Teaching English as a Second Language

The Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) program at Iowa State University prepares students to become effective English language teachers in diverse international and domestic settings. This comprehensive undergraduate program offers students a solid foundation in linguistics, language acquisition theories, curriculum development, and pedagogical strategies essential for teaching English to non-native speakers. Through a combination of coursework, practical teaching experiences, and research opportunities, students gain the skills necessary to design engaging lessons, assess learner progress, and adapt teaching methods to meet the needs of diverse learners. The program emphasizes the importance of cultural competency and global awareness, equipping future educators to work effectively in multicultural environments. Students also learn about language policies, technology integration in language instruction, and the social and political contexts of language teaching worldwide. The curriculum is structured to promote critical thinking and reflective practice, encouraging students to continually improve their teaching methods. Opportunities for internships and practicum experiences with real learners provide hands-on training, preparing graduates for careers in schools, language institutes, community programs, or international organizations. Graduates of the program will be well-prepared to pursue certification or advanced study in TESL or related fields. The Iowa State University TESL program is committed to fostering inclusive, innovative, and effective language education, advancing the university’s mission to serve the global community through research, education, and outreach in language teaching.

PREREQUISITES

• • English Grammar (ENGL/LING 220 or the equivalent, or pass ENGL/LING 220 test-out)
  • Introduction to Linguistics (ENGL/LING 219, ENGL/LING 511 or the equivalent)
  • Introduction to Computers in Applied Linguistics (ENGL/LING 510 or the equivalent)

(3 credits – ENGL/LING 511 or ENGL/LING 510 – can be counted towards the specialization credits of the degree, but can be counted only once each if double specializing)

CORE REQUIREMENTS = 18 CREDITS

Linguistic Analysis and Interpretation

• ENGL/LING 514: Sociolinguistics
• ENGL/LING 537: Corpus Approaches to Grammatical Analysis

Applied Aspects of Second Language Acquisition

• ENGL/LING 512: Second Language Acquisition
• ENGL/LING 518: TESL Methods and Materials
• ENGL/LING 519: Second Language Assessment
• ENGL/LING 588: Supervised Practice Teaching in Teaching English as a Second Language or ENGL 500 Proseminar: Teaching English Composition, or 3.0 credits of SpCm 513.

ELECTIVE AREAS OF SPECIALIZATION = 9 CREDITS 
(Students who do not count ENGL/LING 511 or ENGL/LING 510 towards their degree need to select another relevant elective chosen with the advice of the program of study committee; double specialization requires a minimum of 18 credits)

Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL)

• an appropriate course in instructional technology
• ENGL/LING 526: Computer-Assisted Language Learning
• Other relevant elective

Language Assessment

• ENGL/LING 527: Discourse Analysis
• ENGL/LING 513: Language Assessment Practicum
• Other relevant elective

English for Specific Purposes (ESP)

• ENGL/LING 527: Discourse Analysis
• ENGL/LING 528: English for Specific Purposes
• Other relevant elective

Literacy

• ENGL/LING 524: Literacy: Issues and Methods for Nonnative Speakers of English
• Two courses taken with prior approval from the student’s advisor/ major professor and chosen from relevant electives in literacy (see below).

Suggested courses for the Literacy specialization inside the English Department include:

• • ENGL/LING 503: Theory and Research in Composition
  • ENGL/LING 525: Methods in Teaching Listening and Speaking Skills to Nonnative Speakers of English
  • Any relevant graduate literature courses

Suggested courses for the Literacy specialization outside the English Department include:

• • Curriculum and Instruction 554: Reading and Responding to Children’s Literature
  • Curriculum and Instruction 533: Educational Psychology
  • Any courses with a significant component relevant to research in and/or pedagogy in literacy

Literature in ESL

• Three appropriate electives, two of which must be from English Department graduate literature course offerings.

Teaching English to L1 Spanish Learners

• Three appropriate courses with a significant component relevant to research into and/or the teaching of learners of English whose first language (L1) is Spanish.

Suggested courses for the Teaching English to L1 Spanish Learners specialization outside the English Department include:

• • SPAN 554: Intro to Spanish-English Interpretation
  • SPAN 563X: Hispanic Dialectology
  • SPAN 545: Seminar on the Literatures and Cultures of Latin America

Corpus and Computational Linguistics

• Three appropriate courses with a significant component relevant to either corpus-based analyses of language or the computational analysis of language.

