Our Program
Humber’s Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) graduate certificate program builds confident and knowledgeable teachers who have a full understanding of best practices in teaching English as a second language (ESL). Our innovative curriculum is based on the latest ESL teaching approaches, methods and assessment systems including the Canadian Language Benchmarks and the Common European Framework Reference (CEFR). You will be exposed to a wide range of theoretical issues including adult second language acquisition, learning theory, linguistics, the emerging field of teaching with technology, and portfolio-based assessment. More importantly, you will have the opportunity to immediately apply this learning through classroom observations, practice teaching and tutoring opportunities in Humber’s Writing Centre.
Faculty members are highly respected, dedicated professionals with graduate credentials in the field and extensive ESL teaching and teacher training experience.
Courses Learning OutcomesSemester 1
Semester 2
Upon successful completion of the program, a graduate will:
Develop curriculum and select delivery techniques and materials appropriate to the needs, expectations, motivations and learning styles of diverse cultural adult groups.
Facilitate the adult ESL learner’s integration or adaptation to Canadian society.
Develop an introductory, functional philosophy of language utilizing a foundation in general linguistics, socio-linguistics and psycho-linguistics.
Identify and solve language related problems as they arise in ESL teaching through the application of participant’s own philosophy of language.
Develop a thorough knowledge of the English language grammar and the knowledge of how to teach grammar, i.e. be able to appropriately select, sequence, plan and deliver instruction to ESL learners.
Analyze and critique existing ESL methods and resources and their application to the adult ESL classroom.
Plan adult ESL instructional lessons including the identification of teaching objectives, the selection of techniques and resources and the identification of approaches/methods.
Apply appropriate ESL techniques to specific classroom situations.
Diagnose ESL student literacy levels and design and implement the corresponding training plan.
Analyze and evaluate ESL curricula which address student needs.
Select and utilize language tests to determine language proficiency and functioning levels.
Implement and deliver curriculum to adult ESL classes which reflects the analysis and synthesis of theory and practice and which addresses the aims, goals and objectives which impact upon course and program decisions.
Respond to the need for continuing professional development by participating in a variety of educational and professional activities.
Work Placement
Students will complete a 50-hour graduated teaching practicum. Unlike many other institutions, our practicum is fully arranged and supervised, giving student teachers the time to focus on their learning and preparation. Students fulfill their practicum requirements in a variety of settings which may include:
- Humber’s English Language Centre in the English for Academic Purposes program
- Humber’s Continuing Education department, enhanced language training (ELT)-related programs
- Adult ESL and Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) classes in the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board and community agencies.
The Humber Advantage
Alumni Testimonial - Elisa Costantiello (2014)
"The TESL program was one of the best decisions I have ever made. After graduating from University, I wasn’t sure what career path to take, so I searched for a program that was both interesting and skill developing. The experienced and incredible faculty, as well as the useful content, was exactly what I needed to become a successful ESL instructor and I continue to use the skills and practices that were taught to me.
After I graduated from the TESL program, I was given the opportunity to teach in the Summer Language Program at Humber. This program opened the door, allowing me to continue working at Humber in the English for Academic Purposes program, as well as other post-secondary institutions.
I’m so grateful to have the opportunity to work with motivated English-learning students, and for my experience in the TESL program at Humber College."
Alumni Testimonial - Tracy Crewson (2015)
"I am deeply grateful to Humber for the well-rounded and thorough preparation I received for my new career path. The training I received in Humber’s TESL program was well worth the investment. I feel that I have entered this discipline well-rounded and knowledgeable in both theory and practice. In fact, I have had colleagues tell me they are ‘jealous’ of the training I received, as many TESL programs do not include the practical elements that Humber does.
Only 2 months after graduation, I was hired to teach English to adult learners for the Hamilton-Wentworth School board. At the end of those 2 months, I was hired for a year-long position, and have been teaching full time ever since. Our program coordinator is impressed with the knowledge and ability of graduates from Humber, which speaks to the quality of Humber’s TESL program.
Not a week goes by that I am not reminded of what I learned at Humber and thankful for the skills I learned that allow me to teach ESL so capably. Humber’s TESL program and professors are of the highest quality and are highly recommended!"
Your Career
Today, approximately one billion people worldwide are learning English and by 2030, half of the world’s population is expected to speak English. Work in teaching ESL in adult ESL programs in school boards, colleges and universities, and government-sponsored agencies across Ontario, as well as in private schools and academic institutions around the world teaching English as a foreign language. Career opportunities also include workplace ESL, academic ESL and ESL program administration in the public and private sectors.
In addition, each summer, select graduates are hired as ESL teaching interns in Humber’s highly regarded and dynamic international summer language program under the guidance of a mentor faculty member. Work placements may also be available in the Humber English Language Centre’s English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program, in ESL courses in the Continuing Education department and in Humber’s Writing Centre.
Professional Accreditations
This program is recognized by the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development and is approved and accredited by TESL Canada (Standard II) and TESL Ontario. Upon completion of the TESL program, graduates who meet TESL Canada and TESL Ontario criteria can apply for professional teacher accreditation from these regulatory bodies.
Additional requirements may apply.
Note: The requirements for the additional credential(s) are determined by the granting body, which is independent from the College. Students are encouraged to obtain the specific requirements directly from the granting body before enrolling.
This information is accurate as of December 2016.
Every attempt is made to ensure that information contained in this website is current and accurate. Humber reserves the right to correct any error or omission, modify or cancel any course, program, fee, timetable or campus location at any time without prior notice or liability to users or any other Person.