Latin American Studies

TESOL

Center for International Education

UWEC Catalogue

Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) and
Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL)
Programs

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do you need to speak many other languages to teach ESL/EFL?
   
2. What is the difference between ESL and TESOL?
   
3. What is the difference between ESL and EFL?
   
4. What is the difference between TESL and TEFL?
   
5. Why are there so many acronyms? Do you need to know them all?
   
6. What is the demand for teachers with TESL/TEFL preparation?
   
7. What credentials do you need in TESOL to work at the K-12, adult education, and higher education levels?
   
8. Where are the most helpful and reliable resources for working with English language learners?
   
9. What faculty teach TESL/TEFL courses at UW-Eau Claire?
   
10. Who teaches ESL at UW-Eau Claire?
    
11. Can I add-on a TESOL license after I graduate from college?
    
12. Can I obtain a TEFL certificate later in my career?
    
13. Can I get a TEFL minor with an Education major?
    
14. Do I really have to obtain a TEFL certificate to find a EFL teaching position overseas? Can't I just visit the country and get an EFL job?
    
15. Can I seek a TESOL add-on license and a TEFL certificate simultaneously?
    
16. Should I get the TEFL Minor or the TEFL Certificate?
    
17. Where and when can I do my TEFL Practicum?
    
18. Which majors work "best" with a TESOL minor?
    
19. Which majors work "best" with a TEFL minor?
    
20. What universities have Masters in TESOL or Applied Linguistics programs?
    
21. Do you have online and/or night courses?
    
22. Can I be advised over email?
    
23. Can I obtain the TESOL add-on license and/or Masters in Education Professional Development (MEPD)-specialization TESOL Program simultaneously?
    
24. What are the requirements for the TESOL add-on license?
    
25. What is the application process for the TESOL add-on license and/or Masters in Education Professional Development (MEPD)-specialization TESOL Program?
    
26. Will a faculty member evaluate my transcripts prior to application, so that I know in advance what courses I must take to complete the TESOL add-on license?

• 1. Do you need to speak many other languages to teach ESL/EFL?

  No, you do not need to speak any other languages, because most ESL/EFL courses are taught as English immersion courses. So, the language of the classrom is English. Teachers do anything necessary (e.g., gestures, humor, drama, visuals, realia, etc) to make themselves understood to the learners in the immersion environment. However, knowledge of another language will help you to empathize with the learners' experiences.

• 2. What is the difference between ESL and TESOL?

  Generally speaking, the term "ESL" is used to describe English language instruction of non-native speakers. Whereas, TESOL is the term used to describe the field as a whole, the international organization of ESL teaching professionals, or teacher preparation programs for State licensure.

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• 3. What is the difference between ESL and EFL?

  The difference between these acronyms is one of location. Second language (SL) contexts are those in which the language both inside and outside the classroom is English. So, the United States, Australia, and Britain are second language contexts, for example.

  In foreign language (FL) environments, the language in the classroom is English while the language outside of the classroom is the students' native language. Japan, China, Mexico, Turkey, Chile, and Korea are examples of foreign language contexts.

• 4. What is the difference between TESL and TEFL?

  The "T" in both these acronyms represents "teachers." Therefore, teachers of English as a Second Language (TESL) describes the teacher education programs for those interested in teaching in second language environments. TEFL is the acronym that describes the teacher education programs for those interested in teaching in "foreign" or overseas contexts. (Please see the previous question for more information).

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• 5. Why are there so many acronyms? Do you need to know them all?

  For TESOL professionals the jargon is a way of specifying location, interests, differing programs, and area of expertise. It is also a way to determine who has had training/experience in the field.

  Only professionals in the field need to know them. The Praxis II in ESL sometimes asks questions about acronyms (for more information about the State of Wisconsin's Praxis requirements, please see the Educational Testing Service). Other colleagues and administrators do not need to be familiar with all of them, but an understanding of the differences between the language education and the teacher education acronyms is helpful and appreciated.

• 6. What is the demand for teachers with TESL/TEFL preparation?

  Qualified ESL instructors are currently in high demand throughout the United States. This is particularly important for content-area teachers to have ESL qualifications.

  Over the last twenty years, there has been a steady increase in the demand for trained EFL instructors. Globalization has increased the need for students all over the world to speak English fluently. Even with the recent world political issues, there are still opportunities for EFL instructors. Numerous recruiting companies and professional organizations are available in the field to help prepared and interested individuals to find appropriate placements for EFL instruction.

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• 7. What credentials do you need in TESOL to work at the K-12, adult education, and higher education levels?

  For K-12 schools, individuals need a TESOL license and possilby a license ina content area, such as a foreign language, English/language arts, math, science, history/social studies.

  For adult education and higher education, a masters degree is usually required.

  Teacher trainers usually have a doctoral degree.

• 8. Where are the most helpful and reliable resources for working with English language learners?

  Please see the Professional Resouces page.

• 9. What faculty teach TESL/TEFL courses at UW-Eau Claire?

  Currently, all core courses are taught by Dr. Kate Mastruserio Reynolds.

• 10. Who teaches ESL at UW-Eau Claire?

  Please refer to the ESL Faculty page.

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• 11. Can I add-on a TESOL license after I graduate from college?

  Yes, you may obtain a TESOL add-on license to attach to any initial State teaching license at any point after you have completed your Bachelors degree. This is called a post-bac certification.

• 12. Can I obtain a TEFL certificate later in my career?

  Yes, you may obtain a TEFL certificate at any time. You need only apply through Admissions.

• 13. Can I get a TEFL minor with an Education major?

