Certificate Program

The certificate of completion in Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) is offered under the auspices of the interdisciplinary program in Humanistic Studies as an 18-credit program of study. It 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. It can be a useful complement to training in other areas such as community and regional development, science and technology, or international business — wherever English is an important access language or a medium for training or cross-cultural communication.

This certificate is not equivalent to a professional licensure program for teaching in public elementary or secondary schools in Wisconsin.  It can, however, be a first step toward obtaining that qualification. UW-Green Bay does offer professional licensure in English as a Second Language that is approved by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. A full description of the ESL teacher licensure program and requirements at UW-Green Bay is available from the professional program in Education.

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.

Requirements for the Certificate