This 15-credit certificate is designed as both professional development for in-service teachers, and as training for those without teacher certification who wish to teach English in settings such as local community centers or international contexts. This certificate is ideal for those with a background in听education, language studies, linguistics or a related field. This certificate can also serve as preparation for application to our MA in Second Language Education.
A complete list of program requirements, including course descriptions and prerequisites can be found on the eCalendar.
Please note that this is a Part Time program.听 Information on tuition can be found on the the Student Accounts听辫补驳别.
Program Sequence
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- The 5 courses which comprise the certificate provide a solid background and offer in-depth study in the field of second language education from a range of perspectives
- The first 3 courses are offered online, and can be undertaken anywhere an internet connection is available.听 (Courses are sequential and must be taken in order)
- The final two courses are offered face-to-face, on-site at McGill in an intensive summer institute.听 These courses听include听a practicum that takes place in a nearby community centre
- The program begins in the Fall term only
- This certificate does not lead to teacher certification
- This certificate听provides additional qualifications for certified teachers
- Certified teachers accepted into this certificate may be eligible for the
- The courses are sequenced in such a way that students can complete the certificate in one year.听 The maximum time for completion is five听years, subject to the Graduate and Post-doctoral Studies regulations regarding residency and leaves of absence
Eligibility
Applicants should meet the following requirements:
- Possess a completed听undergraduate degree
- The minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) is 3.0 out of a possible 4.0, or a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.2 out of 4.0 in the last two years of full-time studies.
- Formal or informal teaching experience
Admissions (Application Deadline Extended to July 1st for Fall 2024 admission (Canadian applicants). For applications after July 1st, please contact听gctesl.education [at] mcgill.ca
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Required Documents
- A current working CV or resume
- A 1-2 page letter of intent, specifying relevant academic and professional experience, particularly experience related to education, and outlining your reasons for pursuing this certificate. In addition to the importance of subject matter expertise, please comment on your commitment to the social, ethical and political responsibility inherent in the teaching profession.
- A copy of your unofficial transcripts from all previous university level studies (undergraduate and graduate).听 Official transcripts are required after the students is officially admitted to the program.
- Two letters of recommendation, one from a university-level instructor and the second from a professional who has supervised you in a formal or informal education or youth sector position (if you have experience working in a formal school setting, one letter must be from a school / school board administrator qualified to assess your professional qualities). Applicants will be prompted to provide the names and contact information of their referees in uApply.听 An email request will be generated prompting referees to upload their letter for the applicant.
- TOEFL or IELTS scores听Graduate eCalendar听here (international applicants only).
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Test of English Language Proficiency
- Eligible applicants will receive email notification requesting that they听register for the English Language Proficiency Test, or requesting proof of exemption.听
If you are an applicant to the TESL certificate听who meets the academic admission requirements, you will be required to pass an English language test听unless you meet the requirements to be听exempted as noted below. Please DO NOT register until you have been instructed to do so.
You are听exempt听from the test if:
- You have attended an English-language institution for high school and/or university in Canada or elsewhere in the world for at least four consecutive years;听or
- You have attended an English-language university in Quebec for at least three consecutive years;听or
- You have completed a DEC at an English-language CEGEP and/or completed Secondary IV and V in English in Quebec.
The English Language Proficiency Test is offered by McGill University's听School of Continuing Studies. The purpose of the test is to determine whether your levels of written and oral English meet the standards we require for future ESL teachers. There is nothing you can do to prepare. Please do make sure you are well-rested on the day of the test and ready to demonstrate your English proficiency.
What you need to know about the School of Continuing Studies English language test:
- The test consists of both a written portion and an individual oral interview.
- *After receiving the results of the English language test, you will be required to upload your results to your application in Minerva.
Register for ELPT
To register for the test, click听.
International Students:
International students completing this certificate on a part-time basis could face challenges when applying for their immigration documents. Please contact International Student Services (ISS) if you plan to complete this part-time certificate.听
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Advisor Contact Info:
Graduate Certificate TESL Program Coordinator:听gctesl.education [at] mcgill.ca
Graduate Certificate TESL Program Director: kevin.mcdonough [at] mcgill.ca (Kevin McDonough) and caroline.riches [at] mcgill.ca (Caroline Riches)
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Program information is organized for two distinct groups:
Prospective Students听听 Currently Registered
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