Overview
Housed within Penn GSE, the mission of the TESOL Essentials Series certificate program is to provide a more accessible and affordable path for professionals of all ages and backgrounds to enter the field of TESOL confidently. We are the only certificate program that offers synchronous coursework plus a mentored teaching practicum that exceeds the 120-hour standard for entry-level short-term certificate programs established by the TESOL International Association.
Throughout the 8-week synchronous course, participants will:
- Develop a working knowledge of the history of TESOL and the theoretical underpinnings of second language development
- Develop a working knowledge of the form and function of language with a primary focus on the Communicative Approach
- Develop a repertoire of fundamental teaching skills, including strategies for teaching procedures for planning a cohesive lesson, delivering effective task instructions, managing a classroom of mixed-ability students, conducting formative and summative assessments, and providing corrective feedback
- Demonstrate understanding of course topics by applying theory to practice in teaching demonstrations
- Establish a working teaching philosophy statement
- Establish a practicum teaching site with at least three English language learners and one site supervisor
During the 15-hour mentored practicum, participants will:
- Complete a one-hour observation of an ESOL colleague and submit a written report of their observation
- Lead teach at least 14 hours of an ESOL of at least three English language learners
- Submit a weekly reflective teaching journal for instructor feedback
- Submit for instructor feedback two 15-minute lesson recordings (with accompanying lesson plan, materials, and reflection)
- Collect student evaluations at the end of their practicum teaching experience
- Submit a signed teaching log detailing their practicum hours
Following the completion of all coursework and Practicum requirements, participants will be awarded a 135-hour TESOL Certificate of completion from Penn GSE and will have the theoretical knowledge and practical experience needed to successfully enter the field of TESOL as a working professional.