The TESL certificate program and the endorsement in ESL have similarities in curriculum but distinct goals. Both involve instruction in applied linguistics and language teaching methods. The TESL certificate is awarded by the English department, College of Arts and Sciences.  The ESL endorsement is granted by the Clemmer College of Education.

Which is better?

It depends on your goals.  The TESL certificate is appropriate for those who wish to teach English abroad or work with ESL adults in the US.  The endorsement is required for anyone who wishes to teach English as a Second Language in a K-12 setting in the U.S.  It is only available as an add-on to an existing teaching license and is recognized by the State of Tennessee.  Undergraduates in Teacher Education may pursue the ESL endorsement as part of their program of study for licensing.  However, the TESL Certificate is a graduate program exclusively.

For further information about the ESL endorsement, please contact Dr. Rosalind Gann, 423-439-7596; gannr@etsu.edu .  Those interested in seeking the TESL certificate should speak with Dr. Theresa McGarry, 423-439-5995, mcgarry@etsu.edu .

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