Teaching English as a Foreign Language Certificate

Professor: Robert Troyer

Assistant professor: Milntra Raksachat

Mission

The TEFL Certificate program prepares students to enter the professional job market of teaching English abroad or online. The program is designed for students who are seeking a first experience Teaching English as a Foreign Language by providing a strong foundation in English Linguistics and training in foreign language acquisition and teaching methods. While complementary programs at WOU prepare ESOL teachers for K-12 classrooms in the US, the TEFL Certificate focuses on teaching English primarily to young adult and adult learners in cross-cultural and international contexts.

Learning Outcomes

Use professional knowledge and insights from the field of Applied Linguistics to appropriately teach English Language Learners in a wide variety of Foreign Language contexts.
Instruct a diverse range of English Language Learners using pedagogical practices that are culturally and socially sensitive and responsible.

Core Courses

LING 310 Introduction to Linguistics Credits: 4
LING 315 Structure of English I Credits: 4
LING 410 Theories of Foreign Language Acquisition for Adult/Young Adult Learners Credits: 4
LING 415 Strategies in Foreign Language Teaching for Adult/Young Adult Learners Credits: 4
LING 416 TEFL Certificate Practicum Credits: 2
LING 492 Pedagogical Grammar in TEFL for Adult/Young Adult Learners Credits: 4

Choose One

LING 312 Language and Society Credits: 4
LING 350 Linguistics in the Digital Age Credits: 4
LING 370 Meaning and Context Credits: 4

Total Credits: 26

Note:

The TEFL Certificate is for undergraduate or post-baccalaureate students. Undergraduate students may also choose to obtain a Linguistics Minor (20 credits) along with the certificate. Students entering the program with a baccalaureate may obtain the certificate by completing the required courses (26 credits) and fulfilling the residency requirements of a second bachelor’s degree.