CONT890: TESL Part 1
Teaching English as a Second Language Part 1 equips learners with the skills and knowledge to teach English around the world. Its focus on current, creative teaching methods will benefit both new and experienced teachers.
Successful completion of TESL 1* will allow candidates to apply for Standard 1 certification with TESL Canada.
Standard 1 certification acknowledges that a certificate holder has the knowledge and skills required for teaching English to adult learners in non-publicly funded programs in Canada, in both private and publicly-funded programs, and in a variety of contexts abroad.
* The completion of a 20 hour practicum (10 hours of observation and at least 10 hours of supervised practice teaching) is required to receive a TESL 1 certificate. Each student is responsible for finding their own practicum close to their place of residence. Please contact professionalstudies@queensu.ca if you have any questions.
For more information regarding the practicum requirements please review the TESL Program Accreditation Practicum Standard Document
Who should take this course?
The course is ideal for
- individuals who aspire to teach English as a second language and want to gain a strong foundation in teaching English effectively
- individuals currently teaching English as a second language looking to enhance their teaching skills and stay updated with modern teaching techniques
- those interested in broadening their career prospects and access resources for continuous professional growth
Delivery Method
This course is delivered asynchronously online, allowing participants to engage with flexibility at their own convenience. This method provides a balance between self-paced learning and structured coursework while promoting a supportive community where participants can share experiences and ideas.
Please note that at least 50% of the 20-hour practicum (10 hours of observation and at least 10 hours of supervised practice teaching) needs to be completed in person.
Course Fees
Course fees include
- full access to comprehensive course content
- timely feedback from a subject matter expert on assignments
- Certificate of Completion (Queen's University)
Policies and more information
Learning Outcomes
In this course you will have the opportunity to
- distinguish various contexts for teaching and learning English
- explain the essentials of English grammar in clear language
- apply the principles of current ESL teaching methods
- select a variety of materials and techniques for teaching grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, reading, listening, speaking and writing
- design lesson plans appropriate to the needs of adult language learners
- anticipate and solve issues in the classroom
- locate TESL resources for continuing professional development
Course Outline
| Modules |
Minimum hours |
|
Module 1: Grammar |
24 |
|
Module 2: English Language Teaching Contexts |
14 |
|
Module 3: Methods, Approaches, and Planning |
14 |
|
Module 4: Teaching the Foundational Skills |
20 |
|
Module 5: Teaching Reading and Listening |
20 |
|
Module 6: Teaching Speaking and Writing |
20 |
|
Module 7: Professional Development |
3 |
|
Module 8: Course Culminating Task |
10 |
|
Total methodology hours |
125 |
Course Schedule
| Session | Course Dates | Registration Deadline | Payment Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| TESL Summer 2025 | Jun 09, 2025 – Sep 26, 2025 | May 30, 2025 at 4pm ET | Jun 05, 2025 at 4pm ET |
| TESL FALL 2025 | Sep 01, 2025 – Dec 31, 2025 | Aug 25, 2025 at 4pm ET | Aug 29, 2025 at 4pm ET |
| TESL Winter 2026 | Jan 05, 2026 – Apr 30, 2026 | Dec 19, 2025 at 4pm ET | Jan 03, 2026 at 4pm ET |
TESL Summer 2025
- Dates: Jun 09, 2025 – Sep 26, 2025
- Deadline: May 30, 2025 at 4pm ET
- Payment Due: Jun 05, 2025 at 4pm ET
TESL FALL 2025
- Dates: Sep 01, 2025 – Dec 31, 2025
- Deadline: Aug 25, 2025 at 4pm ET
- Payment Due: Aug 29, 2025 at 4pm ET
TESL Winter 2026
- Dates: Jan 05, 2026 – Apr 30, 2026
- Deadline: Dec 19, 2025 at 4pm ET
- Payment Due: Jan 03, 2026 at 4pm ET
Application Requirements
Language Proficiency
Must meet the English language requirements as set out by TESL Ontario.
Academic Requirements
Applicants are required to hold a three- or four-year bachelor’s degree, or a master's degree, or a PhD from an accredited institution located in Canada, OR a degree deemed equivalent by 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).
* Degree requirements align with those of TESL Ontario.
* TESL Ontario accepts CELTA and Trinity College London (UK) CerTESOL Program as equivalent to Part 1.
Course Materials
Download the course outline [DOCX]Required Texts:
Jeremy Harmer, The Practice of English Language Teaching, Fifth Edition. Pearson Education, 2015. ISBN 978 1 4479 8025 4
Betty S. Azar, Understanding and Using English Grammar, Fifth Edition. Pearson Education, 2017. ISBN 978-0-13-427525-3(international Edition)
Links to other digital resources are provided in the coursework.
Required Technology:
A smartphone or a computer with a web camera and microphone to create practice teaching demos.
Accommodations
Applicants who require special accommodations are asked to:
- Contact us at least 1 week prior to the start of the course to allow enough time for appropriate accommodations to be made.
- Provide necessary documentation upon request.