Suggested courses for the Corpus and Computational Linguistics specialization inside the English Department include:

• • ENGL/LING 516: Methods of Formal Linguistics Analysis
  • ENGL/LING 520: Computational Analysis of English
  • ENGL/LING 527: Discourse Analysis

Suggested courses for the Corpus and Computational Linguistics specialization outside the English Department include:

• • Any courses in Human Computer Interaction (HCI)

Open Option

(no declared area of specialization)

• Three appropriate electives approved by the POS committee

INDEPENDENT RESEARCH= 3 CREDITS (only 3 credits count towards the degree)

• ENGL 699: Thesis or ENGL 599: Creative Component on topic related to area of specialization

• MA applicants must have completed a Bachelor’s degree, or its equivalent, prior to their first semester in the program.
• Minimum scores for M.A. applicants who are nonnative speakers of  English: 100 TOEFL iBT/ 600 TOEFL PBT/ 7.0 IELTS/ 63 PTE
• All nonnative speaking applicants must provide an audio/video of spontaneous spoken English emailed to englgrad@iastate.edu.
• Three letters of recommendation (LOR)
• Curriculum vitae/resume
• Statement of purpose and personal goals
• Writing sample according to our guidelines

The Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) program at Iowa State University offers various financing options to support students throughout their academic journey. Tuition fees for graduate students enrolled in the TESL program are determined annually and are published on the university’s official website. In-state students benefit from reduced tuition rates compared to out-of-state students, making the program more accessible for residents of Iowa. The university provides comprehensive information on payment deadlines, installment plans, and potential additional fees such as laboratory or technology fees that may apply.

Financial aid options for TESL students include federal and state grants, scholarships, and assistantships. Prospective students are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility for federal grants such as the Pell Grant, which can significantly reduce out-of-pocket expenses. Iowa State University also offers need-based and merit-based scholarships specifically aimed at graduate students in education programs. These scholarships are competitive and require a separate application, often including letters of recommendation, academic transcripts, and personal statements.

Teaching assistantships are another primary source of financing for TESL students. Graduate assistants typically work 20 hours per week, assisting faculty with research, grading, or teaching support, in exchange for a stipend and a tuition waiver. Eligibility requirements for assistantships include academic performance and sometimes a demonstration of teaching skills or relevant experience. The university’s Graduate College provides detailed information on how to apply for these positions, including deadlines and selection criteria.

Moreover, students enrolled in the TESL program can explore external funding sources such as state and private foundations, educational organizations, and employer tuition reimbursement programs. Some students may also qualify for loan programs to cover living expenses and other costs not covered by scholarships or grants. Iowa State University’s financial aid office offers counseling and resources to help students prepare their applications and understand the various financing options available.

It is recommended that students start planning their financing early in their academic journey to ensure they meet all application deadlines and secure necessary funds. Detailed and up-to-date information on tuition, scholarships, assistantships, and other financial aid opportunities can be found on Ohio State University’s official website or by contacting the university’s financial aid office directly.

The Teaching English as a Second Language program at Iowa State University of Science and Technology provides students with comprehensive training and education to become effective ESL educators. The program is designed to prepare students for teaching English to non-native speakers in diverse settings, including K-12 schools, community colleges, universities, and language institutes. It offers a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills, emphasizing applied linguistics, language acquisition theories, curriculum development, assessment methods, and classroom management techniques.

Students enrolled in the program have opportunities to engage in supervised teaching practicums, allowing them to gain hands-on experience in real classroom environments. The curriculum covers essential topics such as second language acquisition processes, intercultural communication, teaching methodologies, and the integration of technology in language instruction. The program also emphasizes cultural competence, enabling future teachers to effectively support diverse student populations and foster inclusive learning environments.

Students can pursue both undergraduate and graduate degrees in Teaching English as a Second Language, with specialized coursework tailored to different teaching contexts and age groups. The faculty members are experienced educators and researchers in applied linguistics and language pedagogy, providing mentorship and up-to-date instructional strategies. The program also prepares graduates for certification and licensing opportunities, facilitating employment in various educational institutions across the country and abroad.

Iowa State University’s TESL program benefits from its strong partnerships with local schools and international institutions, creating pathways for internships, collaborative projects, and employment opportunities. The program encourages students to participate in professional development activities, language teaching conferences, and research initiatives, contributing to their growth as reflective and competent educators. Overall, the TESL program at Iowa State University aims to produce highly qualified teachers capable of making a positive impact in second language education worldwide.