TESL for Non-native Speakers of English
The 135-hour program is structured such that students can complete their certificate in a 4-month period. The course is divided into five components:

1. Orientation (required)
The Orientation is held at the Tennessee Foreign Language Institute (TFLI). Trainees will have the opportunity to meet each other and receive the Pre-Class Assignments (see 3.) and the textbook before the course begins. Students will sign up for one observation at this time. The second observation will be scheduled during the In-Class Training (see 4.).

2. Observations (approx. 7 hours)

Students must observe two ESL classes which will be appointed by TFLI TESL staff, with a 15-minute briefing/debriefing before and after the class. Observations will be arranged after Orientation. Most classes will be observed at TFLI or at community centers in Nashville.

3. Pre-Class Assignments (20 hours+)
Pre-Class assignments (independent study) will be given out at the Orientation(1.) and should be completed by e-mail correspondence. Access to the internet and computer skills are essential. All Pre-Class assignments must be completed on schedule. Students will be advised not to join the In-Class Training if any work is incomplete.

4. In-Class Training* (100 hours)  See schedule below.
TESL trainers teach the In-Class Training component of the course which includes but is not limited to: student assessment, needs analyses, techniques, methods and approaches, material design, textbook evaluation, peer-teaching, group and student-centered learning assignments and tasks. In addition, this component requires students to examine a variety of teaching situations, and prepare formal lesson plans and procedures to use during their practice teaching. Students should have access to the internet for their lesson planning and research.

5. Field Experience (10 hrs)

Upon successful completion of the In-Class Training, students will be given their teaching assignments in the community. This is the "hands-on" section where the TESL students apply their lesson plans and TESL knowledge to a real classroom situation with ESL students. TESL candidates will be supervised and graded during 6 of the 10-12 teaching hours. Times and days will be designated during the end of the In-Class Training. These times may need to be extended under unusual circumstances. Upon successful completion of all components of the course, the candidate will be awarded the Tennessee Foreign Language Institute TESL Certificate for the 135-hour program.

In-Class Training Schedule