Graduate Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages

The Graduate Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages is designed to provide academic and professional training in the theory and practices of teaching and learning English as an additional language.  The curriculum introduces students to core areas of the field, including theories and applications of research in second language acquisition, pedagogical grammar, and teaching language skills (either a focus on speaking, listening, and pronunciation or a focus on reading and writing), along with a language teaching practicum with a focus on reflective practice in classroom contexts. This program combines a focus on developing knowledge of language learning theory, language structure and use, challenges faced by multilingual learners of English, and practical teaching skills of designing and leading classroom learning activities.

Program Learning Outcomes

  1. Demonstrate knowledge and pedagogical skills for the teaching of English language or literacy.
  2. Articulate a coherent teaching philosophy that has been informed by practical experience and knowledge of relevant teaching principles and research.
  3. Create appropriate lessons and curricula for multilingual English language learners.
  4. Produce effective written and oral presentations that follow professional, disciplinary standards TESOL.
  5. Produce critical reflections on English teaching practices and materials, including how they embody educational values of ethics, social justice, diversity, and globalization.

Admissions

Admission to a graduate certificate program requires a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, as well as a grade point average of at least 3.0 in the last 60-semester (90 quarter) units attempted.

For matriculated students, admission to the certificate program requires submission of an emailed application to engdept@sfsu.edu. Application materials include: (1) a short personal statement which outlines the applicant’s interests in TESOL and (2) unofficial transcript. For matriculated graduate students, a minimum GPA of 3.0 is required.

Non-matriculated and out-of-state and international students are required to apply to the Program through Cal State Apply. For applicants whose native language is not English and who did not earn their BA degree at an English medium university: a recent internet based TOEFL (IBT) score of 95, with an essay rating of 24 is required. Applicants who do not meet the minimum TOEFL requirement will NOT be admitted; there is NO conditional admission. A TOEFL score of 95 is considered to be very minimal; applicants who demonstrate stronger English proficiency with a higher TOEFL score (and higher essay rating) will have a better chance of being admitted.

Graduate Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages - 12 units minimum

Core (9 units)

ENG 707Topics in Language Analysis3
ENG 733Seminar in Student Teaching3
ENG 826Second Language Acquisition3

Elective (3 units)

Select One:

ENG 731Seminar: TESOL Listening and Speaking Skills3
ENG 732Seminar: TESOL Reading and Writing Skills3