Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL)

Humber’s Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) graduate certificate program builds confident and knowledgeable teachers who develop 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) and the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).

You will be exposed to a wide range of theoretical issues including adult second language acquisition, learning theories, linguistics, the emerging field of teaching with technology, and portfolio-based language assessment (PBLA).

More importantly, you will have the opportunity to immediately apply this learning through classroom observations and practice teaching. 

Faculty members are highly respected, dedicated professionals with graduate credentials in the field and bring extensive ESL teaching and teacher training experience. 

Work-Integrated Learning 

Students will complete a 50-hour field experience. Unlike many other institutions, our field experience is fully arranged and supervised, 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 Board and community agencies
• global field experience at partner institutions
• Humber’s English for Academic Purposes program
• Humber’s Continuous Professional Learning (CPL) department, enhanced language training (ELT)-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.