The Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) K-12 within the College of Education and Human Development is designed to prepare educators to meet the unique needs of English learners in K-12 schools. The major is available for all interested students who are also seeking PK-3 teacher certification. Graduates of this program will be eligible to teach all subjects to PK-3 students in self-contained classrooms as well as in ESL K-12 classrooms. No minor is required. This undergraduate major qualifies graduates for the Michigan English as a Second Language (ESL) endorsement.
Program Stats
97%
of College of Education and Human Development graduates working full time have a job related to their degree
98%
of College of Education and Human Development graduates participated in Experience-Driven Learning
95%
of College of Education and Human Development graduates working are satisfied with their job
Pursue a Bachelor of Science In Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
Do you want to make a difference in children's lives? Do you want to bridge language barriers and empower speakers of other languages? Then the B.S. in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) K-12 is right for you.
Through the Department of Special Education and Literacy Studies, you will be equipped with the tools needed to pursue a career teaching English as a second language. Your educational journey is structured to combine theoretical knowledge with essential hands-on training. You will benefit from both classroom learning and invaluable real-world experience, such as supervised student teaching, clinical placements, or internships. This integrated approach ensures you not only understand the theory of language teaching but also possess the confidence and practical skills required to immediately manage and inspire diverse classrooms.
Upon successful completion, you will be exceptionally well-prepared to pursue a wide variety of rewarding career opportunities in English language teaching across the globe.
What you’ll learn
You'll learn about language acquisition theories, linguistics and different teaching methodologies like communicative language teaching and task-based learning. Also, develop skills in curriculum development, classroom management and assessment techniques. Cultural awareness is also emphasized to foster effective cross-cultural communication.
Student quote
I chose TESOL because I wanted to prepare myself for welcoming refugees or minors from out of the country looking to learn.
Where you’ll be after graduation
Upon completion of this Bachelor of Science degrees, you will be prepared to teach all subjects to PK-3 students in self-contained classrooms as well as in English as a Second Language K-12 classrooms. Graduates have gone onto to teach at middle schools, bilingual elementary schools and nonprofits serving immigrant students.
For 95% of College of Education and Human Development grads, they got that job or got into that graduate school program after graduation. That is because your journey of self-discovery begins the moment you step on campus. At WMU's Career and Student Employment Services, career specialists help you align your passions and abilities with future careers and advanced degrees. They will connect you to practical experiences like internships, job shadowing, research projects and professional mentors.
What others have achieved
Learn about the successful journeys of recent program graduates and the advice they have to share for prospective WMU students.
Meet Mackenzie
Already looking ahead, Kenzie wants to take her career global. After graduation she plans to travel abroad and serve communities in need of English teachers.
Meet Gabi
When she's not on court for WMU's women's basketball team, Gabi is interning with Tutor Time Daycare to prepare children for elementary school classrooms.
Making the most of your learning experience
In the College of Education and Human Development, you'll embark on an incredible journey of experiential learning that goes beyond textbooks. Collaborating closely with faculty members, you'll dive into cutting-edge research, fieldwork and professional pursuits. Pushing the boundaries of the traditional classroom, you'll gain practical skills and make a tangible impact.
As a Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages major, you'll have the opportunity through supervised teaching and internships, to apply your knowledge in real-world settings, work with diverse learners and refine your teaching skills. Upon completion of this program, you'll be well-prepared to pursue a variety of rewarding career opportunities in English language teaching both domestically and internationally.
Are scholarships available?
Yes! You've put in the hard work—now it's time to see your reward.
Scholarships are an excellent way to help the reduce the costs of higher education. Whether you are entering college for the first time, transferring to WMU from another institution or returning from a gap in your education, be sure to check out our scholarship options. Students earn scholarships for financial need, academic success and promoting multicultural awareness. Most are offered on a competitive basis.
Additional admissions requirements
In addition to completing all of the coursework required for the elementary education K-3 program, students will complete a planned program of study consisting of 24 credits of coursework for the Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages K-12 major. An overall program grade point average of 3.0 or better is required to continue in this bachelor’s program.
