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Certificate
TEFL
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BYU-Idaho + BYU-Pathway

The TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certificate provides an introduction into teaching English to speakers of other languages.

This certificate is offered by BYU-Idaho, with support and resources from BYU-Pathway Worldwide.

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Essential Knowledge and Skills

Outcomes

  • Apply essential theories and practice basic principles of TEFL.
  • Utilize best practices for effective instruction.
  • Apply the conceptual principles and analytical framework for studying language to TEFL.
  • Gain practical experience in TEFL.
Certificate of TEFL
Program Requirements
This certificate builds into the Professional Studies degree.
This is an introductory certificate.
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Certificate
16 CREDITS
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Associate
60 CREDITS
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Bachelor's
90–96 CREDITS
Certificate of TEFL
Course Code
Course Name
# of Credits
TESOL101
Introduction to TESOL
3
TESOL101 — 3 credits
x
Introduction to TESOL
In this introduction to the TESOL Certificate, student will learn the essential theories and practice basic principles of teaching English as a foreign language.  The course will cover topics related to language teaching methods and approaches, principles of language acquisition, four-skill instruction, and curriculum design and materials evaluation.  
TESOL102
TESOL Pedagogy I
3
TESOL102  — 3 credits
x
TESOL Pedagogy I
This is the first of two courses on EFL teaching methodology.  This course emphasizes benefits of foreign language learning, language acquisition theory, Communicative Language Teaching, major and minor teaching methodologies, and teaching speaking, listening, reading, writing, and culture.
TESOL103
TESOL Pedagogy II
3
TESOL103 — 3 credits
x
TESOL Pedagogy II
The second of two courses on EFL teaching methodology.  This course emphasizes (1) technology, (2) cross-cultural differences, (3) classroom management, and (4) assessment.
TESOL104
English Grammar for TESOL
3
TESOL104 — 3 credits
x
English Grammar for TESOL
A detailed study of English from the perspective of those who will teach it to speakers of other languages.  Emphasis will be on helping students make sense of grammar so they can help others improve their English skills.  The principles and methodologies for best internalizing language knowledge will also be considered.
TESOL105
TESOL Practice
1
TESOL105 — 1 credits
x
TESOL Practice
In this course, students will review basic principles of language acquisition and language pedagogy.  Students will also complete a variety of assignments as they teach English Language Learners during the semester.
GS170
Career Development
1
GS170 — 1 credits
x
Career Development
In this course, learners will discover and strengthen the skills they need to successfully obtain or improve employment. Students will focus on creating professional documents (e.g., resumes and cover letters), networking, interviewing, and job shadowing.
SPED360
Diverse and Exceptional Students
2
SPED360 — 2 credits
x
Diverse and Exceptional Students
The course will cover the basics of diversity and special education issues with which a typical P-12 teacher will be expected to be familiar. The student will learn how to differentiate instruction, and employ essential strategies, based on a student’s exceptional needs and background. The student will also become familiar with laws and policies governing a teacher’s engagement with diverse and exceptional students in the public schools.
For questions about this program, contact BYU-Pathway Support
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Looking Ahead
Potential Employment
  • English language instructor at private English institutes or businesses
  • Not recommended for public school teacher positions in many developed countries

Why choose this certificate?

The Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) certificate will prepare you for teaching students of varying backgrounds and cultures the process of learning English. You will gain skills in curriculum development, student ability and progress analysis, classroom management, behavioral management, and instruction.

BYU-Pathway has found that certain combinations of certificates lead to better job opportunities. Most degrees have a recommended plan of certificates that will help students increase their income and improve their employment possibilities.