Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL)
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Program Overview
Humber’s Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) graduate certificate program builds confident and knowledgeable teachers with 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 (CLB). You will be exposed to a wide range of theoretical issues and topics in adult second language acquisition, learning theories, grammar and linguistics, the emerging field of technology, mediated language teaching and learning, and portfolio-based language assessment (PBLA). More importantly, you will have the opportunity to immediately apply this learning through classroom observations and practice teaching in the practicum.
Faculty members are highly respected, dedicated professionals with graduate credentials in the field and bring extensive ESL teaching and teacher training experience.
Courses
At Humber, courses are delivered in a variety of formats:
In-Person - An in-person course is delivered fully on campus.
Online Asynchronous (A) - An online asynchronous course has no fixed class schedule and allows students to engage with the course at different times according to their needs. Faculty provide modules, which are completed independently by the students according to established deadlines.
Online Synchronous (S) - An online synchronous course is delivered fully online and requires faculty and students to participate in real-time according to a fixed schedule. Classes are scheduled for a specific day and time.
Hybrid - A hybrid course is a combination of in-person and online classes and follows a set schedule. Students must be available to attend in-person classes at scheduled times during the semester.
The chart below outlines the delivery options available for each course in this program, by campus. For some academic terms, there may be more than one delivery option available. You’ll be able to select your preferred options when building your course schedule during open enrolment. Preferences for course delivery will be considered on a first come, first served basis. Some Humber programs are also delivered fully online, where all courses are delivered online.
International students: the impact of studying from outside of Canada on Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility differs significantly based on when you start your program. Please review the PGWP eligibility before choosing your program and course delivery.
| Course code and Name | Delivery Type by Location | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Course Code | Course Name | North | Lakeshore | Downtown | DL/Online |
| Semester 1 | |||||
| TESL 5001 | The Adult ESL Learner | N/A | In-Person | N/A | N/A |
| TESL 5002 | Introduction to Language 1 | N/A | In-Person | N/A | N/A |
| TESL 5003 | Methodology 1 | N/A | In-Person | N/A | N/A |
| TESL 5005 | Planning and Assessment 1 | N/A | In-Person | N/A | N/A |
| TESL 5006 | Professional Practicum I | N/A | Hybrid | N/A | N/A |
| TESL 5010 | Teaching with Technology 1 | N/A | Hybrid | N/A | N/A |
| Semester 2 | |||||
| TESL 5012 | Introduction to Language 2 | N/A | In-Person | N/A | N/A |
| TESL 5013 | Methodology 2 | N/A | In-Person | N/A | N/A |
| TESL 5014 | Pedagogical Grammar | N/A | In-Person | N/A | N/A |
| TESL 5015 | Planning and Assessment 2 | N/A | In-Person | N/A | N/A |
| TESL 5016 | Professional Practicum II | N/A | Hybrid | N/A | N/A |
| TESL 5020 | Teaching with Technology 2 | N/A | Hybrid | N/A | N/A |
Work-Integrated Learning
Students will complete a 50-hour professional practicum. Unlike many other institutions, our professional practicum is fully arranged and supervised by our placement advisor, giving student-teachers the time to focus on their learning and preparation. Students fulfill their requirements in a variety of settings which may include:
- adult ESL and Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) classes in the GTHA school boards and community agencies
- global practicum placements and internships at international partner institutions
- Humber’s English for Academic Purposes program
- Humber’s Continuous Professional Learning (CPL) department, enhanced language training (ELT) or related programs
The Humber Advantage
Work integrated learning in the form of a teaching practicum is central to the successful development of TESL professionals. The TESL practicum will give you hands-on experience in a variety of classroom settings, and will help build the foundation for your future teaching careers. This is your opportunity to apply the concepts, knowledge, and practical skills from the classroom to the workplace. During the practicum you will also acquire teaching techniques and develop professionalism from experienced Mentor Teachers.
"I took advantage of many opportunities provided by Humber while I was a student, dedicating myself to absorb as much knowledge from the program as possible. This included observation of LINC and Humber EAP classes, classroom micro-teaching, and teaching experiences. This helped me grow my teaching style as well as helped me confirm that teaching English is my true passion."
– Takuya Ogino, Humber TESL Graduate (2018)
Current job: English Teacher
"The best part of the program is the experience to learn from very professional and encouraging teachers. They always motivated me and help with my self-esteem and any doubts. The teaching strategies and methodology allowed me to participate and gain confidence. I believe the teachers' support is the reason why I have been able to find a great job for my career."
– Cathy Wang, Humber TESL Graduate
Current job: English Teacher
In this video, Morgan Cogswell, a graduate of the Graduate Certificate in Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL), shares her experience studying and taking the practicum in the program.
Your Career
Graduates of the TESL program may find employment 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/ELT, academic EAP 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.
Professional Accreditations & Recognition
TESL Canada (Standard II) and TESL Ontario (OCELT)
This program is recognized by TESL Canada and TESL Ontario as an accredited program. Qualified students have the opportunity to apply for professional teacher accreditation with TESL Canada (Standard II) and TESL Ontario (OCELT).
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.
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.
Program Availability
| START | DELIVERY | LOCATION | STATUS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 2025 | Lakeshore | Open |
| START | DELIVERY | LOCATION | STATUS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 2025 | Lakeshore | Open |
Humber is a publicly funded institution. International students graduating from a PGWP Eligible program at Humber are eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit.
International students in Canada could be eligible for an automatic scholarship*. Apply now!
Check out the step-by-step Admissions Road Map for helpful information and additional resources.
| START | DELIVERY | LOCATION | STATUS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 2025 | Lakeshore | Open |
Humber is a publicly funded institution. International students graduating from a PGWP Eligible program at Humber are eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit.
International applicants outside of Canada can apply through Humber International. Check out the step-by-step Admissions Road Map for helpful information and additional resources.
Upcoming Recruitment Events
TESL Graduate Certificate Program Video
Watch the video to learn about the benefits of the Teaching English as a Second Language Graduate Certificate program at Humber through the experience of faculty and students.
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