Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
Today, 1.5 billion people are learning English across the globe. In United States public school classrooms alone, 5 million students are English learners. From orphanages in Africa to colleges in Asia to refugee centers in Europe to public K-12 schools in the United States, Lee University TESOL graduates equip children and adults to speak English.
This major prepares students for a career in teaching English as a second or foreign language, with two degree programs: one with teacher licensure (.BAT) and the other focusing on a context outside of US schools (.BA).
TESOL at Lee: Click HERE for a more detailed look at Lee’s TESOL program.
Program Requirements: Click on the following to view the course requirements in each of the tracks - TESOL.BA; TESOL.BAT; Certificate Only/Minor
Lee's programs give the student a chance to experience various aspects of life at Lee beyond academics, offering program-specific global trips, clubs, service, and research opportunities. The following are possible aspects of life outside the classroom for students in the above degree programs:
World Class Faculty
In the Lee TESOL program, you will be taught by faculty who have over 25 years of combine d international teaching and leadership experience. Your classes will be practical and personalized, preparing you with a strong foundation in linguistics theory and language pedagogy. |
Alumni and Future Employment Connections
Lee TESOL alumni are now teaching in many countries around the globe as well as in schools in Tennessee and other states. As a Lee student, you will have opportunities to develop professional connections with these alumni and prepare yourself for wherever the Lord leads you in your future teaching profession. |
Teaching Experience
Lee TESOL Majors can expect to graduate with a resume that is rich with English teaching experience. The Center for English Language and Literacy (CELL) provides Lee TESOL majors the opportunity to receive up to two years of mentored ESL teaching and leadership experience as they teach English lessons to community members from around the world. In addition, TESOL BAT students will complete two practicums which include a semester of fulltime teaching experience in a local school. Opportunities for tutoring in the Center for Academic Support and other campus departments also provide students with meaningful teaching experiences before they graduate. |
Travel/Global Trips
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Capstone
The Capstone course is designed to help graduating students integrate their faith with the academic knowledge they have gained throughout their studies. It is regarded as the final reflection of the essential Core Values of Lee University. |
Academics/Honors
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Research
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Lee University TESOL majors graduate with a world of professional employment opportunities in front of them. With qualified English teachers in high demand around the world, graduates from Lee University are presented with a range of options. Professors in the TESOL program take these life decisions seriously by praying for and encouraging students as they discern the Lord’s calling and navigate the wide range of job opportunities that are available after graduation. See a list of some of the jobs our graduates get after graduation:
- ESL Teacher
- English teacher in a foreign country
- Missionary
- Director or administrative staff for an English as a second language (ESL) program
- Developer of English language materials with a private company
- Academic adviser with an educational institution
- Government agency adviser
- Private language arts tutor
- Administrative or teaching staff at an English language center
- Computational Linguist
- Consultant: Endangered Languages
- Corporate Trainer
- Curriculum Developer/Evaluator
- Educational Therapist
- Foreign Services Officer
- Forensic Linguist
- International Development Worker
- Journalist
- Language Fieldworker
- Language Specialist
- Linguist
- Linguistic Anthropologist
- Peace Corps Volunteer
- Reading Tutor
- Social Services Volunteer
- Speech Pathologist
- Standardized Test Developer or Editor
- Teacher-Trainer
- Translator/Interpreter
- Writing Instructor/Tutor