Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages program

Undergrad minor

Are you passionate about living and teaching abroad?

UW-La Crosse offers a Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) minor that prepares you to teach English abroad and in some U.S. locations. You’ll gain the essential knowledge and hands-on experience to effectively teach English to non-native speakers in diverse educational settings.

The TESOL program at UWL prepared me to teach multilingual learners by providing a strong foundation in language acquisition and hands-on experience. It also opened doors to international teaching. Since graduating, I’ve taught in Thailand, Honduras, and South Korea, confidently supporting multilingual learners in their language development.

Danielle Brown

TESOL minor

The TESOL minor is designed for non-Education majors who are interested in teaching English as a foreign language abroad or in certain U.S. locations. Please note that this program does not lead to a teaching license. Learn more about this option.

Options outside of the TESOL minor

If you are interested in earning a teaching license with TESOL, UWL offers several dual licensure majors that combine TESOL with other teaching certifications. These options prepare you to teach in U.S. public schools:

EME/TSL (Elementary/Middle Education and TESOL)This track allows students to graduate with a Wisconsin public school teaching license to teach English as a second language (ESL) to students in grades K-12. Additionally, you will be dual-certified to teach grades K-9.
Learn more about this option.
SPA/TSL (Spanish Education and TESOL) With this option, you’ll earn a Wisconsin public school teaching license to teach ESL to students in grades K-12 and be dual-certified to teach Spanish in grades K-12. Learn more about this option.
FRE/TSL (French Education and TESOL) In this track, you’ll receive a Wisconsin public school teaching license to teach ESL to students in grades K-12, along with dual-certification to teach French in grades K-12. Learn more about this option.
ENG/TSL (English Education and TESOL) In this track, you’ll receive a Wisconsin public school teaching license to teach ESL to students in grades K-12, along with dual-certification to teach English in grades 4-12.

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What is TESOL?

TESOL stands for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. It is an educational field dedicated to helping non-native English speakers develop their language skills. At UWL, the TESOL program offers a well-rounded curriculum that includes courses on linguistics, second language acquisition, cultural diversity, and teaching methodology. You’ll also have opportunities for practical teaching experiences that will enhance your learning and professional development.

What distinguishes UWL’s TESOL program?

Job opportunities

The TESOL minor makes you a highly qualified and marketable candidate for teaching positions abroad.

Hands-on experience

Option to gain practical teaching experience through a classroom field placement in Puerto Rico, where you’ll practice lesson planning, teaching, and student evaluation — turning theory into practice.

Internship opportunities

UWL offers internship credits, allowing you to gain real-world teaching experience and further enhance your resume.