Teaching English as a Second Language

The Department of English at the University of Idaho provides the specialized linguistics training and theoretical background you need to teach English as a second language either in the U.S. or abroad. The Master of Arts in Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) is widely recognized as the standard professional credential required for a career in the field.

University of Idaho offers the state's only master’s program for teaching postsecondary English as a second language (ESL). The program also provides optional course work for those interested in teaching ESL composition.

The TESL program endorses and conforms to the curricular guidelines recommended by Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), a global association for English language teaching professionals. You will receive a thorough blend of practical training and course work in theoretical and applied linguistics, as well as in teaching methods.

With annual enrollments averaging 18 to 20 students, you will enjoy small classes and individual attention from your professors. Students also have ample opportunities to participate in a variety of ESL teaching practica and internships with the University of Idaho American Language and Culture Program and with other intensive English language programs in the area.

Prepare for Success

The Master of Arts in Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) program draws students from around the world. Some students are native speakers of English who plan to teach in the U.S. or abroad. Many are international students who travel to Idaho to complete the degree program and then return to their country to teach English at a university or other institution.

An undergraduate degree in TESL is not required for the master’s TESL program. Instead, the admission committee will review your transcripts, goals statement and letters of reference for evidence of commitment to international education, analytical thinking skills, and language and communication skills.

Language Requirement: Native speakers of English must complete or have completed two years of college work (or equivalent) in a modern foreign language, with at least one semester in the preceding five years. Non-native speakers must demonstrate proficiency in English equivalent to a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of 560 (pbt) or 83 (ibt). They also are strongly encouraged to take an advanced composition course in order to strengthen their skills in written English. 

Your First Year

To apply to the Department of English graduate program, you must meet admission requirements and send required materials to the University of Idaho Graduate Admissions Office.

Once you are admitted into the TESL program, you must complete 33 credit hours, which will include courses in the following subjects:

12 credits in linguistics, such as:

• Phonetics and phonology
• Semantics and typology
• Contrastive linguistics
• Advanced English grammar
• Discourse analysis

12 credits in pedagogy, such as:

• Basic TESL methods
• TESL composition
• First and second language acquisition
• TESL practicum/internship

9 credits of electives such as:

• Additional linguistics and/or pedagogy
• Intercultural communication
• Thesis

In the second year, you will take a comprehensive exam on linguistics, pedagogy and TESL theory, and on teaching methodology. You may fulfill the requirements for the degree by taking 33 credits of course work and the comprehensive examination. Or, you may fulfill the requirements by taking 27 credits of course work, the comprehensive examination, and six credits of research/thesis.

English 441, Introduction to the Study of Language, or an equivalent course in linguistics, is a prerequisite or co-requisite of the TESL program and does not contribute toward the credit hours required for the degree.

What You Can Do

The master’s program provides you with the specialized skills and education to become a professional teacher of English as a second language, a career field in which many teachers advanced readily into student services and program administration.

Opportunities

There are many exciting career paths for teachers of English as a second language (TESL). More than a billion people worldwide are learning to speak English. You may have opportunities to travel and teach abroad in any number of countries across the globe. There also is an increasing demand in the U.S. for teachers of English as a second language.

Regardless of where you plan to teach, your master’s degree in TESL from the University of Idaho will give you the credentials and training that are highly desired – and often required – by potential employers. Graduates may find career opportunities both in the U.S. and abroad at:

• Universities
• Colleges
• Public schools (K-12)
• Intensive language programs
• Government-sponsored programs

Current Research

University of Idaho faculty members in the Department of English are accomplished authors with nationally recognized expertise in linguistics, creative writing, composition, English education, technical writing, British literature and American literature. Faculty members have been awarded nationally competitive awards such as the Guggenheim Fellowship. Current department research projects include:

• History of the Indo-European languages
• Neurology and psychology of language acquisition and use
• Arthurian themes in video games
• Rhetorics of global warming
• Novels, memoirs and poetry of the American West
• Interface between the humanities and the sciences
• Gothic literature in the 19th century

Activities

Sigma Tau Delta, Eta Chi Chapter: An honor society for students of English language and literature in undergraduate, graduate and professional studies. Members host department events, work on a community service project, publish in a literary magazine and attend a national conference.

Hands-On Experience

University of Idaho provides many opportunities for you to gain valuable real-world practice teaching English as a second language (TESL), including:

• Practicum/Internship: If you have little or no experience teaching formal TESL classes, you will be encouraged to complete a practicum or internship.
• University of Idaho American Language and Culture Program (ALCP): Students with previous ESL teaching experience often have opportunities to teach with UI’s American Language and Culture Program (ALCP). The ALCP and other intensive English programs in the region often provide excellent first jobs for our new graduates.
• Teaching Assistantship (T.A.): Paid T.A. positions are available to graduate students in the Department of English. Assistants teach three sections of freshman composition per year under the supervision of the director of writing.
• Thesis: You may opt to complete a six-credit master’s thesis, which will include original research and a written paper supporting your work.

Faculty Involvement

Professor Douglas Q. Adams, a recent winner of a University of Idaho award for excellence in research, is a scholar of world renown for his books and many articles on the historical development of the Indo-European languages, especially Tocharian.

Professor Steve Chandler participates in the Analogical Modeling Research Group, an international research group, and publishes work on how language is represented and processed in the brain.
http://www.humanities.byu.edu/am/

Dr. Kurt Queller publishes research on corpus linguistics and its applications to language teaching.