TESOL FAQs

What do the different acronyms mean?

  • TESOL = Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages.  This is the most widely-used cover term in the U.S. for all kinds of English language teaching.  It's also the name of the American professional association, Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages

If you speak English, can you teach it?

The answer is "yes, but…"  It is enough to simply be an English speaker if you will be teaching in a situation where:

  • The focus is on conversational English
  • Materials are provided for you
  • Your agency or institution gives you an orientation
  • You are part of a team that includes someone trained in TESOL to help you
  • You are teaching for less than a month
  • Your students are aware that they are being taught by untrained volunteers

If you answer "no" to any of those questions, you should seriously consider getting training in TESOL.  The more you know about how to teach the English language, the better for your service to students, extra-curricular ministry, and personal well-being.  Students who know they are getting simple conversation practice from a volunteer, are happy; however, students who are expecting specialized instruction, grammar explanations, and other expertise commonly associated with "teachers," will be disappointed if you can't live up to those expectations. In addition, untrained teachers put in situations beyond their abilities tend to burn out.  See What training do I need to teach ESL/EFL?

Certificate or MA: What training should I get?

Overview

There are basically four levels of training for ESL/EFL teachers.

  1. “Quick-fix” certificate.  There is a proliferation of companies that offer certificates after a fairly limited amount of work.  Keep in mind that you get what you pay for.
  2. Entry-level certificate.  The standard for initial training in TESOL is a certificate that involves about 120 hours of instruction (often during a one-month intensive) including a supervised practicum.  CELTA is the original of such certificates, is widely respected around the world, and is offered in many locations around the world.  Because external assessors from Cambridge supervise each course, they can seem relatively expensive, but they are good.  (By the way, these certificates are usually the equivalent of about five semester units, so if you have done two or three Biola courses in methodology, grammar, materials, and so on, you have done a rough equivalent.)
  3. Graduate certificate.  The next level of training involves about a year of study, or 18-24 graduate units.  In the U.K. training at this level results in a Diploma, but in the U.S. the term most widely used is a Certificate.  (It’s too bad that so many different things are called “Certificate!”)
  4. Masters Degree.  The final level for a practitioner is the MA.  This usually requires two years of study,  though students with relevant background at the undergraduate level may finish in less time.

Which kind of training should I get?

  • If you are going overseas for less than a year, if EFL teaching is a small part of your overall ministry, if you are teaching primarily conversational English, if you have little time available for training, and/or if the job you are looking at requires a "certificate," consider Level 2. 
  • If you are going for at least a year, if teaching is a significant part of how you spend your time, if you may teach more than conversation, if you want to be qualified beyond the entry level, and/or if the job you are looking for requires a "certificate," consider Level 3, for example, Biola's one-year graduate certificate in TESOL.
  • If you will you be asked to do more than simply teach (for example, develop a program, write materials, test students, train teachers, and so on), if you will be teaching specialized skills (such as grammar, reading, or writing), or if you are working in a context that requires a graduate degree, then you need an MA TESOL.

What is the difference between an MA TESOL and an MA Applied Linguistics at Biola?

In some universities, “Applied Linguistics” is used interchangeably with “TESOL.”  However, here at Biola, our TESOL track focuses specifically on English language teaching, and our Applied Linguistics track has broader goals.  Students who are interested in solutions to the range of language-related human problems--such as bilingual education, language planning, lexicography, literacy, translation, and writing systems—should do the MA Applied Linguistics.  If you have several goals, for example to be involved in both Bible translation and teaching English, you might choose the MA Applied Linguistics with a TESOL Concentration; however, keep in mind that to really prepare for both goals, you may have to take some extra courses.  If your professional goals are more in the area of language teaching, you will get better preparation by doing the MA TESOL.

What training do I need to teach ESL/EFL?

Do you want to teach in a K-12 school in the U.S.?

U.S. schools have large numbers of children who do not speak English at home.  Requirements for teachers in this context vary from state to state, and district to district.  In California, the trend is to have every K-12 teacher trained to meet the needs of children who need to learn English and school content at the same time. These qualifications are usually obtained through a department of education.

Are you intending to teach overseas short-term (a year or less) or in an informal context such as a church-based program?

