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- Ryan Hediger, Ph.D. | rhediger@kent.edu | 330-672-1741
- Sheri McMahon | smcmaho7@kent.edu | 330-672-2676
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Kent State University's Undergraduate Non-Degree Program in Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) is designed to provide current and aspiring educators with specialized skills in teaching English to non-native speakers. The program focuses on language acquisition theory, instructional techniques, and cultural sensitivity, preparing teachers to effectively support English language learners in diverse educational settings. This endorsement enhances teaching credentials, equipping educators to meet the needs of multilingual classrooms and fostering an inclusive learning environment. It is ideal for those looking to broaden their expertise and improve their instructional impact in TESL.
The non-degree program in Teaching English as Second Language Endorsement Preparation allows students to concurrently seek an undergraduate degree program leading to state licensure at Kent State while also working toward meeting TESL endorsement requirements of the Ohio Department of Education. The program increases student knowledge of language and second language learning in the P-12 context while it prepares them as teachers of English learners.
Successful completion of this program serves as recommendation to the Ohio Department of Education for endorsement in TESL, but it is not a degree program. Students must complete their degree program and be qualified for licensure in another area of study. The endorsement serves as an add-on to a state teaching license in Ohio.
This program is designed to prepare students to sit for applicable licensure or certification in Ohio. If you plan to pursue licensure or certification in a state other than Ohio, please review state educational requirements for licensure or certification and contact information for state licensing boards at Kent State's website for professional licensure disclosure.
The university affirmatively strives to provide educational opportunities and access to students with varied backgrounds, those with special talents and adult students who graduated from high school three or more years ago.
First-Year Students on the Kent Campus: First-year admission policy on the Kent Campus is selective. Admission decisions are based upon cumulative grade point average, strength of high school college preparatory curriculum and grade trends. Students not admissible to the Kent Campus may be administratively referred to one of the seven regional campuses to begin their college coursework. For more information, visit the .
First-Year Students on the Regional Campuses: First-year admission to Kent State’s campuses at Ashtabula, East Liverpool, Geauga, Salem, Stark, Trumbull and Tuscarawas, as well as the Twinsburg Academic Center, is open to anyone with a high school diploma or its equivalent. For more information on admissions, contact the Regional Campuses admissions offices.
International Students: All international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions) by earning a minimum 525 TOEFL score (71 on the Internet-based version), minimum 75 MELAB score, minimum 6.0 IELTS score or minimum 48 PTE Academic score, or by completing the ELS level 112 Intensive Program. For more information, visit the admissions website for international students.
Transfer Students: Students who have attended any other educational institution after graduating from high school must apply as undergraduate transfer students. For more information, visit the admissions website for transfer students.
Former Students: Former Kent State students or graduates who have not attended another college or university since Kent State may complete the reenrollment or reinstatement form on the University Registrar’s website.
Admission policies for undergraduate students may be found in the University Catalog's .
Some programs may require that students meet certain requirements before progressing through the program. For programs with progression requirements, the information is shown on the program's Coursework tab.
Completers of this program will be able to:
Code | Title | Credit Hours |
---|---|---|
Endorsement Requirements | ||
ENG 31001 | FUNDAMENTAL ENGLISH GRAMMAR | 3 |
ENG 31003 | LINGUISTICS | 3 |
ENG 31005 | CHILD SECOND LANGUAGE ACQUISITION | 3 |
ENG 31007 | PEDAGOGY FOR TEACHING ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE 1 | 3 |
ENG 31008 | GRAMMAR FOR TEACHING ENGLISH AS A SECOND/FOREIGN LANGUAGE | 3 |
ENG 41003 | LANGUAGE CURRICULUM, MATERIALS AND ASSESSMENT 2 | 3 |
ENG 41192 | ESL PRACTICUM IN A P-12 SETTING (ELR) 3 | 3 |
Minimum Total Credit Hours: | 21 |
An assessment of professional dispositions occurs in this course demonstrating Endorsement students' understanding of codes of ethics and professional standards appropriate to TESL and work with English Language Learners.
Data literacy and analysis, use of research and assessment data, leadership and collaboration, utilizing and supporting appropriate technology for the discipline, and an understanding of laws related to English Language Learners as assessed in this course.
Seventy hours of field placements as teacher assistants in area schools enable students to gain collaborative clinical experience as P-12 teachers.
Candidates seeking Ohio teaching licensure are required to pass specific requirements in order to apply for licensure from the Ohio Department of Education (ODE). Students should consult the Special Education Department for specific program requirements and refer to the Ohio Department of Education - Educator Preparation website for more information on assessments specific to licensure type.
Ohio Department of Education (CAEP)
Graduates of Kent State’s Undergraduate Endorsement in Teaching English as a Second Language are well-equipped to enhance their teaching credentials and work effectively with English language learners in diverse educational settings. The program’s focus on language acquisition, ESL teaching strategies, and cultural sensitivity prepares educators to support non-native English speakers. Graduates often pursue roles as ESL teachers, language support specialists, and bilingual educators, helping students succeed in multilingual classrooms.
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