TESOL Certificate Program

Fall 2021 – NEW Morning schedule!

Applications are now being accepted for the Fall 2021 TESOL Certificate Program. This Fall, the TESOL Certificate Program will be offering a new morning schedule in addition to our regular evening course. Applicants can now opt to take the morning in-person course or the evening online course.

Option 1:

Morning in-person program: Mondays/Wednesday/Thursdays
Times: 9:00-12:30 pm.
Dates: Sept. 15-Dec. 9 (skip 11/24 & 25)

Option 2:

Evening online program: Mondays/Wednesdays/Thursdays
Times: 6:00-9:30 pm.
Dates: Sept. 15-Dec. 9 (skip 11/24 & 25)

The program requirements of classroom observations and the student-teaching practicum will be fulfilled in person for students in the morning cohort and remotely for those in the evening program. All fieldwork placements are conveniently done through the English Language Institute ESL classes by the TESOL Program Director. Applications will be accepted until the cohort reaches its maximum capacity. Please email all complete applications to TESOL@sunywcc.edu

The program’s experiential approach to teaching and learning provides participants with opportunities to use their skills both for in-person and remote instruction. The current situation presents an increased opportunity for professionals in the field of language education and the delicate balance of theory and practice and the emphasis on hands-on applications that is at the heart of our certificate program equips learners with the tools they need to succeed in any teaching modality, be it in-person, remotely, in the U.S. or overseas.

The Certificate program was designed to give participants a supported and mentored learning and teaching experience, and our commitment to language education has never been stronger. New doors have been opened for language educators around the world and the growing demand for qualified ESL instructors is real.

Schedule 2021:

Spring: January 20 - April 12
Summer: May 17 - August 11
Fall: September 15 – December 9

Fees:

Tuition: $1,998.75 (FSA & Registration fees included. Textbooks not included.
Books: Approx. $185
Refund Policy: 100% of tuition is refundable 2 business days prior to the start of the class. No refund after that time.

Contact Information:

Claudia Carco, TESOL Certificate Program Coordinator
Office: (914) 606-7743
Email: TESOL@sunywcc.edu

Meet the TESOL Program Director

Claudia Carco, who directs and teaches in the TESOL Certificate Program at Westchester Community College, has extensive classroom experience as an ESL/EFL instructor as well as a teacher trainer. For ten years, the program has successfully trained hundreds of students in teaching English as a second or foreign language and has seen the transformational impact it has had on their lives. The program’s experiential approach to learning to teach is a delicate and unique balance of careful observation, practice and reflection.

“There is something so very special about guiding others find their own voice and identity as teachers.”

Description:

The TESOL Certificate Program is a hands-on learning experience for those who will pursue employment in the field of TESL/TEFL in adult or college programs, in the not-for-profit or proprietary sectors in the USA or abroad. The program is also suitable for those with some teaching experience but no formal training in TESOL, or for teachers who wish to advance their knowledge of ESL methodologies and technology. Participants will examine fundamental principles of language teaching and learning and their practical classroom applications. This is a non-credit program that offers 126 hours of classroom instruction and extensive supervised teaching. Click here to download our flyer in PDF format

Participants will learn to:

lead student-centered classes
use a variety of materials and techniques
effectively manage classes for adult learners
plan dynamic lessons in areas of grammar, conversation, reading, and writing at different levels
assess language proficiency

The Program:

36 class sessions meeting Monday/Wednesday/Thursday from 6:30 to 10:00pm
3 12-week sessions per year: Fall, Spring, and Summer.
126 hours of classroom instruction and 30 hours of classroom practice.

Admission Requirements:

A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent is generally required.
Advanced level of English proficiency. Assessment may be required for non-native speakers
I-20 available to international students; additional course work may be required

Certification Requirements:

Satisfactory completion of all course work and supervised teaching
Satisfactory completion of program portfolio

1. Do I need a college degree to enroll in the TESOL Certificate Program at WCC?

Most applicants have undergraduate and graduate degrees; however, our decisions are made on a case by case basis.

2. Who is the program for?

For those who will pursue employment in the field of TESL/TEFL in adult or college programs, in the not-for-profit or proprietary sectors in the USA or abroad. The program is also suitable for those with some teaching experience but no formal training in TESOL, or for teachers who wish to advance their knowledge of ESL methodologies and technology. Due to significant differences in TESOL for adults and children, numerous experienced teachers with K-12 certification have taken the program.

3. How long is the program?

The program is 12 weeks long. We run three semesters a year: spring (Jan.-Apr), summer (May-Aug) and fall (Sept-Dec).

4. When and where will the observations and teaching practicum take place?

The observations and student-teaching practicum will take place in person for students registering in the morning in-person program, and remotely for students registering in the evening online program. Upon registering, students will have different schedule options to choose from. Most ESL classes are 3 hours long and are available on weekday mornings, evenings and weekends.

5. Where can I teach with a TESOL Certificate?

In most adult ESL/ESOL program in two or four-year colleges, community-based organizations, libraries, in the not-for-profit or proprietary sectors in the US and abroad. Many of our graduates have been hired by WCC’s own English Language Institute which annually serves over 4,000 English language learners.

6. Can I teach in public schools in the US?

No, this program is not oriented towards teaching children nor towards the public-school setting and will not satisfy K-12 certification requirements.

