Teaching English

A woman standing at a podium teaching a class of men seated at tablesWelcome to the Tennessee Language Center’s Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) program, where language education excellence meets global impact! At the Tennessee Language Center, we are dedicated to providing top-tier TESL training that equips educators with the skills and knowledge to make a profound difference in the lives of language learners.

Program Offerings:

150-Hour TESL Certification Training: Earn a recognized TESL certification that opens doors to exciting teaching opportunities worldwide.
2 hours a day, 3 days a week, 14 weeks

12-Hour Skills Booster Course: A professional development program for the seasoned teacher, or an intro to someone thinking about our TESL certification training
2 hours a day, 1 day a week, 6 weeks

We have three upcoming information sessions for our next Skills Booster Course – join us via Zoom at 4:30 p.m. Central on:
Feb. 15, 2024
Feb. 19, 2024
Feb. 20, 2024
Register here to be sent the Zoom link.

Register here to sign up for the course.

Why Choose TLC for TESL Training?

Exceptional Trainers: Our TESL program is led by a team of educators and language experts committed to your professional growth. Our classes are small, with a maximum of 20 trainees and an average practicum trainer-to-trainee ratio of 1:2. This ensures personal contact time for every student.

Practical Experience: Put theory into practice with hands-on teaching opportunities. Our TESL program provides real-world classroom experience. The practice teaching component of the course is approximately 30 hours. This includes lesson planning, peer teaching rehearsals, ESL teaching observations, and ESL teaching in a local classroom. You will be guided through the teaching practicum with experienced trainers who provide the feedback and assistance necessary to help you succeed.

TLC’s TESL Methodology: Our central principle at TESL is that learning language, like teaching language, is an active process. We acquire language by understanding messages and through authentic usage, and we acquire teaching skills in the same way. This works in our classroom and will work in yours. One of our most popular and effective sessions requires students to spend a few hours learning to speak and read Russian. Yes, Russian. There’s nothing like putting yourself in the learner’s shoes to help you understand what it’s like to study English as a second language.

Ready to Transform Lives Through Language Education?

Join TLC’s TESL program and embark on a transformative journey toward becoming a skilled and impactful language educator. Your passion for teaching and our commitment to excellence will create a powerful synergy that shapes the future of language education. Earning your TESL certificate can be the beginning of a lifetime of adventure! Begin your adventure by enrolling in an upcoming TESL certificate course.

Applicant Requirements:

18 years of age
Access to a computer and internet connection
Ability to attend all classes (class attendance is mandatory for graduation)
If English is not your first language, an 85+ on the TOEFL iBT or an overall band score of 6.5 on the IELTS for admission
We recommend that you have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, but it is not required.

Tuition & Payment:

Full tuition is $1,850

Tuition includes all classes, course materials, and other documentation as well as a signed and embossed TESL Certificate, a signed and embossed transcript, and a letter of standing. Graduates of TESL also have a standing invitation to access our comprehensive TESL library, online resources, and to attend future TESL sessions at no charge.

Tuition payment
You have the option of paying tuition in installments. We accept cash, checks, and credit cards. You may also make payments through our online registration system. Approved payment plans begin with a tuition deposit of $495, and continue with scheduled monthly or biweekly payments. Payment plan arrangements must be made with the TESL office before the registration deadline for the TESL course you wish to attend.

Refund policy:

Enrolled students who wish to withdraw from the TESL course must do so in writing to be eligible for a credit or refund. Those who withdraw before orientation day will be eligible for a full credit towards another course within 12 months or a full refund. Those who withdraw within the first 12 in-class hours are eligible for a full credit towards another course within 12 months or a tuition refund (tuition paid minus $495 for books and materials). Those who withdraw after the first 12 in-class hours are eligible for a credit towards another course within 12 months. There is NO REFUND for those who withdraw after the first 12 in-class hours.