Courses and Curriculum

Review the TESOL Certificate Program Requirements in the University Catalog.

Graduates of the TESOL Certificate in Foundations for Teaching and Supporting English Learners will be able to…

• develop and apply principles of linguistics and second language acquisition to support English learners
• investigate methods for supporting and instructing English learners in various contexts
• investigate opportunities for developing a professional identity as an advocate for English learners
• practice supporting English learners in a community-based context

Students must complete at least one course from the following:

• TESL 411: Linguistics and Second Language Acquisition for TESOL (4 credits)
• LANG 410: World Language Instruction: Theory and Method I (5 credits)
• LING 336: The Structure of English (5 credits)
• MLE 441: Language, Culture, and Equity: From Global to Local (5 credits)
• MLE 442: Language, Culture, and Equity in the Classroom (5 credits)
• MLE 541: Language, Culture, and Equity: From Global to Local (5 credits)
• MLE 542: Language, Culture, and Equity in the Classroom (5 credits)

Students must complete at least one course or course sequence (TESL 340 and either TESL 240 or LING 370) from the following:

Single Course Option:

• TESL 441: Instructional Theories and Methods for TESOL (4 credits)
• LANG 420: World Language Instruction: Theory and Method II (5 credits)
• LING 445: Second Language Research and Teaching (5 credits)
• MLE 443: Methods for Teaching Entering and Emerging Multilingual Learners (5 credits)
• MLE 543: Methods for Teaching Entering and Emerging Multilingual Learners (5 credits)

Course Sequence Option:

TESL 340: Strategies for Working with English Language Learners (2 credits) and one of:

• TESL 240: English Language Education, Advocacy, and Community Engagement (5 credits; BCGM)
• LING 370: Linguistics, Education, and Social Justice (5 credits)

Note: Select courses may require classroom or community volunteer hours. 

Students must complete both of the following:

• TESL 450: Professional Seminar for TESOL (2 credits)
• TESL 451: Community-Based Practicum for TESOL (2 credits)
  Requires a minimum of 40 practicum hours, 30 of which must include direct work with English learners.

For course descriptions, refer to the TESOL section of the University Catalog:

• TESL 240: English Language Education, Advocacy, and Community Engagement (5 credits; BCGM)
• TESL 340: Strategies for Working with English Language Learners (2 credits)
• TESL 350: Tutoring and Supporting English Language Learners (1-4 credits)
• TESL 400: Directed Independent Study (Variable Credit)
• TESL 411: Linguistics and Second Language Acquisition for TESOL (4 credits)
• TESL 437: TESOL Study Abroad (Variable Credit)
• TESL 441: Instructional Theories and Methods for TESOL (4 credits)
• TESL 443: Trends in Instructional Theories and Methods for TESOL (2-4 credits)
• TESL 450: Professional Seminar for TESOL (2 credits)
• TESL 451: Community-Based Practicum for TESOL (2 credits)

As register for your final TESOL courses, be sure you also submit the certificate paperwork to finalize your certificate:

1. Review the information on the Registrar's Office "Certificate Information" page.
2. Request a certificate evaluation (email TESOL@wwu.edu).
3. After your certificate evaluation is complete, complete and submit the Certificate Completion Application by the deadline (see the  "Certificate Information" page for deadlines).