7. Why is this program better than others?

The program’s unique model combines theory and practice and provides students with hands on, authentic classroom practice by having them teach in the ELI’s ESL program, which was established in 1988 and is the largest in the entire SUNY system. The program’s mentored teaching, its affordability and length, and the student support throughout the semester and beyond are just but a few of the strengths of our program!

New: Now awarding Digital Badges for TESOL!

What are Digital Credentials? In order to make our alumni more competitive in the 2021 job market, the TESOL Certificate Program at Westchester Community College now awards its graduates both printed certificates and digital badges. Digital badging provides additional, digital, documentation along with our standard paper-based certificates. Digital badges can be shared in a secure and verifiable way electronically and can be added to social media or professional profiles so colleagues and prospective employers can view accomplishments and gain insights about credentials. The badges are not only a great visual image, but they are embedded with information about the type of coursework completed, skills gained during training and more.

A really fun, collaborative experience that encouraged stretching my boundaries as a teacher and as a person. I learned how the classroom experience promotes limitless learning. The TESOL Program at Westchester Community College shaped the skilled teacher that I am today.

The WCC TESOL program was a fantastic experience. There were numerous things about it which I liked, some of which follow. First, the professors who taught the classes were excellent. The classes were interesting and stimulating as the professors were well versed in the numerous aspects of how to prepare someone to teach ESL. Next, the class itself felt like a community; we worked together and supported one another as we all moved toward the same goal, to learn how to teach ESL. Finally, it was a challenging class but when it was over, I felt very satisfied for having learned a valuable skill which I set out to use going forward. Since graduating from the TESOL program I’ve been teaching classes at WCC and it has been an extremely rewarding experience. It has provided me with the satisfaction of knowing I am directly helping people who want to improve their English language skills and by doing so can hope for a better life here in the US.

Some of the advantages of taking the TESOL Program at Westchester Community College are that it is conveniently located; the program was for a short period of time; and it was in the evening. This program has enriched my life in many ways. In addition to learning, I have met many interesting people.

In 2016 I began teaching ESL as a volunteer but quickly realized that I lacked knowledge and technique to be an effective teacher, but I enjoyed teaching and wanted to teach professionally. I looked for a program focused on general ESL teaching theory and technique but that also provided opportunities for experiential hands-on learning. Westchester Community College TESOL Certificate Program which only required a three-month commitment was ideal. The program offered and delivered on everything I needed. The student-teaching practicum gave me the confidence to pursue paid ESL teaching positions. Since I completed the program in 2018, I have taught at a community college, a school for international students and online.

The TESOL program at Westchester Community College is an incredible opportunity for educators of all experience levels and backgrounds. The program offers many advantages, including working closely with a rich blend of different experienced instructors, mentors, and, most importantly, the NYC Metropolitan Area’s incredibly diverse students. Whether you're a seasoned teacher looking to add a new skill to their practice, or (like me) a novice educator looking to explore the profession, you stand only to gain from participating in this community. I believe you’ll walk away from the program wanting only for one thing: more time to work with your students!

On your mark, get set, go! That is what it will be like if you take the full spectrum TESOL at WCC. The Certificate Program’s instructors and mentors are always there for you. The training will guide you to be focused and organized.

I highly recommend the program to anyone who is interested in teaching English as an additional language. The program is designed really well, in three modules that complement each other, and that are seamlessly taught by three knowledgeable, fun and engaging professors. I have been a teacher for many years, but not of ESL, and this course still taught me so much about communicative approaches, about online teaching, about how to teach a three hour long class, and about new ways to think about teaching grammar, vocabulary and writing (in any language!). The course was more challenging than I had anticipated it would be, in all the best ways. It’s a growth opportunity!

I chose WCC's program because of the holistic framework. Aside from classroom hours, I knew practice teaching would play a huge part in preparation to teach post-program completion. Through classroom observation, you begin to network with teachers in the field and see examples of material reviewed during your class time. WCC's TESOL program connects you with a mentor who guides you throughout your practicum - I am still in touch with mine today!

One of the advantages of taking the TESOL Program at Westchester Community College is that I actually got hands on experience teaching in the classroom with real life students. I was able to see my teaching skills improve throughout the semester as I taught more classes. Also, the experience of building lesson plans is something I will use throughout my career. Completing the TESOL program showed me how beautiful it is to teach someone a new language. As someone who learned English as a second language, it’s so gratifying to now be able to pay my experience forward through teaching. You can do anything you set your mind to!

I'm so pleased I chose to earn my TESOL Certificate from WCC, which had initially stood out to me in its affordability and comprehensiveness. As a young professional, I was limited in my time and money; but for all that I invested into the TESOL program, I was given an abundance in return! Our TESOL instructors were knowledgeable, insightful, and always open to share their own experiences in the ESL classroom. The TESOL Certificate program at WCC is a community that will see to it that you get out all that you put in and more. Perhaps the best testimony I can offer is that having just completed the program, I feel prepared to step out into the field and start my career as an ESL educator!

I especially appreciated the chance to complete my student teaching during the practicum portion of the program. The energy and determination I witnessed from the ESL students and my mentor during my teaching practicum provided invaluable motivation to me to continue to strengthen my commitment to language learning. I’m confident that after completing this program through interaction with my cohort, instruction from the TESOL teaching team, and guidance from my mentor, that I will be able to move forward into a rewarding teaching opportunity with confidence to use my skills for remote and in-person English instruction.