  Yes, you need only register for the TEFL minor with the appropriate minor code. Please see the TESOL/TEFL advisor for the code and advising.

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• 14. Do I really have to obtain a TEFL certificate to find a EFL teaching position overseas? Can't I just visit the country and get an EFL job?

  Unfortunately, you may be able to find a poorly paid position, but there are no guarantees that you will be well treated. Additionally, how would you feel if you were the student in a class with an untrained teacher? How would you feel on the first day of class when there are dozens of eyes staring at you and you do not have any idea what to do? Learning through hard knocks is a tremendous disservice to the EFL students, to the trained professionals in the field (it undercuts our pay and the respect of our discipline), and you.
  
  "Each year, thousands of men and women from English-speaking nations go abroad as English teachers through agencies such as the Peace Corps or Voluntary Service Overseas, or through myriad other government, church, business, and academic organizations. For these novice English teachers, the challenge of learning what to do in the classroom is compounded by the difficult process of adjusting to life in a foreign culture. Teaching English as a novice teacher in a foreign country is very different from teaching as a trained professional in an English-speaking country, and knowing how to speak English is not the same as knowing how to teach English. Learning the craft of language teaching by trial and error is a process that can take a long time and involve considerable wear and tear on teachers and on students" (Don Snow http://www.cal.org/resources/digest/snow0001.html).

• 15. Can I seek a TESOL add-on license and a TEFL certificate simultaneously?

  Yes, individuals wishing to teach ESL in the U.S. and EFL overseas may gain a TESOL add-on license if they are working on an initial license in the College of Education. Some classes are similar in the TESOL Minor and the TEFL certificate, so students need to only take two additional courses (CI 409-TEFL Methods, 3crs. and the TEFL Practicum, 3-6 crs.) to obtain the TEFL certificate.

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• 16. Should I get the TEFL Minor or the TEFL Certificate?
  
  The difference is simply that the TEFL Minor with 24 credits is a more thorough preparation for teaching EFL than the 14-credit TEFL Certificate. If you do the minor, you would automatically obtain the certificate along the way (you would just have to complete a form).

  You can find jobs with the certificate; this would be the minimum credential that one would want to go teach overseas. If you need a minor with your major, you may want to do the TEFL Minor. If you do not, but you have time in your academic schedule to do the TEFL Minor, you may opt for that. If you do not need a minor, and you do not have much time, then do the TEFL Certificate.

• 17. Where and when can I do my TEFL Practicum?
  The TEFL Practicum is course number Flg 375—Internship Experience. You may do your TEFL Practicum anytime after you complete CI 409. It is important to note that the TEFL Practicum should be completed in a non-English speaking country and YOU will need to identify your own practicum site; therefore, it is necessary to plan in advance.
  
  Some options for the TEFL Practicum are tutoring or working with K-adult learners while you are:
  • On a study abroad trip
  • Working with non-native speakers online
  • Working in a summer language camp overseas
  • Serving as a paid instructor for a k-12 or language school overseas
  • Participating in a paid internship
  • Doing a Fulbright award
  • Volunteering overseas, etc

  Visit the Center for International Education and Career Services to discuss your possibilities, but remember you make the arrangements.
  
  Prior to your practicum experience, let you TEFL Practicum supervisor know when and where you are going. Discuss the TEFL Practicum syllabus and expectations in advance. Conduct the TEFL Practicum experience, and submit your papers or projects for grades.

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• 18. Which majors work "best" with a TESOL minor?

  The education majors that work well with TESOL are: foreign languages, elementary education, English/language arts, math, science(s), history/social studies.

• 19. Which majors work "best" with a TEFL minor?

  Many diverse majors work well with TEFL. Some examples are: foreign languages, business, art, religious studies, global studies, linguistics, and numerous other liberal arts degrees.

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• 20. What universities have Masters in TESOL or Applied Linguistics programs?

  There are many good Masters programs in TESOL throughout the U.S. Some are the University of Hawaii, Georgia State University, Boston University, Northern Arizona State University, and Penn State. These programs have reputations for excellence because they have outstanding researchers.

  When seeking a graduate program in TESOL, it is best to determine whether the program focuses on teacher preparation or research. Then compare your goals and the program's, to verify a solid match.

• 21. Do you have online and/or night courses?

  The UW-Eau Claire currently does not have online TESOL or TEFL courses, but most courses are offered in the evenings from 4:30-7:30 or 5-8pm one evening a week. Courses which are always in the evenings are: FLG 378, FLG 778, CI 403/603, CI 405/605, CI 400/600. For more information about these courses, please see Dr. Reynolds homepage.

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• 22. Can I be advised over email?

  It is not the best scenario to give important information or to establish a collaborative teacher/student relationship via email. Advising Process.

• 23. Can I obtain the TESOL add-on license and/or Masters in Education Professional Development (MEPD)-specialization TESOL Program simultaneously?

  Yes, you may take them simultaneously and there is some overlap. You may be required to take some coursework at the 700-level only.

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• 24. What are the requirements for the TESOL add-on license?

  The requirements for an add-on license in TESOL are the same as those for the TESOL Minor.

• 25. What is the application process for the TESOL add-on license and/or Masters in Education Professional Development (MEPD)-specialization TESOL Program?

  Please see the application process, and then visit the Admissions Office for undergraduate or graduate admission.

• 26. Will a faculty member evaluate my transcripts prior to application, so that I know in advance what courses I must take to complete the TESOL add-on license?

  This is not the standard application process. If a faculty member could evaluate your transcripts in advance, there would be no guarantees that certain courses would be waived.

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