Teaching English as a Second Language

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.