The B.A. in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) provides future teachers with a solid foundation in language acquisition theory, pedagogical approaches, and cross-cultural communication skills, as well as opportunities to gain practical teaching experience through classroom observation and student teaching.
The program covers content topics such as linguistics, second language acquisition theory, and issues of immigration; pedagogical topics include language teaching methodology, curriculum development, assessment and evaluation, literacy development, and technology integration in language instruction. Upon completion of the program, graduates are prepared to pursue careers in teaching English as a second language (ESL) or English as a foreign language (EFL) in a variety of educational settings, both domestically and internationally.
Program Features
The program combines in-depth theoretical coursework with practical teaching experience through supervised placements in local schools.
Highlights
- The program can be completed within 4 years with appropriate planning;
- The program can be completed alongside another B.A. or B.S. major with 120 credit hours. As a result of completing two majors, candidates can get certified in TESOL and a content area for a range of grades from PreK-12;
- The program is appropriate for high school students, transfer students, or anyone who would like to change their career;
- Financial aid is available to qualified students.
- Introduction to linguistics
- Second language acquisition theory
- Bilingual education
- Methods of teaching English as a second and foreign language
- Immigration issues
- Multiliteracy
- Multiculturalism
- Learning Outcome 1: Apply foundational principles of linguistics and language acquisition to design effective language instruction and assessment for multilingual learners.
- Learning Outcome 2: Demonstrate a deep understanding of the cultural and linguistic backgrounds of multilingual learners and use this knowledge to create an inclusive classroom environment that respects diversity and promotes cultural responsiveness.
- Learning Outcome 3: Develop and implement evidence-based, student-centered lesson plans that engage multilingual learners and promote language development across all language domains (i.e., listening, speaking, reading, and writing).
- Learning Outcome 4: Use technology effectively to support language teaching and learning, including selecting appropriate digital resources and integrating them into instructional activities.
- Learning Outcome 5: Implement a variety of assessment strategies and tools to measure student progress and adjust instruction accordingly.
- Learning Outcome 6: Use differentiated instruction to meet the diverse needs of multilingual learners, including those with special needs and at different levels of language proficiency.
- Learning Outcome 7: Demonstrate a commitment to ongoing professional development and lifelong learning, including engaging in reflective practice and seeking out opportunities for continued growth and improvement.
Concentrations
Pre-TESOL
Students have an opportunity to pursue TESOL and another concentration. For example, students interested in Social Studies or Chemistry may get a BA in TESOL and a BA in History or Chemistry. As a result, they will achieve initial certification in TESOL PreK-12 and a cross-endorsement in History or Chemistry 7-12 by simply passing an additional Praxis II exam.
Teaching English (TESOL)
TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) concentration prepares students to teach English to Multilingual Learners in various settings. It covers theoretical, methodological, and pedagogical aspects of second language teaching and learning. The concentration includes coursework in linguistics, language acquisition, teaching methods, and cultural awareness. Students learn to develop curriculum, assess language skills, and adapt teaching strategies for diverse learners. The concentration offers practical experience through supervised student teaching. Graduates can pursue careers teaching English in a variety of PreK–12 settings.
Careers
TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) teachers are in high demand not only in Connecticut but also across the U.S. and around the world. In Connecticut, there’s a shortage of teachers qualified to help students learn English, especially as the number of immigrant families and Multilingual Learners grows. Globally, English is one of the most widely spoken languages, creating a constant need for teachers in schools, language centers, and international programs. This means there are many job opportunities for TESOL teachers at all grade levels, both locally and internationally.
Typical Job Titles
- ESL (English as a Second Language) Teacher
- EFL (English as a Foreign Language) Teacher
- K-12 ESL Teacher
- Adult ESL Educator
- Online English Teacher
- English Language Instructor
- Academic English Instructor
- Corporate Language Trainer
- Exam Preparation Coach (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS)
- Curriculum Developer
Accreditation
The program is approved by the Connecticut State Department of Education.
School / College
College of Arts & Sciences
Department
World Languages and Literatures
Contact
Dr. Anastasia Sorokina