Although you can do this kind of teaching with no training at all, you will be happier and more effective if you have some foundation.  If you live and work near La Mirada, or if are a current Biola student and want to take a single course, ISTE 421/525 Introduction to TESOL – Adult (offered one evening a week every fall semester) is a practical techniques-oriented class that will help prepare you for your summer mission trip or other short-term opportunity. 

Do you want to teach immigrants and refugees in a California adult school?

Teaching these eager students can be extremely rewarding for those interested in a part-time job.  Besides enthusiastic students, teachers appreciate the relatively good hourly wages of adult schools.  (Teachers looking for full-time employment usually start with two part-time jobs; a full-time position may open up after time.)  Requirements vary from school to school, but most schools require at least that teachers have taken the CBEST (California Basic Educational Skills Test).  In addition, many require a credential known as the "Designated Subjects Adult Education Teaching Credential in ESL."  This credential requires that one has a bachelor's degree and 20 semester units or 10 upper division semester units of the following types of courses: TESOL, English, foreign language, linguistics, bicultural studies, teaching reading, or speech.  Even if your previous education has already enabled you to meet these minimal requirements, I recommend taking TESOL classes to prepare for adult ESL instruction.  Biola's undergraduate minor or undergraduate certificate in TESOL, or the one-year graduate certificate in TESOL are perfect for preparing you to effectively teach adult ESL.  Immigrants and refugees from all over the world have come to the U.S.— they need the blessing of having a dedicated and well-trained Christian teacher.

Do you want to teach international students in the U.S.?

The U.S. university system draws students from all over the world.  ESL teachers of these students work several different types of schools.  (1) Students may be studying in private language institutes.  These institutes tend to be for-profit, so they pay their teachers low wages.  However, they provide good entry-level positions for teachers who have a BA but no further qualifications or for students completing their certificate.  Classes may focus on short-term survival English, test preparation, or academic English.  Some institutes also have special summer programs for visitors. (2)  International students also study in intensive English programs (IEPs) associated with universities.  These programs usually hire teachers with an MA in TESOL (or possibly those with teaching experience who are midway through their MA TESOL programs) and the pay scale is usually very good.  Classes tend to be skill-oriented—reading, writing, listening, speaking, and grammar—and focus seriously on preparing students for study in U.S. universities.  Both types of programs for international students—private institutes and IEPs—may also include cultural orientation events and home-stays as part of their service to students.  Part-time jobs are most common, though full-time employment does open up for teachers who have worked part time for a while.

Do you want to teach in a community college or university in the U.S.?

As mentioned above, colleges and universities often have associated intensive English programs (IEPs).  While these programs are usually for students not yet accepted into the university, universities may also have ESL programs for their regular students.  These "for-credit" programs provide ESL students with the academic support they need to succeed in their undergraduate or graduate studies.  They are more likely to include writing, reading, and grammar classes, though oral skills are also taught.  These well-paying jobs are only open to teachers with an MA.  Part-time jobs are most common, though full-time employment does open up for teachers who have worked part time for a while.

Are you an American citizen who wants to teach overseas?

The requirements to be accepted for a ministry position or hired for a job vary tremendously from country to country and institution to institution.  Although you may be able to get a job simply because you are a native speaker, it is recommended that you get as much training as you can.  This will improve your teaching, enhance your ministry, and give you more personal satisfaction.  Training ranges from entry-level certificate to graduate certificate, to MA.

Are you an international student who wants a qualification to teach in your home country?

You are the best person to find out what qualification will help you meet your goal.  Keep in mind that Biola’s MA TESOL is designed to prepare you to teach students in secondary schools, universities, or private language schools.  You can take an elective and tailor your assignments to get some training in teaching younger children, but it is not our emphasis.

Are you an international student who wants a qualification to teach in another country?

Biola’s Department of TESOL and Applied Linguistics recognizes that you do not have to be a native speaker to be a good teacher of EFL.  We also applaud international students who are following God’s call, wherever that may lead.  Our alumni include a Norwegian student teaching in Mongolia, an Icelandic student teaching in Japan, and a Korean student teaching in China.  However, you should know that many countries and institutions are prejudiced against teachers who are not native speakers.  Be aware that you may have difficulty getting a paid teaching position in certain places (though there are always volunteer opportunities).  In addition, make it a point to keep working on the quality of your English!