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Tennessee TESOL Programs and Requirements

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Featured Programs:
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Arizona State University Logo
Arizona State University
Featured Program: Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages, MTESOL
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Liberty University Logo
Liberty University
Featured Program: Online Master of Arts in Teaching English as a Second Language
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George Mason University Logo
George Mason University
Featured Program: MEd in Curriculum and Instruction, Concentration in TESOL
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Purdue University
Featured Program: Online MS in Education in Curriculum and Instruction
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Capella University
Featured Program: Online MS in English Language Learning and Teaching
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Illinois College
Featured Program: English as a Second Language Endorsement Online
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Tennessee offers many high quality options for its graduate students, including top-ranked MA in TESOL programs with or without ESL endorsement tracks, online graduate certificate and MA degree options, and urban education programs that place paid interns in high-need ESL classrooms. Tennessee also offers teachers and other working adults the option to earn licenses and ESL endorsements through flexible evening, weekend, and summer programs.

ESL Teacher Certification

The Department of Education awards the ESL assignment code to teachers who already have valid credentials and who have completed TESOL course requirements. The Regents Online Campus Collaborative indicates that these requirements total at least 18 semester hours and include ESL Assessment, Multicultural Education, Linguistics, English Grammar, ESL Practicum, and Methods for Reading, Writing, and Learning in ESL. Participants in some programs also have the opportunity to take a class in Computer-Assisted Language Learning.

Alternative Certification Options

The Department of Education’s Alternative License webpage lists different nontraditional tracks toward state licensure. However, most of these alternative paths are being phased out. The only current alternative license awarded is the Transitional License. Criteria for obtaining this certificate include holding a bachelor’s degree and having a job offer from a Tennessee public, charter, or private school. The license is valid for one year, but can be renewed twice while the candidate completes Department of Education requirements. Candidates can also participate in supervised ESL teaching, professional development in ESL, or an ESL endorsement program to ultimately earn an ESL endorsement code on their Tennessee teaching license.

Tennessee Master’s in TESOL Programs

Also placing on the National Council on Teacher Quality Dean’s List for offering multiple well-regarded programs, Lipscomb University has weekend, evening, and online classes to accommodate working adults. It offers a Master of Education in English Language Learning. Vanderbilt University Peabody College‘s English Language Learners (M.Ed.) Non-Licensure program is ranked high on the Dean’s List of the National Council on Teacher Quality and by U.S. News & World Report. Program tracks include teaching ELLs in the United States or teaching EFL internationally.

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Site Editor

Serena Makofsky
Serena Makofsky is a bilingual educator and curriculum designer with over a decade of experience. She has written articles, books, blog posts, units, and assessments for ESL and EFL educators and students. Her interests include innovative teaching practices, speaking Spanish, world cultures, and travel.
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