Directly after graduating, I left Goshen to accept my first teaching position in a Title I school in North Philadelphia. I taught in a Dual Language program, which meant I had to juggle two separate classes at the same time. One class was 4th Grade and the other was 5th Grade, neither of which I had taught during student teaching. I taught 3 subjects per grade level, which meant juggling 6 curriculums at once. It was one of the riskiest decisions I’ve ever made. Against all odds, I loved my first year of teaching. I spent the year realizing that my Goshen College degree had, in fact, prepared me for any teaching challenge, and especially, this one.
Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
Major | Minor
Teach English With Empathy, Here and Around the World
Help English language learners find their voice, in your own community and across the world.
TESOL at Goshen College prepares you to teach English to language learners with empathy, clarity and confidence, in classrooms and communities, locally and globally. You can work toward English-learner teaching licensure or follow a non-licensure track.
If you want to teach in a classroom, serve in an international setting or simply communicate better across cultures, TESOL pairs seamlessly with majors in education, global studies, Spanish and more. You’ll graduate ready to connect across cultures and make a real impact through language.
Made for People Who Want to Connect Across Difference
This program fits people who care about language, culture, helping others belong, and community. It’s also a natural way to take Goshen’s global strengths further: With Goshen’s Study-Service Term (SST), TESOL graduates also serve in K-12 classrooms, adult ESL programs, refugee and cross-cultural services and international teaching settings like the Peace Corps and language schools abroad.
You won’t do it alone. With faculty mentors who have real TESOL experience and field placements in local schools, you’re supported and known by name as you build confidence in front of a classroom.
What You’ll Study
You’ll explore linguistics, intercultural communication, and language-teaching methodologies and put them into practice through fieldwork and practicum experiences in real educational settings. The program prepares students for English Learner Licensure in several forms:
- English Learners, Elementary K-6
- English Learners, Secondary 5-12
- English Learners, All Grade P-12
- TESOL (non-licensure track)
View the complete program requirements in our catalog.
Where a TESOL Credential Takes You
TESOL opens doors to careers in:
- K-12 education
- Adult ESL instruction
- International English teaching (Peace Corps, volunteer service, private language schools)
- Cross-cultural and refugee services
- Language curriculum development
It’s a valuable credential for careers in education, international development and nonprofit work. It strengthens any path where you’ll communicate across languages and cultures.
Madeline Bollinger '25
4th/5th Grade Dual Language Teacher Bayard Taylor Elementary School
Paying for Goshen
TESOL students are eligible for a variety of Goshen College scholarships, and most students receive financial aid.
To see your own price after aid, run the net price calculator or explore your options at the financial aid and scholarships pages.
Common Questions About TESOL Major
Yes. TESOL is offered as both a major and a minor. It pairs seamlessly with majors in education, global studies, Spanish and more. To add the minor, declare it with your academic advisor; there is no separate application beyond admission to Goshen. It’s a strong complement to any field that involves language and culture.
The program prepares students for English Learner Licensure as Elementary K-6, Secondary 5-12 or All Grade P-12. It also offers a TESOL non-licensure track. Review the Professional Licensure Disclosure for state-specific details and talk with the education department about the path that fits your goals.
Graduates teach in K-12 schools and adult ESL programs, work in cross-cultural and refugee services, develop language curriculum and teach English internationally through the Peace Corps, volunteer service and language schools abroad. TESOL is also a valuable credential in education, international development, and nonprofit work.
Yes. You’ll complete field placements and practicum experiences in K-12 classrooms, community organizations and adult ESL programs, building confidence in lesson planning, classroom management and cultural competency. Goshen’s intercultural emphasis also lets you work with English learners both on campus and abroad.
Jessica Baldanzi
Professor of English
Department ChairRoy Jackson
Associate Professor of Education
Joe Kreider
Visiting Assistant Professor of English
Brooke Lemmon
Professor of Education
Director of Special EducationRobina Sommers
Associate Professor of Education
Steven Thalheimer
Associate Professor of Education
Department ChairDanae Wirth
Assistant Professor of Education
