Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
Boston College’s TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) certificate program is designed to prepare future English language educators with the essential skills, knowledge, and practical experience needed to teach English effectively to non-native speakers. The program combines innovative teaching methodologies, technology integration, and a global perspective, and is thus an ideal platform for educators ready to inspire language learners in dynamic, culturally diverse settings.
In an increasingly multicultural world...
It is essential to equip educators with the theory and practice required to effectively lead classrooms and teach English to speakers of other languages. Boston College's TESOL Certificate program meets the needs for TESOL across the globe.
Program Highlights
Integrated Technology for Language Learning
This program emphasizes digital tools and virtual classrooms. From AI-powered language apps to VR simulations, students incorporate tech that makes language learning accessible.
Project-Based and Experiential Learning
Beyond traditional methods, the TESOL program uses project-based learning to immerse students in real-world scenarios. Participants engage with local organizations, design community programs, and use English teaching as a tool for social integration.
Adaptive and Inclusive Curriculum Design
With a focus on adaptability, students learn to create inclusive, flexible lesson plans tailored to learners from diverse backgrounds, with varied abilities and learning styles.
Cultural Intelligence and Empathy Building
The program offers training in cultural intelligence, equipping educators to embrace linguistic diversity. Workshops on empathy-building and bias reduction help create inclusive classrooms.
Cross-cultural Pedagogy
The certificate provides hands-on experience in diverse settings to learn cross-cultural pedagogy, preparing students for global contexts and helping them thrive in multicultural classrooms.
Leadership and Advocacy in TESOL
Focusing on leadership development, the program encourages educators to become advocates and change agents in their communities. Participants learn about educational policy and resource development.
At a Glance
Please note: Boston College’s Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) does not provide or replace a K-12 teaching license. It is not a state-approved program and will not lead to endorsement or licensure.
Our Program
Grade K-16 educators of a wide range of ESOL (English as a Second Language) students.
In order to demonstrate skills and knowledge foundational to teaching English as a second language, students will be able to:
1. Critically analyze educational problems in TESOL, attending particularly to a diverse student population.
2. Apply appropriate and relevant instructional technology as a classroom tool for teaching a wide range of ESOL students (ESL/EFL, K-16).
3. Apply seminal theories and practices in teaching based on a comprehensive understanding of the foundation of TESOL instruction.
4. Develop formal and informal measures for assessing language development and skills among ESOL students.
5. Develop and implement innovative capstone projects (e.g., case study, digital storytelling project, action research study) in TESOL.
6. Explain how language functions as a structured system, including systematic approaches to language use and language ideology.
7. Apply scholarship from applied linguistics to TESOL from the perspectives of social and academic languages.
Questions?
If you are interested in bringing the TESOL Certificate Program to your school or school district, or if you have questions about the program, email lynchschoolpce@bc.edu.