TESOL Majors
The study of TESOL(Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) provides preparation for helping others to improve their ability to use English and thereby to function successfully where English is used—whether in community, business, professional, or artistic and cultural settings.
The TESOL instructor not only provides an invaluable service but also gains a richer understanding of both language in general and the many different languages and cultures of our world. Perhaps no other academic program offers so directly opportunities for multicultural and international experience.
Majors:
TESOL, B.A.
TESOL, B.A.-teaching
TESOL/French, B.A.-teaching
TESOL/German, B.A.-teaching
TESOL/Russian, B.A.-teaching
TESOL/Spanish, B.A.-teaching
Minors:
TESOL, B.A.
TESOL, B.A.-teaching
(Click major/minor/certificate title to see typical courses for the program)
Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) programs take knowledge of linguistics, the science devoted to explaining the nature and components of language, and apply this knowledge to teaching English to non-native speakers of English. These programs are offered by the Department of English Language and Literature and, like programs in English, include the study of literature and writing.
Programs in TESOL give special attention to the interrelationships between cultures and languages and to the diverse cultures of non-native English speakers, for languages are integral to the many dimensions of human cultures. Thus, TESOL programs expand awareness of the significant human issues, values and aspirations present in diverse cultural traditions within the United States and around the world. As such, they help to prepare one to participate knowledgeably in local, national and world communities.
Complementary minors
A TESOL major may be joined with a minor in any of the following:
English Writing Modern languages (French, German, Russian, Spanish) Latin American studies International studies |
Sociology Geography Psychology Journalism Business |
Again, those seeking teacher licensure with endorsements in both ESL K-12 and a language may select the combined major, TESOL/modern language teaching major in which 30 hours of TESOL courses are joined with 30 hours above the elementary level in a selected language (French, German, Russian or Spanish).
Students who complete a program in TESOL may earn
a teaching license from the Iowa Department of Education with an endorsement
in ESL (English as a Second Language) for kindergarten through 12th
grade. An option for those seeking teacher licensure is the combined
TESOL/modern language teaching major with an emphasis in French, German,
Russian or Spanish and, then, teaching endorsements in both ESL kindergarten
to 12th grade and the selected language for grades seven to 12. (This
program is offered jointly by the departments of English and Modern
Languages.)
Teacher licensure requires course work in professional education including
classroom teaching experience (see “Liberal Arts Cores”).
Students may also complete a TESOL program without teacher licensure,
an option appropriate for those especially interested in opportunities
for teaching ESL outside of the United States.
Because TESOL programs focus on language learning and the interrelationship
between language and culture, they provide excellent preparation not
only for teaching careers but also for specialized positions in education
such as learning laboratory coordination, development of curriculum
and instructional materials, design of educational software, and consulting.
TESOL programs also offer strong preparation for other vocations including
those in translating languages, international business and commerce,
and diplomatic services.
Examples of positions held by recentgraduates (United States and abroad):
ESL teacher
Bilingual programs
Elementary
Secondary
College/University
Private language institute
Secondary modern language teacher
Instructional materials specialist
Curriculum specialist
Educational testing consultant
ESL program supervisor
School administrator
Strong academic programs
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Highly productive and student-centered faculty
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Faculty with extensive and diverse experience teaching in international settings
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Faculty active in regional, national and international TESOL organizations
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Study of applied linguistics supplemented by course work in writing and literature
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Diverse student population, both U.S. and international
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Small classes, emphasizing discussion and student participation
Departmental activities and events
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Readings and lectures by nationally recognized writers and scholars
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Occasional location of regional, national and international conferences on TESOL and applied linguistics and also in English studies
Extensive student opportunities
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Active student organizations: English Club, TESOL Club
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Student literary magazine, Inner Weather
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Opportunities to assist with departmental publications and conferences
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Various cooperative education and practicum placements for practical work experience
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Student exchange programs at other universities, both within the U.S. and abroad
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Student-teaching placements both instate and outside Iowa in the U.S. and abroad
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Opportunity to work with graduate students
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Opportunities to attend and participate in regional, national and international TESOL conferences
Exceptional university library
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Excellent book, periodical and reference collections
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State-of-the-art technological resources
Qualified departmental majors are eligible for several departmental and college scholarships, including the James Hearst Award, the Irene M. Thompson Scholarship, and the Dean’s Award. Also, a number of prizes and scholarships are awarded to winners of the department-sponsored Celebrating Critical Writing essay competition. Information is available from the Department of English, Baker Hall 117.
More information on department scholarships can found at Financial Aid.