Our TESL program offers TESL Certificate, TESL Diploma, and graduate (Master’s and PhD) studies. TESL Certificate program has two options: TESL Coursework Certificate (12 credits) and TESL Certificate with Practicum (15 credits). They are designed for pre- and in-service teachers and those who are interested in teaching local and international students in Canada or overseas. TESL Diploma program (30 credits) is offered for teachers interested in teaching ESL in BC schools or other settings. The TESL graduate program offers MEd, MA, and PhD degrees. Integrating research and practice, our TESL programs offer professional development to teachers of ESL and prepare researchers and leaders in this field.

TESL Certificate and Diploma students gain experience and understanding in such areas as: instructional methodology, curriculum design, second language assessment, second language acquisition, language socialization, and intercultural communication. TESL graduate students gain experience and understanding in such areas as: current issues in TESL theory and practice, second language acquisition, second language reading and writing, language socialization, language and identity, second language assessment, discourse analysis, critical applied linguistics, and research methods.

Teaching in B.C. Schools: Students who wish to teach English to ESL students in the public school system (K-12) must hold a BC Teaching Certificate.

Admission to Teacher Education

All students seeking to train as teachers of ESL/EFL in B.C. Schools must request an application for admission form through the Teacher Education Office, Faculty of Education (telephone: 604-822-5242; address: 2125 Main Mall, Vancouver, B.C., V6T 1Z4).