Teaching English as a Second Language

Program Details

School: School of English and Liberal Studies
Start Date: January 6, 2025
Part 1 Program Code: 7380
Part 1 Credential: Centennial College Certificate
Part 2 Program Code: 7381
Part 2 Credential: Ontario College Graduate Certificate
Delivery: Online
Email: tesl.pt@centennialcollege.ca
Program Length: 3 Semesters
Telephone: 416-289-5000, ext. 52228

Program Overview

Part 1: Teaching English as a Second Language (7380)

This certificate program provides the theoretical and practical experience to teach English as a Second Language (ESL) in Canada and abroad. Course content includes language teaching, learning, pedagogical theories and methodologies, grammar, phonetics and phonology, lesson planning skills, language and culture, assessment, and evaluation. Theory is applied through observations and practice teaching of ESL classes. This program meets the requirements for TESL Canada and TESL Ontario certification. Upon graduation, employment may be pursued in private language schools, some adult education schools, and school boards. All courses are taught online with exception of the practicums.

Part 2: Teaching English as a Second Language (7381)

This Ontario college graduate certificate program provides the theoretical and practical experience to teach English as a Second Language (ESL) in Canada and abroad. Course content includes language teaching, learning, pedagogical theories and methodologies, grammar, phonetics and phonology, lesson planning skills, language and culture, assessment, and evaluation. Theory is applied through observations and practice teaching of ESL classes. This program meets the requirements for TESL Canada and TESL Ontario certification. Upon graduation, employment may be pursued in private schools, adult education centres, school boards, Languages for Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) Centres, colleges, and universities. All courses are taught online with exception of the practicums.

Admission Requirements

1. A University degree
2. Non-native speakers of English must have the equivalent of IELTS Academic (overall 7 with a minimum of 7 in each learning skill) or TOEFL-iBT (overall 101 with a minimum score of 24 in Listening, Reading, Speaking and 27 in Writing). For other acceptable scores, please visit www.teslontario.org.
3. All applicants must complete the Centennial College TESL Application Form and TESL Program Accreditation Waiver.
4. Admission to TESL Part 2 requires successful completion of TESL Part 1.

Our Teaching English as a Second Language program is a part-time program and does not qualify for OSAP (Ontario Student Assistant Program).

Employment Opportunities

After completing Part 1

Private language schools, adult education centres, and some school boards.

After completing Part 2

In addition to the above, employment may be pursued in LINC and settlement centres, colleges and universities.

Testimonials

"In 2019, I decided to do my TESL 1 through Centennial College online. It gave me the flexibility that I needed to still travel and deal with the responsibility of family. I found the professors to be extremely helpful, responsive and prepared. I enjoyed the experience so much that I decided to do my TESL 2 online as well."

-Janice, TESL Course Graduate – Winter 2020

"I chose Centennial College to attain my graduate certificate in TESL because it allowed the flexibility of part-time, online classes. I have been enjoying the classes – the work is in-depth, thought provoking, and focused. My professor has been flexible and involved; qualified and knowledgeable. The program officers have been helpful and patient. My experience with the TESL program has been excellent. I would highly recommend this program and Centennial College to anyone interested in furthering their teaching education."

-Andrea, TESL Student – Fall 2020

"I'm having a phenomenal learning experience with the Centennial College TESL Program. I love that it mostly online, fairly priced, very flexible and highly educative. The peer discussions foster collaborative learning and a sense of community. I'm so excited about all the skills I'm acquiring! I highly recommend this program."

-Chinwendu, TESL Student – Fall 2020

"Enrolling in Centennial College’s TESL program, I wanted to gain insight into what is required as an ESL instructor. I gladly found that the courses I’ve taken so far have given me a solid basis upon which to build. The online, asynchronous delivery and the course progression have allowed me to study at my convenience while motivating me to keep up with my learning. The Instructor’s feedback and support I’ve received has been crucial in my learning and I’m looking forward to completing the program through Centennial so that I can begin to teach."

-Shakira, TESL Student – Fall 2020