About this program

  • Credential Awarded: 1 Year Graduate Certificate
  • Code: 0305 P0305
  • Delivery Length: 1 Year
  • Online Program Delivery (What's this?)
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Overview

This one-year intensive program prepares pre-service teachers to teach English as a second language both domestically and abroad and offers opportunities to explore ways to support ESL students in the classroom.

Explore the creation of curriculum, assessment, and the use of educational technologies to enhance language acquisition. Included in the program are arranged in-person and virtual practicum placements where pre-service teachers will have the opportunity to observe the ESL classroom and practice teaching to a group of language learners to gain real world experience.

New $1,000 Global Dreams Language Education Scholarship

Confirm your offer of acceptance to the Teaching English as a Second Language program by June 15, 2023 to be automatically eligible to receive a $1,000 scholarship. No scholarship application is needed!

Apply to the TESL Program
Highlights
  • All courses are delivered virtually through a combination of synchronous and asynchronous online delivery. The program can be completed fully remotely.
  • Theory- and methodology-focused classes taught by subject matter experts.

  • Extensive training with various educational technologies that enhance the ESL classroom.

  • Arranged practicum placements in the Greater Hamilton and Niagara areas; support provided to find practicum placements in any Canadian province, or in any municipality outside of the Niagara and Hamilton areas. (TESL Ontario allows the option of up to 50% of Practicums to be completed online. This flexibility may help accommodate different teaching environments and schedules.)

  • Practicum teaching opportunities with experienced mentor teachers who meet TESL Ontario requirements.

  • The Niagara College program is a fully accredited Teaching English as a Second Language Training program through TESL Ontario and TESL Canada.

Career Opportunities

Graduates are prepared to teach English as a Second/Foreign Language both domestically and internationally.

  • Domestically: Academic English program in postsecondary education; Adult learning centre where ESL is taught; Corporate language training consultancy; Multicultural centre; Private language school
  • Internationally: Corporate language training consultancy; Elementary/Secondary school; NC educational partner; Postsecondary education; Teacher training organizations

Notes: Teaching credentials as defined by the Ontario Ministry of Education are required for graduates planning to teach in the Ontario school systems; this program is only available to domestic students.

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Courses

Term one (2025 Fall)
Code Course Name Credits
TESL9001 English Language Systems 4
TESL9005 Teaching Methodologies 3
TESL9101 Language Acquisition 4
TESL9102 Teaching Language Skills I 4
TESL9103 Workplace Communication Skills and Professionalism I 2
PRAC9117 Field Placement I - TESL 2
Term two (2026 Winter)
Code Course Name Credits
TESL9010 Teaching Language Skills II 4
TESL9108 Curriculum and Resource Development 5
TESL9111 Teaching with Technology 4
TESL9112 Workplace Communication Skills and Professionalism II 2
PRAC9118 Field Placement II - TESL 2
Learning Outcomes Term: 1254
  1. Apply sound principles of curriculum design and appropriate analysis of intended audience to develop comprehensive curriculum modules for English language programs.

  2. Facilitate learning by applying a variety of language teaching methodologies for diverse teaching and learning situations.

  3. Implement a variety of assessment techniques and tools to evaluate learner performance and progress.

  4. Demonstrate an understanding of theories of language acquisition and learning for a variety of learner groups.

  5. Show a sound understanding of the form, meaning and use of systems of the English language.

  6. Incorporate socio-cultural awareness in the language learning environment.

  7. Apply a variety of techniques in the planning and delivery of lessons and the management of the learning environment.

  8. Understand and demonstrate the various aspects of professional practice in education.

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Admission Requirements

  • Bachelor’s Degree and
  • Proof of English Language proficiency, as demonstrated by one of the following, if English is a subsequent language:
    • TOEFL iBT overall score of at least 101: minimum scores of 26 in Speaking; 24 in Listening; 27 in Writing; 24 in Reading or
    • IELTS-Academic Reading 7.0, Listening 7.0, Speaking 7.0, Writing 7.0 or
    • Other proficiency assessment as acceptable to the College (More information is available: TESL Ontario)
  • Language proficiency test must be completed within two years of the program start date.
Selection and Ranking

Testing or other supplemental evaluation may be required.

Learn more about admission decisions.

Note

Most private college courses and/or credentials are not acceptable as admission requirements for Niagara College programs.

Please contact the Admissions office at [email protected] for assistance.

Program Requirements
Criminal Record Check
  • A Criminal Record Check which is less than 6 months old is required at the beginning of the program.
  • Students with criminal charges or convictions will be severely limited in placement, clinical, and/or employment opportunities in this field.
  • Those with criminal charges pending or an uncleared criminal record (criminal convictions must be pardoned, sealed or expunged) are not eligible for a field placement experience. Field placements must be completed in order to graduate.
  • All employers have instituted a CRC with vulnerable sector screening as a requirement for field placements as a result of Bill 18.

Transportation
  • Students are responsible for their own transportation in order to complete program requirements which may not be readily accessible by public transportation.
  • Program requirements could include co-ops, placements, volunteer requirements, practical labs, field projects, assignments, clinicals, or any other off-campus visits required as part of the program’s curriculum.
Computer Requirements

Students are responsible for ensuring that they have a Microsoft Windows-based desktop or laptop that meets or exceeds the following general requirements:

  • A desktop or laptop running on an updated Microsoft Windows operating system (Windows 11 recommended).
  • Minimum 256GB SSD storage and 8 GB memory (note that 16 GB memory is strongly recommended).
  • An integrated or peripheral video camera, microphone, and speaker system.
  • Reliable internet connectivity with Broadband capabilities. A minimum download speed of 10 – 50 Mbps is recommended.

Niagara College may not be able to provide support for systems different than the above specifications as provided software may not operate properly. Academic software for your courses will be made available for download and remote use. Access will also be provided to remote high performance computer labs if software downloads are not feasible.

Note: We do not provide support for Chromebooks or Apple products. (learn more)

All costs associated with program requirements are the responsibility of the student.

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Availability

Note: Online Program Delivery

The delivery of this program is online only for all intakes.

Domestic Applicants Apply
Legendfor intake status table
Open

Accepting applications

Waitlisted

Eligible applications will be placed on a waiting list

Closed

Not accepting applications

Suspended

No longer offered this term

International Applicants

Sorry, international applications are not accepted for this program.

The College reserves the right to cancel or make changes to any course or program, fee, procedure, or campus location at any time.

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Tuition

The below is a tuition fees estimate ( what's this?) for the indicated start term. Tuition fees are set in accordance with the Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities fee guidelines.

Year: 2025-2026
Start Term: Fall

Expand each level below for a fee breakdown.

Year 1
Level one $3,318.30
Fee Breakdown for Level one
Fee Type Fee Cost
Tuition
$2,049.10
Ancillary Fees
$1,269.20
Material Fees
$0.00
Level one Total
$3,318.30
Level two $2,988.30
Fee Breakdown for Level two
Fee Type Fee Cost
Tuition
$2,049.10
Ancillary Fees
$939.20
Material Fees
$0.00
Level two Total
$2,988.30
Year 1 Total: $6,306.60
Estimated Program Total: $6,306.60
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Advanced Tuition Tool

The tuition amounts provided are an estimate only ( what's this? ).

To generate a detailed fees calculation, which includes tuition, ancillary, and material fees for this or a different start term, please access the Advanced Tuition Tool.

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Sorry, international applications are not accepted for this program.

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Delivery Information

Important: Delivery Information


To make sure this program’s timetable is right for you, please review the important course delivery information below.
Course Delivery Schedule
  • The Teaching English as a Second Language program would typically have synchronous online classes (camera on) scheduled Tuesday to Thursday 4:30 pm to 9:30 pm.
  • The in-person Field Placement requirements (PRAC courses) are typically scheduled 8:30 am to 5:30 pm on Mondays for the majority of the term (where feasible other weekdays may be available).
Sample Timetable

A table demonstrating that the ESL program includes synchronous online classes from 4:30 to 9:30 PM, Tuesday to Thursday, and in-person field placements requirements (PRAC courses) on Mondays from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM.

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Videos

Why Did You Choose NC

Go watch the Why Did You Choose Niagara College video

Who Should Enroll in TESL

Go watch the Who Should Enroll in TESL video

What Sets NC Apart

Go watch the What Sets Niagara College Apart video

What Brought You To TESL

Go watch the What Brought You to TESL video

How NC Prepares You For Success

Go watch the NC Prepares You For Success video

Tell Us About Faculty

Go watch the Tell Us About the Faculty video

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I believed that I would receive a good education. What I received was a career-changing, world-class education! Niagara College TESL program has blown my expectations out of the water! I am forever grateful. What amazing, supportive professors! Such excellence in the EAP program, where we did our Practicum. Excellence in action!

Laura, program graduate

The NC TESL program has unlocked a secret door to an educational pathway I never knew existed. The amazing combination of instruction, culture, technology, curriculum, practicum and (believe it or not) grammar has reinforced my want to be in a classroom – both behind and in front of the teacher’s desk. Thanks to NC TESL, I’m exactly where I want to be – in a classroom teaching ESL to newcomers to Canada.

Emmalyn Sumodobila, program graduate

As an international student myself, Niagara College’s TESL program has given me the opportunity and the skill set to give back to the college and the community by helping fellow international students in their quest for higher education and career advancement through English Language learning.

Michelle Pamittan, program graduate
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