TESOL Endorsement

TESOL Endorsement - ND8887

Linguistics Department
383 Gordy Hall
Athens, OH 45701
740.593.0297
castaned@ohio.edu

Delivery Mode: Athens Campus, Online

Terms of Entry: Fall, Summer

Enrollment Eligibility: Current degree-seeking student or non-degree status

Program Overview

The TESOL Endorsement is for teachers with an Ohio teaching license who are interested in obtaining the Teaching of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) endorsement. Those who do not have an Ohio teaching license can pursue the same coursework through TEFL Certificate .

Students will take four linguistics courses: introduction to linguistics, language learning, methods and materials, and a language teaching practicum. The language teaching practicum involves 50 hours of field experience during which the candidate will observe and assist a P-12 teacher who has English Language Learners in class. This field experience can take place in a school or after-school program/club. Candidates are required to maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher throughout the program, and must treat students, colleagues, and instructors with respect and use professional and clear communication within the program. In addition to the coursework, students must successfully pass the state-mandated assessment of English to Speakers of Other Languages (Ohio Assessment for Educators test #021) in order to add the TESOL Endorsement to their Ohio license.

Expected time to completion with ful-time study is one semester if taking summer intensive program or four semesters if taking courses in fall and spring.

Program Learning Outcomes

Candidates know, understand, and use the major theories and research related to the structure and acquisition of language to help English language learners’ (ELLs’) develop language and literacy and achieve in the content areas.
Candidates know, understand, and use major concepts, principles, theories, and research related to the nature and role of culture and cultural groups to construct supportive learning environments for ELLs.
Candidates know, understand, and use evidence-based practices and strategies related to planning, implementing, and managing standards-based ESL and content instruction. Candidates are knowledgeable about program models and skilled in teaching strategies for developing and integrating language skills. They integrate technology as well as choose and adapt classroom resources appropriate for their ELLs.
Candidates demonstrate understanding of issues and concepts of assessment and use standards-based procedures with ELLs.
Candidates keep current with new instructional techniques, research results, advances in the ESL field, and education policy issues and demonstrate knowledge of the history of ESL teaching. They use such information to reflect on and improve their instruction and assessment practices. Candidates work collaboratively with school staff and the community to improve the learning environment, provide support, and advocate for ELLs and their families.

Opportunities upon Completion

This TESOL Endorsement, which is added to an existing Ohio teaching license, contributes to increased knowledge and potential higher earnings as well as securing a teaching position. The need for teachers who are trained to work with English Language Learners continues to grow nationally and in Ohio, as the state has settled thousands of refugees and has a large immigrant population. Teachers who complete the endorsement have the opportunity to put 10 of these credit hours toward a Master of Arts in Applied Linguistics at Ohio University.

Admission Requirements

Current Ohio Teaching License
An overall undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better
Brief statement of purpose (1-2 pages) by the candidate
For non-native English speakers: Minimum TOEFL: 600 (paper), 100 (iBT), or IELTS: 7.0 overall average.

International Students

This endorsement program does not permit full-time enrollment in residence at Ohio University, and an I-20 cannot be issued based on admission to this program.

Completion Requirements

Complete a minimum of 14 credit hours and practicum experiences as follows:

Required Courses

Language Teaching Experience

The Language Teaching Practicum includes 50 clock hours of field experience. Students choose their own field experience location. The field experience must involve at least some engagement with P-12 English Language Learners, such as tutoring or teaching. The location can be in a school or in an after-school program or club. All field experience locations and activities will need to be pre-approved by the Language Teaching Practicum professor. No video recording or observations by the Language Teaching Practicum professor are required for this endorsement.