Description

The TELL/First Certificate program prepares teachers to help students develop proficiency in English for academic and social purposes in integrated and free-standing services, compatible to current school programs, and to become effective advocates for integrated, fully inclusive classroom-based programs that draw on student strengths and address student needs. The program is grounded on the principles that the linguistic and cultural backgrounds of English language learners are valuable resources and that students best acquire and develop English language literacy - speaking, listening, reading and writing-in rich language contexts.
Through academic work, TELL degree candidates gain knowledge of theories, strategies, and methodologies in teaching English language learners and become conversant in socio-cultural and socio-linguistic issues that impact acquisition of English as an additional language. The combination of coursework and practical experience prepares teachers as specialists in educating English language learners by providing them a thorough understanding of how theory is connected to effective practice in promoting second language acquisition and developing literacy for social and academic purposes.

This program is designed for those without certification and is a 39-credit course of study to be pursued full-time over a year, summer-fall-spring-summer sequence.

The program also requires a minimum of 12 credits in one language other than English as an entry requirement.