Teaching English as a Second Language to Adults (TESLA) Certificate
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Course Description
TESLA provides in-depth training into teaching English to adult speakers of other languages. It is appropriate for those new to the field, English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) teachers who have worked primarily with children, managers of ESOL programs, as well as those already teaching English without formal qualifications. Graduates of this program have found positions in community-based organizations, university-based intensive English programs, overseas programs, and as independent tutors. Topics covered include:
Format: Participants attend 45 hours of in-person classes, in addition to 120 hours of study and reflection online as part of a professional community of practice. Participants are then placed by the LAC in a 36 hour teacher practicum; completion is required to qualify for this certificate (no additional fees for practicum placement). Course Objectives & Outcomes In this blended learning course, participants gain a solid foundation in the theories of TESOL as well as hands-on practice. In-class sessions provide opportunities to put theories into practice and receive support and guidance from the instructor and peers. The online aspect of the course allows participants to reflect on assigned readings and material presented during in-person meetings. Both components prepare participants for the culminating experience: an internship in an actual adult ESOL classroom. By the end of the course, participants will be able to create and deliver evidence-based English language instruction for adult speakers of other languages. Participant Expectations To receive a certificate in this course, participants must attend all in-person sessions, participate in online forums, complete all required activities and assignments, and complete a teaching practicum. TESLA Students The LAC TESLA Certificate serves as rigorous training and an initial qualification for anyone who:
What recent graduates are saying about TESLA: "The TESLA experience at LAC was a thoroughly practical one. As I begin teaching I apply the concepts and methods I learned at LAC in each and every lesson." --Donna Wolfe, now teaching at Lehman College "Before I started TESLA, I mostly taught out of a book and used activities I learned at staff meetings…The TESLA program helped me acknowledge those aspect of my teaching that were working and offered me concrete suggestions to become a more effective teacher." --Chris Vasquez , teaching at Union 1199 and the New York Public Library’s ESOL program "The diversity among my course mates, in professional experience as well as personality, enhanced our discussions in class and made what I was learning on the page more meaningful and enjoyable." --Elizabeth Schefler, now teaching at Westchester Community College "My TESLA training has been really helpful in creating substantial lessons here. [Cambodia]..so many of your ideas and games have come in handy - even with Cambodian teachers and administrators who are not usually supportive of varying techniques…” --Allyn Wong, now with the Peace Corps in Cambodia Instructor Bios Judy Trupin has been involved in adult education for more than 20 years as a teacher, curriculum developer, trainer, and administrator. She has taught all levels of ESOL from literacy through advanced. She is passionate about working with English language learners, ESOL teachers and continuing to improve her own teaching practice. Currently, she is a professional developer at the Literacy Assistance Center (LAC). She focuses on professional development for ESOL teachers, curriculum development projects, and leads LAC's Teaching ESL to Adults (TESLA)and Teaching ESOL to Adults with Limited Literacy (TEALL) certificate programs. Concurrent with her work with teachers, Judy maintains an active teaching practice with adult ESOL learners. A national trainer for BEST Plus, she holds an M.S. in TESOL, NY state K-12 teacher certification, and is co-author of chapters in two recent publications: New Ways in Teaching Adults and New Ways in Teaching Content-Based Instruction William Linn is the ESOL Specialist and Coordinator of ESOL Certificate Programs at the Literacy Assistance Center. In addition to leading ESOL professional development and curriculum design projects, he is one of the two facilitators of the LAC’s Teaching English as a Second Language to Adults (TESLA) course and the Foundations of Adult Education course. William received his MA in TESOL from the SIT Graduate Institute in 2011, where he also taught English Applied Linguistics. He started teaching ESOL at community organizations in 2008 and has worked in teacher education since 2015. |
Find Out MoreTo find out more about TESLA, please take a minute to fill out a short survey (see button below) to let us know of your interest in the next course and your schedule preference. Once we have determined the day, we’ll be in touch again with specific information regarding exact schedule, program fees and links to the application.
We’ll also let you know about upcoming information sessions, in which you can find out more about the program and speak with recent TESLA graduates about their experience. TestimonialsDigital LiteracyThe TESLA course involves significant online coursework. If you would like to assess your digital skills, please click the link below to access a free diagnostic tool. It’s an easy way to identify areas for improvement so that you can enhance your skills in preparation for the online component of this course.
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