Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages

Prepare to teach English learners

Teacher license Grad certificate

Our online certificate program prepares you to teach English learners through inclusive, research-based instructional practices.

Designed for practicing educators, the Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) certificate program fosters a supportive professional learning community and emphasizes teaching approaches that respect students’ customs, experiences, characteristics and perspectives.

You will gain the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to effectively support English learners in today’s diverse classrooms. Teachers who complete the certificate are eligible for endorsement for the Wisconsin English as a Second Language (ESL) Teaching License (1395).

Program highlights:

Tuition as low as $396 per credit
Completed in three academic terms (summer, fall, and spring)

A program within Institute for Professional Studies in Education

Program at a glance

Format: Online
Program start: Fall, Spring, Summer
Credits: 18

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This program is designed for:

Current teachers who hold a bachelor’s degree in an education-related field
Educators who have completed a language program and are seeking ESL licensure

Learn more about program requirements and coursework.

Why choose UWL’s TESOL Certificate Program?

Accreditation and standards alignment

Learning outcomes for the TESOL Graduate Certificate Program are fully aligned to InTASC Model Core Teaching Standards, national TESOL standards, and the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction English Language Development standards. Also, both UW-La Crosse and the School of Education are fully accredited.

Affordable

With tuition as low as $396 per credit, UWL’s TESOL certificate is among the most affordable programs nationwide.

Designed for working professionals

Courses are 100% online and asynchronous, allowing you to balance coursework with your professional and personal commitments.

Supportive learning community

Our cohort model fosters meaningful connections with fellow educators and faculty, creating a collaborative and supportive learning environment. New cohorts are anticipated to begin each academic term, including summer.

Real-world application

Courses emphasize practical strategies and hands-on learning, ensuring you can immediately apply what you learn in your classroom.