The Selkirk College TESOL Advanced Diploma program is for students interested in teaching English as a second or foreign language either domestically or internationally. Classes are offered in one intensive semester of study, during which time students gain both theoretical and practical knowledge in teaching language. Upon completion, students are eligible for TESL Canada Professional Certification.

The program includes course work in the areas of second language acquisition theory and linguistics, curriculum design, materials development, intercultural communication, grammar, phonology, classroom management, multi-media resources and assessment. In addition to the 18 hours a week of class time, students observe and teach in one of Selkirk College’s multicultural ESL classes on the same campus. TESOL students also have the opportunity to participate in language partnerships with ESL students and gain work experience as ESL tutors.

TESOL Advanced Diploma

Students complete 250 hours of methodology coursework plus a 20-hour practicum which includes 10 hours of observation and 10 hours of practice teaching in one of Selkirk’s skill-based, multicultural ESL classrooms.

Students who hold a degree and meet the qualifications for Selkirk’s TESOL Advanced Diploma program are eligible for TESL Canada Professional 1 Certification.

For those interested in TESL Canada Professional 2 Certification, Selkirk College offers an Extended Practicum (usually 8 weeks) which includes an additional 20 hours of observation and 10 hours of teaching in one of Selkirk’s skill-based, multicultural ESL classrooms.

TESL Advanced Certificate

Students complete 14 credits (250 hours) of methodology coursework, but they do not participate in the Practicum component. This program does not meet all the requirements needed to apply for TESL Canada recognition.

If students who have completed the Advanced Certificate program and wish to complete the practicum component and convert their Advanced Certificate to an Advanced Diploma, they can do so within one year and with the approval of the School Chair. There is an additional charge for this added teaching experience.

International Practicum

An international teaching practicum experience provides students with an opportunity to live and teach in an international setting with the support of Selkirk College. During their practicum students will apply the theories and methods studied in the Selkirk College TESOL Program in a work environment.

Please Note: TSOL120 is an additional practicum for graduates of the Selkirk College TESOL Advanced Diploma Program. It is not a requirement for graduation. This course may not be offered every year. Enrolment is limited.

Selkirk currently has partnerships with schools/organizations in Japan, China and Mexico. We hope to have even more opportunities available in the near future.

Visiting Practicum

The Visiting Practicum program also offers TESOL students an opportunity to complete their Classroom Observations and Practicum Teaching Experience at Selkirk College. Students who have completed a minimum of 100 hours of TESOL coursework at another institution and some related experience can apply for the Visiting Practicum. Students work one-on-one with an experienced ESL instructor as they observe, plan, deliver, and reflect on lessons in one of Selkirk’s skill-based, multicultural ESL classrooms.

Practical Studies in TESOL

The Practical Studies in TESOL program is a 4-week program available from January through July to international TESOL students or instructors who are interested in working alongside an experienced, Canadian instructor in one of Selkirk’s skill-based, multicultural ESL classrooms. Students shadow a mentor teacher, observe a variety of classes, participate in all student events, and plan and deliver a number of practicum language lessons.