Teaching English as a Second Language

Seneca’s Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) program will provide you with the skills and expertise necessary to teach English as a Second Language (ESL).

The TESL program offers both academic rigour and practical application and is supported by an expertly staffed English for Academic Purposes (EAP) language program. The innovative curriculum will build your ability to deliver engaging student-centered lessons that support the development and assessment of all language learning skills.

Our fully arranged and supervised integrated practicum includes Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) classes, ESL and EAP classes that uniquely position you to experience different types of teaching. They also provide connections for employment upon graduation. Seneca’s TESL program is accredited by TESL Ontario and by TESL Canada. Practicum placements require a current Vulnerable Sector Check.

A Career in Teaching English as a Second Language

As a graduate of the TESL program (TESL 1 and TESL 2), you will be prepared for a variety of teaching opportunities both locally and abroad. You can apply to TESL Ontario to be an Ontario Certified English Language Teacher (OCELT), eligible to teach in Ontario, Canada and internationally. You can also apply to TESL Canada for Standard 2 Accreditation.

In Canada, you can teach international students, college students who are upgrading and newcomers to Canada in the following settings:

  • private schools
  • LINC programs
  • community centre programs
  • colleges and universities
  • private tutoring companies
  • summer programs and language camps
  • corporate ESL training
  • online tutoring

Overseas, you can teach both children and adults in a variety of settings, including:

  • public and private schools
  • colleges and universities
  • corporations and businesses
  • private tutoring
  • winter and summer camps
  • online tutoring