Learn To Teach English (TESOL Certificate)

TESOL Certificate Courses (Face to Face and Online)

UMBC TESOL Training Course Outline

This intensive, non-credit course is designed for busy professionals and recent college graduates who are interested in exploring the TESOL field as a future career opportunity. Course participants learn and practice a wide variety of methods and techniques for teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL). Through face-to-face or online instruction and weekly discussions, participants explore best practices for teaching English as a second and a foreign language and learn how to create an effective, communicative language classroom for students of varied ages and levels. The course uses a practical, hands-on approach that includes classroom observations, tutoring sessions, and classroom teaching. The total number of hours required to complete these courses is 100+ hours.

As part of  this course participants will:

  • Examine and evaluate traditional second language teaching methods and the newest trends in the field.
  • Identify and use a variety of methods for teaching listening, speaking, reading, writing, vocabulary, and grammar in an ESL/EFL classroom.
  • Develop and practice language teaching and classroom management techniques for teaching the English language to learners of all ages in the U.S. and abroad.
  • Examine the processes of language and literacy development in a communicative language classroom.
  • Examine, practice and use the best practices in ESL/EFL assessment.
  • Discuss and demonstrate cultural awareness and intercultural communication skills necessary for teaching a diverse population.
  • Develop and implement class activities and clearly sequenced lesson plans that demonstrate best practices in TESOL and TEFL fields.

The courses are offered every fall, spring, and summer semester.

Watch our Online TESOL Course video

Step 1:

Take a DuoLingo English Assessment Test before you apply. Please submit your score to UMBC English Language Institute the latest five days BEFORE the program’s start date.
For more information on how to register to take a test, please go to https://englishtest.duolingo.com/applicants. While we accept an application prior to the test score submitted, it is highly recommended to take a DuoLingo English Assessment Test before you apply.

For more details about the DuoLingo English test, please go to the Placement Test section.

Step 2:

Read the instructions here carefully and save the detailed instruction on your computer. Read the instruction carefully.

Step 3:

Go to the UMBC ELI Application site. Scrol down to find the program you are interested in. Select the session date you would like to apply to. Follow the steps. Please make sure to answer the question “How do you hear about the program?” during your application process.

Spring 2023 Intensive TESOL Training Course
In Person:  January 31 –  May 16, 2023 (Tuesday & Thursday, 6-9 pm) UMBC Main Campus
Online:  January 31 –  May 26, 2023

TESOL Certificate Training Course participants will receive a certificate of completion based on course participation and demonstrated mastery of skills and course content. Successful completion is demonstrated through:

  • Active participation in all sessions and discussions.
  • Completion of all required class observations, tutoring sessions, and associated tasks.
  • Successful completion of the teaching practicum (10 hours).

The breakdown of course hours for the Face to Face classes is as follows:

TESOL 1

Classroom instruction

45 hours

Self-study, assignments, tasks

25 hours

Class observation

5 hours

Tutoring

5 hours

Conversation partner

10 hours

Teaching Practicum/internship

10 hours

Total hours

100 hours

 

The breakdown of course hours for the Online classes is as follows:

TESOL 1

Online instruction (lectures, videos, other content)

45 hours

Self-study, assignments, tasks

35 hours

Class observations

5 hours

Tutoring

5 hours

Teaching Practicum/internship

10 hours

Total hours

100 hours

This course is an introduction to TESOL for those interested in teaching or tutoring with community-based ESL programs in the U.S., teaching English abroad, or volunteering for an organization that provides services to immigrants or other international populations. The course is also an excellent introduction to the field for those considering a career change and for recent college graduates and advanced undergraduates considering teaching English as a career option.

Tuition: $1,200 (for 100+ TESOL certificate)
Application Fee: $100 (non-refundable)
Note: Tuition does not include the textbook for the course. Before the course begins, the instructor will send students information about the required textbook.

Most prospective students have completed a bachelor’s degree, although advanced undergraduates are also welcome to apply for the course. Basic computer skills are a prerequisite. Prior ESL teaching experience is not required.

Registration is taken on a first-come, first-served basis. Class enrollment is limited, so we suggest that you register as early as possible. The deadline to register is 6 weeks before the course start date. If the course is full, we can keep your application until registration begins for the next available class (fall, spring, or summer).

For additional information, please contact us at eli@umbc.edu or 410-455-2831.

  • For what type of teaching position may I expect to qualify upon completing this course?
    This depends on a number of factors, including your prior professional experience and the types and academic requirements of positions for which you apply. Past course participants have found positions teaching English abroad, in community-based adult English programs, in adult literacy programs, and in volunteer programs.
  • Does completing this course qualify me to teach English in U.S. schools?
    This is a non-credit course that does not meet the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) requirements for certification to teach ESOL in elementary through secondary schools. Students who wish to pursue public school teaching certification may wish to consider UMBC’s graduate programs in TESOL (see #4 below).
  • Is job placement assistance provided during or after the program?
    Students often learn about job opportunities through networking with each other and by being members of the ELI TESOL listserv.  Students will learn about TESOL professional associations and other resources for exploring a variety of career options. Program faculty and staff are always available to provide guidance and answer questions about the TESOL job market.
  • How can I learn more about the TESOL profession after completing the course?
    UMBC has a strong reputation in TESOL professional training and works with teachers from all over the world. For further professional development, you can continue with UMBC’s postbaccalaureate certificate in ESOL or the master’s degree in TESOL. For more information about these graduate programs and about U.S. P-12 public school teaching certification in ESOL, see the TESOL Program website or write to TESOL@umbc.edu for more information.

Students often wish to start gaining classroom experience after completing the TESOL Training Course. Many students begin as volunteers in a local adult education program, which is a wonderful way both to gain experience and to contribute to your community. If you are more adventurous, you may wish to travel abroad to teach. Below are several resources to begin your search for English teaching opportunities.

Organization

Contact

Teaching Opportunity

Esperanza Center
430 S. Broadway
Baltimore, MD 21231
T: 410-522-2668

Diana Siemer
ESL Teacher/Coordinator

Beth Awalt
Volunteer Coordinator

ESL: weekdays, evenings and Saturdays

Volunteer Training Provided

Yes

Application

Contact agency

Details

No formal curriculum. Teach survival skills and English for everyday life.

Organization

Contact

Teaching Opportunity

Baltimore City Community College’s Refugee Youth Project

Baltimore Resettlement Center
3516 Eastern Ave.
Baltimore, MD 21224

www.refugeeyouthproject.org

Brittany DeNovellis
Volunteer Specialist

After-school program: commit to 2 hours per week between 3-5:30 pm at various school sites around Baltimore (M-TH).

Mentoring program: 2 hours per week, flexible time/day, locations vary

Volunteer Training Provided

Yes. Contact agency for dates

Application

Email rypvolunteerspecialist@gmail.com for an application.  Orientation, background check, and interview required.

Details

Help refugee children with homework, English skills, and social assimilation into U.S. culture.

Organization

Contact

Teaching Opportunity

PROMISE Cyber School
9250 Bendix Rd.
Columbia, MD 21045
www.promise4all.com

Contact
T: 443-812-3267

ESL
Hours vary: Sunday to Friday, 7:00 p.m. EST to 8:00 a.m. EST

Volunteer Training Provided

Yes

Application

www.promise4all.com or contact Cher Ware

Details

Must have web cam, headset, and quiet office space for teaching. Teaching degree not required.

An Internet search will reveal a number of websites that advertise overseas teaching positions. Some popular sites are: