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Please note:

This is a teacher-training program for those who wish to teach English as a Second Language to adults. If you are looking to study English as a Second Language, please see our program offering General Arts and Science: English Language Studies.

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. As a graduate from parts 1 and 2 of the program, you are able to apply for the TESL Canada (Standard II) and TESL Ontario OCELT and ICTEAL certifications.

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

  • A three or four year bachelor's degree, master's degree, or PhD from accredited institution(s) located in Canada that includes a combined three-years of in-person instruction in English as the language of instruction.



    or

  • a degree deemed equivalent through a Comprehensive or course-by-course report from a member agency of the Alliance of Credential Evaluation Services of Canada (ACESC), such as

    • World Education Services (WES), Ontario
    • International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS), Ontario
    • Comparative Education Service (CES), Ontario

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 How to apply for more information.
  • If degree(s) were not completed in English, language proficiency can be demonstrated by one of the following:
  • Minimum acceptable scores/bands from an ELP test taken within two years:
    • Michigan English Test (MET): Listening 64, Reading: 64, Speaking: 64, Writing: 64
    • IELTS-Academic Test: Listening: 7 Reading: 7 Writing: 7 Speaking: 7
    • CAEL-At a Test Centre: Listening: 70 Reading: 70 Writing: 70 Speaking: 70
    • CAEL Online: Listening: 70 Reading: 70 Writing: 70 Speaking: 70
    • TOEFL iBT: Listening: 24 Reading: 24 Writing: 27 Speaking: 26
    • TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition: Listening: 24 Reading: 24 Writing: 27 Speaking: 26
    • Examination for the Certificate of Proficiency in English (ECPE): Level: C2
  • Required proof:
    • language proficiency test report/s
  • Evidence of grades 6-12 completed with English as the language of instruction in one of the countries listed below.
  • Required proof:
    • report cards or confirmation letter from school board
    • Degrees from the following countries do not require additional proof of language proficiency, provided English was the language of instruction and the degree(s) include at least three years of in-person instruction:
    • Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Benin, Bermuda, Botswana, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Cameroon, Dominica, Ghana, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Montserrat, Nigeria, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland, Saint Kitts-Nevis, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, South Africa, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Trinidad

Admission procedures

  • Apply at Ontario Colleges - www.ontariocolleges.ca
  • Final selection is made following an assessment of the admission requirements.

  • 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 must have reliable Internet access and a device that meets these requirements.
  • 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 TESL 004: OBSERVATION/PRACTICUM I and TESL 009: OBSERVATION/PRACTICUM II which are assessed on a Pass/Fail basis.

Graduate opportunities

For more details on related occupations, job market information and career opportunities, see the Government of Canada website: https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/home

Program outcomes

  • Differentiate between the language learning needs of learners in order to develop and facilitate appropriate language learning opportunities in a variety of program contexts and delivery models
  • Develop learning materials and assessments that support linguistics needs of the learners while meeting requirements of TESL Ontario and TESL Canada standard 2 and encourages a respectful environment for a diverse group of learners and cultures
  • Plan lessons, activities, modules, and assessments using established curriculum guides or supports for a variety of program contexts
  • Justify the use of a wide range of resources or technological tools to best meet learners’ needs and enhance learners’ engagement and motivation.
  • Instruct adult language learners while maintaining professional conduct and practice in a clear and engaging manner which fosters community and supports learning.
  • Engage in reflective practice and continuous professional learning in accordance with principles of lifelong learning

Program related resources

Program accreditations

Program contact

Continuing Education
Upcoming registrations

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

Winter registration: Opened November 4, 2024
Spring registration: Opens March 17, 2025