Please note:

To effectively participate in this program, students must have reliable Internet access and a device that meets these requirements.

About the program

Do you want to make a difference? Do you want to teach English as a second language? Become one of Conestoga's grads, teaching and managing ESL programs throughout Ontario.

This 340-hour program includes applied in-class and practicum experience and is recognized by TESL Canada (Standard II) and by TESL Ontario.

Graduates of the Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) graduate certificate gain the knowledge and skills for successful English language teaching through active learning and 50 hours of observing and teaching.

Practicum placements occur in community-based programs such as Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) and/or within English for Academic Purposes (EAP) settings at college or university, preparing students for today's world of English language learning and teaching in Canada or abroad.

Conestoga's teaching faculty are passionate educators who bring extensive credentials and English language teaching experience across a variety of English language programs.

Conestoga's TESL program meets and exceeds the standards of TESL Canada and TESL Ontario. Part 1 is recognized by TESL Canada (Standard I). Part 2 is recognized by TESL Canada (Standard II) and by TESL Ontario.

The program is offered full-time in class or part-time online.

Program information

All courses must be completed within 5 years of acceptance into the program.
Note: Admission to the program is required prior to registration for courses.

Admission requirements

  • An undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university

Note re: admission requirements

  • Applicants with documents (transcripts) from an educational institution from a country other than Canada must have their documents evaluated for equivalency at an approved provider of credential evaluation services. Applicants to this program require a Comprehensive or Course-by-Course Report. Please see Apply to a Program for more information.
  • Applicants with degrees completed in countries in which English is not an official language will be required to provide test scores as evidence of their English language proficiency. Test scores, if required, would be a minimum of iBT TOEFL Reading 24, Listening 24, Speaking 27, Writing 27; IELTS Academic Listening: 7, Reading: 7, Writing: 7, Speaking: 7; or equivalent scores in other recognized standard tests of English.

Admission procedures

  • Submit proof of the admission requirements, including transcripts.

  • Applicants meeting minimum admission requirements are invited to begin the selection process which requires them to:

    • write an essay on an assigned topic;
    • attend a meeting with faculty to discuss program suitability.
  • Final selection is made following an assessment of the admission requirements. Selection will be made on the basis of:
    • Combined assessment of previous academic achievement
    • English language proficiency
    • Essay and interview performance

Program requirements

  • Students will need to complete OHS1320 prior to registing for either Field Placement course
  • Students who fail no more than one course by not more than 10% and have passed at least one evaluation of the course may take a supplemental assessment for a pass.
  • Students must successfully complete all courses in Part I before taking courses in Part II.
  • Students who fail the same course more than once will be discontinued from the program.
  • Students who fail two or more courses will be discontinued from the program.
  • All courses have a minimum passing grade of 65% with the exception of the Field Placement courses which are Pass/Fail courses

Program outcomes

  • Apply principles of second language acquisition/learning and aspects of the nature of language to the design of learning opportunities in varied contexts.
  • Assess the language learning needs of adult learners in order to develop and facilitate appropriate language learning opportunities
  • Create a respectful learning environment which enables a culturally diverse group of learning with diverse individual learning styles to meet their language learning needs and goals.
  • Design learning activities which integrate linguistic, sociolinguistic, textual and pragmatic aspects of the English language in a context which is accessible and meaningful to learners.
  • Adapt planning and instruction to program context variables in order to help learners achieve their goals within a variety of current program contexts.
  • Develop plans for teaching and learning which are appropriate for learners in specific programs, drawing on a variety of curricular models and resources.
  • Plan syllabi, lessons, activities, and assessments that support all learners in reaching their language learning goals.
  • Choose from a wide range of teaching resources and technological tools to best meet learners' needs and enhance learners' engagement and motivation.
  • Instruct adult language learners in a clear and engaging manner which fosters community and supports learning.
  • Implement a variety of methods of assessment to monitor learner progress and to guide decision making in keeping with the assessment requirements of a variety of programs.
  • Adapt current technologies to the needs of the learners and the type of delivery model in a variety of adult language learning settings.
  • Develop a dynamic and evolving philosophy of learning and teaching based on reflection, collegial discussion, action research, and dynamic interaction with learners.

Program related resources

Program accreditations

Program contact

Continuing Education
Upcoming registrations

Mark your calendar with our registration dates, so you can plan your future.

Spring registration: Opens March 11, 2024
Fall registration: Opens July 22, 2024