TESL Requirements

Teaching English as a Second Language Requirements

The 18-credit TESL Certificate is designed for students who want to teach in situations that do not require Wisconsin public school teacher licensure, such as teaching English overseas or in adult literacy programs or tutorial programs sponsored by community service organizations or private companies. To be eligible for the TESL certificate of completion program, students must either be candidates for a B.A. or B.S. degree or have already completed such a degree.

Within Humanities, the 24-credit minor emphasis is designed for students who wish to explore key linguistic, cultural, or pedagogical themes in greater depth.

For students wishing to teach ESL in Wisconsin public schools, an appropriate ESL license must be obtained. Completing the TESL Certificate or one of the Linguistics/TESL emphases in Humanities does not in and of itself qualify as an ESL license to teach in Wisconsin public schools. A full description of the ESL teacher licensure program and requirements at UW-Green Bay is available from the professional program in education.

Please reference the flow chart to ensure the correct pathway.