Testimonials
TESOL Testimonials
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.
Completing the TESOL training program at WCC was the most challenging and fulfilling activity of my retirement life so far. The excellent teachers fostered and modeled the communicative method of teaching English through a rigorous curriculum, which was nonetheless tempered with kindness, humor, and even play. Those three are essential for a person learns best in a relaxed, collaborative, non-competitive environment–a learning community. I was fortunate to experience such a community with my dedicated teachers and classmates. Thanks to this program, I have acquired the basic skills and, equally important, a teaching philosophy that inform my work as a tutor and leader of English Conversation groups. I refer back to my class notes all the time.
I chose the three-month WCC TESOL program because I was curious about making a career change but wasn’t quite ready to commit the time and money required for a two-year TESOL master’s degree. At WCC, I received excellent training in second language acquisition theory, grammar, curriculum design, and classroom techniques. I observed a variety of teaching styles in live classes and connected with a network of dedicated educators through the English Language Institute. I even taught my own lessons under the guidance of a supportive mentor. At the end of the program, my TESOL instructor helped me prepare my teaching portfolio and résumé, giving me all the tools I needed to launch my new career. I’m happy to report that immediately after graduation, I became an adjunct instructor! The program far exceeded my expectations and changed my life.
I recently completed the 3-month TESOL summer program at WCC, and I couldn’t be happier with the experience. One of the program’s biggest advantages was its flexibility—it offered both in-person and online options. I chose the in-class format, which met three days a week, and it worked perfectly for my schedule.
Another factor that drew me to this program was its affordability and strong reputation. As a WCC graduate from 1994, I’ve long known the value of a WCC education, and this course exceeded my expectations. The instructors were knowledgeable, supportive, and deeply committed to preparing students for success in the classroom.
After retiring in 2023, following a 25-year career in Finance, I wanted to do something entirely different in retirement, something meaningful that would allow me to help people and give back. TESOL provided that opportunity. I also appreciate that the TESOL certificate is internationally recognized and does not require renewal, making it a practical credential for teaching abroad or locally.
The WCC TESOL program provided me with the tools and confidence to embark on a new chapter in retirement, one where I can make a positive contribution and truly make a difference in people’s lives. I highly recommend the WCC TESOL program to anyone looking for a high-quality, flexible, and affordable path into teaching English while making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.