TESOL Essentials Series

Anne Pomerantz is the Faculty Advisor to the Penn GSE TESOL Essentials Series. Read more about Dr. Pomerantz’s work and research interests.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of this course?

The TESOL Essentials Series offers comprehensive preparation for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). It is designed to provide participants with an overview of key topics in the field of TESOL, a solid foundation in key teaching methods and issues, and first-hand experience with basic pedagogical skills needed to begin working effectively with English language learners in in the US and abroad.

What makes this program different from the other TESOL Certificate programs out there?

Believe it or not, we are the only TESOL Certificate program that is both entirely online and that offers real-time instruction and small class sizes. We designed the course this way to offer the opportunity for meaningful and collegial exchange to novice and aspiring ESOL teachers from around the world. We feel it is important for teachers to feel part of a community that can support them. In our virtual classroom, you can raise your hand and ask questions, you can see the expressions on your classmates’ faces, and you can participate in group discussions, just like you would in an actual classroom. Our use of videoconferencing makes the online learning experience more welcoming and inclusive than many other online courses might be.

Will I be able to get a job right after completing the TESOL Certificate?

Jobs are available around the world for people with all levels of training. There are jobs you can obtain right after taking the course and others that would require additional training. We do not offer any job placement; however, we devote a week of the course to the discussion of training and employment. During these lessons, TESOL professionals will join us as guest lecturers to share their experiences with you, and we will take a look at job boards together so that you feel more prepared to begin the job search on your own.

Will the certificate be accepted by employers?

Employers vary greatly in the expectations that they have about training and experience. Some employers require little training or teaching experience while others may demand higher levels of training and greater teaching experience. The 135-hour TESOL Certificate you will receive upon meeting the course completion requirements for the TESOL Essentials Series will indicate that you have completed the amount of training recommended by the TESOL International Association. If you plan to use this training to obtain a specific job, it is advisable to check with potential employers to find out if this is the level of training they expect from job candidates.

Will I be certified to teach in other countries at the end of this course?

There is no standard international certification for teaching English abroad, but the TESOL International Association sets a recommended minimum at 120 hours of training, including at least ten hours of teaching practicum. Our program meets and exceeds those requirements, offering 120 hours of instruction and 15 hours of teaching practicum. 

Will I be certified to teach ESL in public schools at the end of this course?

Teacher certification varies from state to state. It usually requires substantial coursework at the university level in addition to at least a bachelor's degree. This course does not lead to US teacher certification, though the training you receive in the workshop would certainly help you work effectively with English language learners of all ages (including K-12). Penn does offer a course of study for certified teachers who wish to obtain the ESL specialist credential. Current teachers who wish to gain more insight into working with English language learners are welcome to participate in the courses offered in the TESOL Essentials Series, though these courses alone are not equivalent to the ESL specialist credential.

Can I teach in the US?

There are a number of private organizations (community centers, human resource departments, church groups, immigration support services, etc.) in the US which cater mostly to adult language learners. Like private teaching institutions abroad, these organizations have varying expectations about training and experience. There are job (and volunteer) opportunities in such organizations for people with different levels of training.

Contact Us

 If you have any questions, please contact the TESOL Essentials Series program team by e-mail at gse-TES@gse.upenn.edu.