TESOL FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions for TESOL Teacher Candidates
Frequently Asked Questions
A bachelor’s degree or equivalent is generally required. However, this requirement may be waived based on the strength of the candidate’s application and/or experience.
Our TESOL certificate program is designed for those who wish to pursue employment in the field of TESL/TEFL serving adult learners. The program is suitable for students who have not taught before, 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 also completed the program.
The program is 12 weeks long. We run three semesters a year: spring (Jan.-Apr), summer (May-Aug) and fall (Sept-Dec).
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, evening, and weekends.
Students who complete the program can find employment in adult ESL/ESOL programs 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 5,000 English language learners.
No, this program is not oriented towards teaching children or towards the public-school setting and will not satisfy K-12 certification requirements.
The program’s unique model combines theory and practice and provides students with hands-on, authentic classroom experience 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 support students receive throughout the semester and beyond are just a few of the strengths of our program!