Teaching English as a Second Language
A Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) or Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) degree from Minnesota State University Moorhead will prepare you to share the gift of language with non-native English learners in the United States and around the world. As a teacher of ESL/EFL, you will fulfill your passion by helping students develop in their proficiency with the English language and equipping them with the communication skills needed to be valued members of our global community.
See all the Teaching English as a Second Language degree options
Teachers of ESL open their world to work and travel possibilities just about anywhere. The BS in TESL is the degree required for working in K-12 schools in the United States and is recognized abroad, making you immediately employable. Program graduates have found positions in China and Japan as well as in Minnesota, North Dakota, Massachusetts, Tennessee, Texas and Iowa.
Teacher shortages across the country are growing, and the Learning Policy Institute indicates there will be critical shortages in the coming years, particularly in the areas of bilingual/English learner education, special education, mathematics and science. Minnesota and North Dakota have both declared shortages of teachers of ESL for each of the last 10 years. If you pair another education major with ESL, you will be highly employable in districts of all sizes.
Teaching ESL brings together the love of English with linguistics and education. You will study English and education courses combined with the scientific study and teaching of the English language.
You’ll get immersed into classroom experiences as soon as you begin the major. You’ll learn from faculty who have lived and taught overseas and who have real-world experience teaching non-native English speakers. If you wish, you can also choose to teach abroad for your student teaching practicum.
MSUM’s Teacher Education Program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation for Teacher Preparation (CAEP), and our teacher licensure/endorsement programs are approved by the Minnesota Board of Teaching. The BS in TESL counts among the approved and accredited programs.
MSUM offers both a master of arts and a graduate certificate in Teaching English as a Second Language, providing you lifelong learning opportunities when you’re ready. A master’s degree can expand your marketability to community colleges, intensive English programs and university programs as well as provide K-12 advancement opportunities.
At MSUM we’re committed to providing you the best opportunities to expand your understanding and master your teaching skills to help non-native English speakers develop their language skills.
Learn about all the Teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) program opportunities
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