teaching practicum experience provides students with an opportunity to live and teach in an international setting with the support of Selkirk College. During their practicum students will apply the theories and methods studied in the Selkirk College TESOL program in a work environment.

Please note: TSOL 120 is an additional practicum for graduates of the Selkirk College TESOL Advanced diploma program. It is not a requirement for graduation. This course may not be offered every year. Enrolment is limited.

Visiting Practicum

The visiting practicum program also offers external TESOL students an opportunity to complete their classroom observations and practicum teaching experience at Selkirk College. Students who have completed a minimum of 100 hours of TESOL course work at another institution, approved by TESL Canada, and some related experience can apply for the visiting practicum. Students work one on- one with an experienced ESL instructor as they observe, plan, deliver, and reflect on lessons in one of Selkirk’s skill-based, multicultural ESL classrooms.

Practical Studies in TESOL

The Practical Studies in TESOL program is a 4-week program available in the Winter term between January and March or in July to international TESOL students or instructors who are interested in working alongside an experienced, Canadian instructor in one of Selkirk’s skill-based, multicultural ESL classrooms. Students shadow a mentor teacher, observe a variety of classes, participate in all student events, and plan and deliver a number of practicum language lessons.

Program Outcomes

• Select and generate learning materials that meet course outcomes and support learners’ goals.
• Create, develop and deliver effective language lessons based on knowledge of SLA theory, curriculum design and best practice methodology.
• Demonstrate familiarity with a range of approaches, strategies and techniques for teaching listening, speaking, reading, writing, pronunciation and grammar.
• Manage classrooms that foster a stimulating and inclusive learning environment.
• Exhibit intercultural competence, cultural awareness and sensitivity.
• Recognize and utilize the central concepts and conventions of the English language (phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, pragmatics and discourse).
• Reflect critically on teaching practices and demonstrate professional conduct.
• Utilize appropriate technology in lesson planning and delivery.
• Design and conduct assessments linked to learning outcomes.

Program Admission Requirements

Academic Requirements

In addition to meeting the general admission requirements to Selkirk College, the applicant must meet the following TESOL/TESL Program requirements to be considered fully-qualified:

Advanced Diploma and Advanced Certificate

• Applicants must have successfully graduated from a degree or diploma program from a recognized institution or completed at least two years of post-secondary education.
• Entrance requirements include an average of 67% in prior course work.
• Applicants who are speakers of other languages must provide evidence of a minimal TOEFL score of 213 (CBT), an IELTS score of 6.5, or have completed the Selkirk Advanced English Language program and English 60 or EASL 067 with a minimum 76% or higher average.

NOTE: To be eligible for TESL Canada Professional Standard One or Two Certification, applicants who are speakers of other languages must have an IELTS score of 7.0 or equivalent and all applicants must have a bachelor's degree.

Extended Practicum

• Applicants must have successfully completed Selkirk’s Advanced diploma program and received a grade of 68% or higher in their Practicum Course and Seminar (TSOL 110) to be eligible for this additional program option.

Visiting Practicum

• Successfully completed a minimum of 100 hours of coursework at a TESL Canada Certified institution and have previous education-related work or volunteer experience.

International Practicum

• Applicants must be graduates of Selkirk College’s TESOL Advanced diploma program.

Teaching English to Young Learners

• Applicants should have TESOL training completed or in progress or approval of the School Chair.

Additional Requirements

• Prior work or volunteer educational experience, preferably with second language learners, and/or coursework in education.

The following must be received:

• All post-secondary transcripts
• English proficiency test scores as indicated above
• Current resumé
• Letter of reference
• Letter of intent

When file is complete, interviews will be arranged. Where circumstances make a personal interview impractical, a Skype or video interview will be conducted.

Graduation and Promotion

In order to received your certificate or diploma, you must receive a minimum grade of ‘C’ (60-62%) in all required courses. Promotion to do an Extended Practicum requires a B- (68-71%) in the TSOL 110 Practicum course.