Teaching English as a Second Language Major

If you want to work with students who are learning English as a second language, the Teaching English as a Second Language program is a great option.

It’s important that you’re comfortable in a classroom setting before you graduate. That’s why we build student teaching opportunities right into the curriculum.

This licensure program will prepare you to teach English grades K–12 and meet the requirements set by the Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB) and the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.

Declare Your Major in Teaching English as a Second Language
Applied Linguistics and ESLT
If you want to be an elementary through high school teacher for students whose first language isn’t English, then the Teaching English as a Second Language (ESLT) (K – 12) major is the major for you.

Program at a Glance

The Teaching English as a Second Language major consists of 67 credits.

You’ll learn the theory and practice of language teaching through the Teacher Education Program. You’ll also complete coursework in language study, grammar, second language acquisition, and pedagogy.

You should apply for the Teacher Education Program by the end of your second or third semester.

When you complete this program, you’ll graduate with not only a bachelor’s degree, but also a teaching license.

Student Teaching Opportunities

You’ll complete at least 2 years of second/foreign language instruction in a high school setting or at least one year in a college setting.

Either experience will prepare you to teach English as a Second Language (ESL) for grades K–12 in public school settings.

Get Ready to Teach

With a Teaching English as a Second Language degree and license, you’ll be able to teach in any Minnesota public school.

Our program’s students have gone on to work in schools in Minnesota and across the world. Some of these places include:

  • Rochester, MN
  • St. Paul, MN 
  • Sparta, WI
  • New Orleans, LA
  • South Korea 
  • Spain
Contact the English Department 
Dr. Ditlev Larsen
Teaching English as a Second Language Program Director, Professor
Email Dr. Ditlev Larsen