Become a Certified English Teacher

Teacher standing in front of a board pointing at wordsAre you ready to make a meaningful impact by teaching English to speakers of other languages? The Tennessee Language Center (TLC) offers a comprehensive Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) certification program that equips you with the skills, experience, and credentials to teach English both domestically and internationally.

Why Choose TLC’s TESL Program?

Comprehensive Training: Our 150-hour TESL Certification Training includes:

  • 120 hours of interactive, instructor-led classes
  • 30 hours of practical teaching experience
  • Classes held online via Zoom, 2 hours per day, 3 days a week, over 14 weeks

This extensive training surpasses the standard 100-hour programs, providing you with a competitive edge in the job market.

Practical Experience: Gain real-world teaching experience through our 30-hour practicum, which includes:

  • Lesson planning
  • Peer teaching rehearsals
  • ESL teaching observations
  • Actual ESL teaching in local or online classrooms

You’ll be guided by experienced trainers who provide personalized feedback to help you succeed.

Teacher bending over table interacting with two studentsExperienced Instructors:  Learn from a team of dedicated educators and language experts committed to your professional growth. Our small class sizes (maximum of 20 trainees) and a practicum trainer-to-trainee ratio of 1:2 ensure personalized attention for every student.

Innovative Teaching Methodology: At TLC, we believe that both learning and teaching a language are active processes. Our TESL methodology emphasizes authentic usage and understanding messages. One of our most effective sessions involves students learning to speak and read Russian, putting themselves in the learner’s shoes to better understand the experience of studying English as a second language.

Upcoming TESL Terms

We offer several TESL terms each year. For availability and term dates, contact Jenny Rish at jenny.rish@tennessee.edu or 615-741-7579.

Applicant Requirements:

  • 18 years of age
  • Access to a computer and internet connection
  • Ability to attend all classes (class attendance is mandatory for graduation)
  • If English is not your first language, an 85+ on the TOEFL iBT or an overall band score of 6.5 on the IELTS for admission
  • We recommend that you have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, but it is not required.

APPLY HERE

Tuition & Payment:

Full tuition is $1,850

Tuition includes all classes, course materials, and other documentation as well as a signed and embossed TESL Certificate, a signed and embossed transcript, and a letter of standing.

Tuition payment
You have the option of paying tuition in installments. Payment plan arrangements must be made with the TESL office before the registration deadline for the TESL course you wish to attend.

A woman standing at a podium teaching a class of men seated at tablesReady to Transform Lives Through Language Education?

Join TLC’s TESL program and embark on a transformative journey to become a skilled and impactful language educator. Your passion for teaching, combined with our commitment to excellence, will create a powerful synergy that shapes the future of language education. Earning your TESL certificate can be the beginning of a lifetime of adventure!

Refund policy:

Enrolled students who wish to withdraw from the TESL course must do so in writing to be eligible for a credit or refund. Those who withdraw before orientation day will be eligible for a full credit towards another course within 12 months or a full refund. Those who withdraw within the first 12 in-class hours are eligible for a full credit towards another course within 12 months or a tuition refund (tuition paid minus $495 for books and materials). Those who withdraw after the first 12 in-class hours are eligible for a credit towards another course within 12 months. There is NO REFUND for those who withdraw after the first 12 in-class hours.