Teaching English as a Second Language at Western Kentucky University
Q: What does an ESL teacher do?
A: An ESL teacher works with non-native speakers of English and helps them develop social and academic language skills. In addition, ESL teachers frequently are cultural ambassadors and even teachers of content areas (math, science, geography, social studies, etc.)
Q: Where do ESL teachers work?
A: ESL teachers can work at elementary and secondary schools; community colleges; adult education programs; colleges and universities; private language institutes; and private businesses. These are just some of the possibilities that ESL teachers might have in the United States and abroad.
Q: Is it hard to get a job as an ESL teacher?
A: That all depends on where you want to work. If you are interested in teaching in public schools, there are many opportunities. In private language institutes in the United States, there will probably be fewer jobs. If one wishes to teach abroad, there are plentiful opportunities in various parts of Asia, Latin America, Africa and Eastern Europe.
Q: I don't know another language. Can I still teach ESL?
A: Yes. One need not be like a native speaker of another language in order to be a successful ESL teacher. However, the more you know, the more able you will be able to communicate with students and their parents. Likewise, you will have more insight into the various cultures from which they hail. Finally, learning a second language gives you much credibility in the eyes of your students because they know that you know how they feel.
Q: I'm interested in teaching ESL. Do you offer an ESL program at WKU?
A: Yes. We have a 15-hour program leading to an ESL endorsement at WKU. This endorsment allows one to teach ESL in Kentucky public schools. Coursework leading to the endorsement differs for undergraduate and graduate students. More information is found below.
Q: I'm interested. How do I apply?
A: Undergraduate students in good standing should contact Dr. Poole for advising. Graduate students should contact the Graduate College to learn more about entrance requirements.
Q: I'd like to apply; however, I work all day and live two hours away from Bowling Green. Is there anything I can do?
A: Fortunately, most of our courses are offered on-line. This makes it convenient for those who, for one reason or another, are not able to regularly attend class.
Q: I don't want to teach ESL, but I would like to take some coursework. Can I sign up for a class?
• If you have been admitted to the university, yes, you may enroll in coursework. In fact, many people who deal with non-native speakers of English can benefit by knowing more about such an already large and growing segment of the American population. Additionally, those who are current or aspiring foreign language teachers find our courses beneficial.
Q: I'm doing my MA in English; can I focus on TESOL? Also, if I'm not planning to teach in public schools, do I need still need to obtain a state teaching certificate?
A: Yes, MA students in the English Department may focus on ESL. See the following page for more information: http://www.wku.edu/Dept/Academic/AHSS/English/gradpage.html
Also, those students not wishing to teach in public schools do not need a state teaching certificate. Such students generally teach in intensive English programs, community colleges, and institutions abroad.
Q: I still have more questions. Whom should I contact?
Poole, Alex, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of English
TESL Program Director
Area of Specialization: TESL
270-745-5780
alex.poole@wku.edu
Program requirements for those seeking ESL endorsement for Kentucky Public schools
Undergraduate students:
1. English 407 Linguistic Analysis
A study of current linguistic theory that includes the important levels of language as a means of communication, as well as various theories and applications of linguistic theory to other fields of study, particularly language teaching.
2. English 408 Sociolinguistics and Psycholinguistics
A study of how sociology and psychology contribute to the study of linguistics. Emphasis is given to social and regional dialects, first and second language acquisition, and speech production.
3. English 469 Introduction to TESL
A study of theories, methods, and approaches for teaching English as a second or foreign language and of other foreign languages.
4. English 470 TESL Materials and Methods
A course designed to develop skills, procedures, and strategies for teaching and utilizing
commercial materials and for developing teacher-made materials for teaching English as a second/foreign language and for other foreign languages.
5. Observation and teaching English as a Second Language under professional supervision. This consists of thirty (30) clock hours or more of ESL teaching.
6. Six semester hours of a modern (foreign) language (or its equivalent).
7. Certification in elementary, middle grades, or secondary education.
8. ESL Praxis exam score of 620 for those wishing to teach in the state of Kentucky.
Students must have taken English 104 (Introduction to Linguistics), English 302 (Language and Communication), or English 304 (English Language) before being admitted into the program. Also, English 407/407G is a prerequisite for English 408/408G.
Graduate Students:
1. English 407G Linguistic Analysis
A study of current linguistic theory that includes the important levels of language as a means of communication, as well as various theories and applications of linguistic theory to other fields of study, particularly language teaching.
2. English 408G Sociolinguistics and Psycholinguistics
A study of how sociology and psychology contribute to the study of linguistics. Emphasis is given to social and regional dialects, first and second language acquisition, and speech production.
3. English 565 Integrated TESL
Solid foundation in the theories of child-adult classroom-based language learning and methods for English language instruction. Field experiences in public schools or other appropriate settings away from campus are required. Students are responsible for arranging their own transportation to designated or assigned sites.
4. English 566 Teaching and Testing ESL Grammar
Investigation of ESL learners' grammatical difficulties, approaches to solving them, and ways to test their grammatical development. Field experiences in public schools or other appropriate settings away from campus are required. Students are responsible for arranging their own transportation to designated or assigned sites
5. Observation and teaching English as a Second Language under professional supervision. This consists of thirty (30) clock hours or more of ESL teaching.
6. Six semester hours of a modern (foreign) language (or its equivalent).
7. Certification in elementary, middle grades, or secondary education.
8. ESL Praxis exam score of 620 for those wishing to teach in the state of Kentucky.
Students must have taken English 104 (Introdction to Linguistics), English 302 (Language and Communication), or English 304 (English Language) before being admitted into the program. Also, English 407/407G is a prerequisite for English 408/408G.
Full-time faculty:
Dill, Lesa, Ph.D., University of Georgia
Associate Professor of English
Area of Specialization: Linguistics
Poole, Alex, Ph.D., Oklahoma State University
Assistant Professor of English
TESL Program Director
Area of Specialization: TESL
Elizabeth Winkler, Ph.D., Indiana University
Assistant Professor of English
Area of Specialization: Linguistics
Part-time faculty:
Eckard, Ronald, Ph.D., Ball State University
Professor of English (optional retiree)
Area of Specialization: TESL
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