Turn your passion for languages into a rewarding career!

As English has become the language of choice for international communication and the most widely spoken second language, the global demand for English teachers continues to increase. In this one-year Ontario College Graduate Certificate program - Teachers of English as a Second/Foreign Language (TESFL) - you gain a theoretical foundation and hands-on skills in teaching second languages. Upon graduation, you are able to teach English as a second/foreign language to newcomers to Canada, international students, and professionals. Internationally, this certificate also allows you to teach English to individuals under the age of 19. This program is officially recognized by TESL Ontario and TESL Canada and is available on campus or through synchronous online delivery.

Develop skills and strategies to be an effective language teacher, including in such areas as:

• lesson and unit planning
• teaching core language skills and grammar
• educational technology for online learning
• classroom management
• assessment and evaluation
• instructional design

Integrate your theoretical knowledge with practice teaching. Apply your foundational knowledge and skills in an Independent Learning Project where you work one-on-one with an ESL student. Gain further practical experience by taking part in two practicum placements and an optional overseas teaching internship.

Upon completion of this program, you qualify for teacher accreditation with TESL Ontario and TESL Canada, which enables you to pursue ESL teaching opportunities in Canada and abroad. Upon graduation, you may find employment in:

• continuing education
• government-funded community-based programs
• colleges
• universities
• private language schools
• industry as language trainers

SUCCESS FACTORS

This program is well-suited for students who:

• Have an excellent command of and interest in the English language.
• Have good interpersonal and critical-thinking skills.
• Understand and appreciate cultural diversity.
• Have a basic understanding of computers and the Internet.
• Have the ability to work with word processors and basis presentation tools.
• Are enthusiastic about teaching.

Careers

Domestic career opportunities for graduates include teaching English as a Second Language to adults in continuing education, government-funded community-based programs, colleges, universities and private language schools. International career opportunities include teaching English as a Second Language in elementary and secondary schools, postsecondary institutions and the private sector.

Pathways

Please use our Pathways tool to search for pathway options.

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

1. Apply the principles of second language acquisition and andragogy to design and implement relevant, authentic, and inspiring English as a Second/Foreign language learning opportunities in a variety of teaching modalities.
2. Engage in reflective practice to develop and implement a personal teaching philosophy based on knowledge of the historical development of ESL methodologies.
3. Apply a variety of language teaching methodologies and knowledge of language systems to facilitate learning in diverse teaching and learning situations.
4. Use the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion to contribute to a respectful and positive learning environment.
5. Create, implement, and evaluate a variety of valid and reliable feedback and assessment techniques and tools to evaluate adult English language learner performance and progress.
6. Model personal and professional responsibility, accountability, and ethical and legal practices in second/foreign language teaching.
7. Leverage relevant educational technology applications to enhance instructional design and delivery of educational materials for face-to-face and online learning environments.
8. Design and develop lessons, modules, and curricula that support the achievement of language learning goals.
9. Evaluate and adopt a range of classroom management techniques to create an engaging classroom environment in various learning contexts.
10. Select and apply career management strategies for identifying, preparing for, securing, and progressing through professional opportunities locally and internationally.
11. Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.

Application Information

TEACHERS OF ENGLISH AS A SECOND/FOREIGN LANGUAGE
Program Code 0925X02PWO

Registration Note:
If you would like to take courses individually or start the program part time, you are not required to apply to the program. You can register for up to three courses per term by clicking on the course title and selecting "Register Online".

Registrar's Office
Algonquin College
1385 Woodroffe Ave
Ottawa, ON K2G 1V8
Telephone: 613-727-0002
Toll-free: 1-800-565-4723
TTY: 613-727-7766
Fax: 613-727-7632
Contact: https://www.algonquincollege.com/ro

Program Resources

Both the full-time and part-time programs are offered on the Woodroffe Campus. Flexible delivery options are also available including hybrid and online synchronous delivery.

The full-time program offering is completed in two consecutive terms, Fall and Winter. The part-time program offering can be completed in as few as three consecutive terms but must be completed within four years. Both include practice in adult ESL classrooms.

The full-time courses are offered in the morning, Monday to Friday. The part-time courses are offered in the evening, 6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m., Monday to Thursday. Part-time students are permitted to take day courses, subject to seat availability.

Applicants with previous teaching experience in adult ESL or EFL are eligible for course exemptions through PLAR. External transfer of credit from similar academic programs is also possible.

https://www.algonquincollege.com/plar
https://www.algonquincollege.com/ro/course-exemptions-credit-transfers/

Academic Planner:
The Academic Planner provides registered part-time students the ability to declare into a program of study. The Academic Planner outlines successfully completed courses to date, as well as courses that need to be completed in order to meet graduation requirements. It is therefore, essential that all part-time students declare to their program of study, allowing administrators to plan course offerings. The tool is available on ACSIS, located under 'Part-time Students' on the left-hand toolbar.