Teaching English as a Second Language (Gr. Cert.) (15 credits)
Offered by: Integrated Studies in Ed (Faculty of Education)
Program credit weight: 15
Program Description
This 15-credit certificate is designed as professional development for in-service teachers and candidates with a background in education, language studies, linguistics, or a related field, or as preparation for application to our M.A. in Second Language Education. The five courses that comprise the certificate provide a solid background and offer in-depth study in the field of second-language education from a range of perspectives and with a focus on research and applications to teaching. Please note that this certificate does not lead to teacher certification.
The Graduate Certificate in TESL is designed to be available to students worldwide. Courses are offered in a combination of online and face-to-face formats, and sequenced in such a way that students can complete the certificate in one year. The maximum time for completion is five years. The first three courses are offered online, and can be undertaken anywhere an Internet connection is available. The final two courses are offered face-to-face either on-site at McGill or at off-site locations with collaborative partners, if numbers warrant.
Please click here for information on additional requirements for students pursuing this online program:
https://www.mcgill.ca/study/university_regulations_and_resources/graduat...
Required Courses (6 credits)
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EDSL 500 | Foundations and Issues in Second Language Teaching and Learning | 3 |
Foundations and Issues in Second Language Teaching and Learning Terms offered: Fall 2026 Introduction to various theories and methodological approaches to second language teaching from the perspective of contributing disciplines (e.g., linguistics, psychology, sociology and education). Overview of theory and research in second language acquisition, including factors affecting how second languages are learned, with applications in classroom contexts. | ||
| EDSL 512 | Grammar in Teaching English as a Second Language. | 3 |
Grammar in Teaching English as a Second Language. Terms offered: Summer 2026 Analysis of English grammar at phonological, morphological, syntactic, semantic, and discourse levels. Applications are made to second language teaching and learning, focusing on integrating grammar into communicative language approaches. | ||
Complementary Courses (9 credits)
3 credits from:
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EDTL 607 | Language and Policy in Quebec Education. | 3 |
Language and Policy in Quebec Education. Terms offered: Summer 2026, Winter 2027 Structure and organization of education in Quebec considered from historical, political, language, social, administrative and legal perspectives. Enables students to contribute to the educational system in their roles as leaders of educational thought and change. All addressed through the development of professional competencies. | ||
Or any 600-level EDSL course (500-level course may be taken with approval of the Graduate Program Director)
0 or 6 credits from:
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EDSL 601 | Methods and Curriculum in Second Language Teaching 1. | 3 |
Methods and Curriculum in Second Language Teaching 1. Terms offered: Summer 2026 Applications of current theories and models of second language development and their implications for teaching all language skills (reading, writing, speaking, listening), including lesson planning, materials selection and development, activities and assessment in various formal and community second language education settings. Principles and methods for formative and summative assessment. | ||
| EDSL 602 | Methods and Curriculum in Second Language Teaching 2. | 3 |
Methods and Curriculum in Second Language Teaching 2. Terms offered: Summer 2026 Continuation of topics covered in EDSL 601 with further applications. Exploration of the kinds of information needed to make educational decisions in second language courses, different techniques for collecting that information, and ways for interpreting it. | ||
Note: These two courses are taught on-site at McGill in an intensive (6-week) summer institute with a practicum component.
0 or 6 credits from:
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EDTL 635 | Applied Methods in Second Language Education. | 3 |
Applied Methods in Second Language Education. Terms offered: Fall 2026 The development of appropriate strategies for the teaching of second languages in diverse, contemporary contexts in a variety of program types and levels. Mobilization of digital technologies and relevant Quebec Ministry of Education professional competencies for teachers are addressed and assessed throughout. | ||
| EDTL 636 | Adv. Applied Methods in Second Language Education. | 3 |
Adv. Applied Methods in Second Language Education. Terms offered: Fall 2026, Winter 2027 The development of appropriate strategies for the teaching of second languages in diverse, contemporary contexts in a variety of program types and levels. Mobilization of digital technologies and relevant Quebec Ministry of Education professional competencies for teachers. | ||