Program Overview
The Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) program offers you the opportunity to gain essential skills and knowledge for engaging with multilingual individuals in our diverse world. Whether aspiring to teach English to speakers of other languages (ESOL) in U.S. schools or English as a foreign language (EFL) in international contexts, this program provides a solid foundation.
Key Features
- Cross-Cultural Understanding: Explore cultural diversity and its impact on language learning and teaching.
- Pedagogical Training: Gain expertise in language learning theories and effective teaching strategies.
- Certification Pathway: Students interested in pursuing TESOL teacher certification can apply to the one-year MCERT program.
+83%
Increase of bilinguals/multilinguals in the U.S. from 1980-2018
Learning Goals
- Demonstrate understanding of language learning theories and varied pedagogical approaches.
- Apply effective teaching strategies to support English language development in diverse learner populations.
- Analyze cross-cultural factors influencing language acquisition and classroom dynamics.
- Design and implement engaging and inclusive lessons that promote language proficiency and literacy skills.
How to Apply
How to Apply
You can apply for the TESOL Minor if you meet the following:
- Must be a current University student.
- Completed at least one semester at the University of Maryland.
- A minimum 2.00 cumulative UMD GPA is required.
“Personally, I have implemented things directly from the courses, and I feel like I have gotten a completely different outlook on teaching multilingual learners (MLLs) that I would have had no clue about if these courses were not taken. It is especially helpful due to the large MLL populations at…partner public schools. I feel so much more prepared for when I become a teacher.”
Requirements
Program Requirements
The Minor in TESOL consists of 15 credits (5 classes). Please consult the undergraduate catalog for more information and full course descriptions.
The minor incorporates coursework required for TESOL teacher certification from the Maryland State Department of Education; however, this minor does NOT satisfy ALL of the requirements for teacher certification. Undergraduate students wishing to become certified in TESOL are encouraged to apply to our five-year integrated Master's certification program in TESOL.
All courses must be passed with a grade of "C-" or better. No more than six of the required credits (two courses) may be taken at an institution other than the University of Maryland.
- TLPL 440 (Fall Only) - Foundations of Educating Multilingual Learners (3 credits)
- TLPL 442 (Fall Only) - Foundations of Literacy and Biliteracy Development(3 credits)
- TLPL 443 - Cross-Cultural Communication and Multilingual Learners (3 credits)
- TLPL 444 (Spring Only) - English Grammar Pedagogy for Teachers of English Language Learners (3 credits)
- TLPL 441(Spring Only) - Pedagogy of Teaching English Language Learners (3 credits)
Contact
For more information, please contact:
Office of Student Services
educminors@umd.edu.