Catalog 2026–2027

Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Certificate

Program Coordinator: Francis Dumanig
Email: fdumanig@hawaii.edu

Certificate Description

The Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Certificate Program at the University of Hawaii at Hilo provides students a theoretical foundation and hands-on practice to teach English as a second or foreign language. This career-focused certificate is internationally recognized, equipping students with the necessary skills to teach English locally and abroad. Students will learn how to design lesson plans, deepen their knowledge of second language acquisition theories, develop practical skills in English language teaching and complete a teaching practice at our partner universities abroad. The TESOL Certificate Program complements the baccalaureate training of English and Linguistics majors and offers additional credentials for students from other majors. It also adds professional qualifications of current and prospective elementary or secondary school teachers.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this certificate, students will be able to:

  • Utilize Second Language Acquisition Theory and describe how it relates to current practices in teaching ESL/EFL;
  • Create formal lesson plans in English as a second language (Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking and Grammar) while being cognizant of cultural differences;
  • Prepare for possible interview scenarios by compiling a comprehensive teaching portfolio.

Curriculum

Requirements (18 credits):

  1. Core Courses (12 credits)

    • LING 102 Introduction to Linguistics (3) 1
    • ENG 350 Second Lang Acquisition Theory (3)
    • ENG 422 ESL Teaching Practicum (3)
    • ENG 484 ESL Materials & Methods (3)

  2. Electives (6 credits) Choose two courses from the following

    • ENG 324 Modern English Grammar & Usage (3)
    • ENG 388 Global Englishes (3)
    • LING 221 Intro to Language (3) 1
    • LING 321 Morphology And Syntax (3)
    • LING/ANTH 331 Lang in Culture & Society (3)
    • LING 432 Critical Applied Linguistics (3)

1 Prospective candidates should note that LING 102 and LING 221 are prerequisites for several of these courses and ENG/ESL 100 Composition I (3) is a prerequisite for all English classes.

Notes

  1. Students must earn a grade of “C” or higher in all courses required for the certificate.