How do I get certified to teach English language?

The TESOL certificate at Renison University College is your way to qualify for professional certification and gain the basic tools, strategies, skills, and knowledge to be successful as an English language teacher in Canada and abroad.

Our certificate program:

• Emphasizes practical teaching skills by integrating the following course methodology: pair work, small group work, class discussions, teaching demonstrations, and micro-teaching to enhance each participant's learning experience.
• Updates curriculum annually to reflect industry changes and to incorporate current language learning research. 
• Offers highly experienced, professional, and energetic trainers to facilitate and motivate participants' learning.
• Provides a professional, internationally recognized English as a Second Language (ESL) teaching credential - from TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language) Canada for Standard One Professional Certification.

• Undergraduate university degree (in any field) is required for certification, but is not required for enrolment.* 

*Those in their final year of university studies may apply; however, once they have successfully completed the TESOL certificate program, they may only seek TESL Canada Certification upon graduation with their university degree.

• Strong proficiency in English; applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate proficiency in English by providing a recent score on a standardized English language proficiency test that exceeds the score required for undergraduate admission to the University of Waterloo's Faculty of Arts

TESL/TESOL - What's the difference?

Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) is used mostly in Canada. Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) is used mostly in other countries. Often these acronyms are used interchangeably.

ESL/EFL - What's the difference?

English as a second language (ESL) teaching refers to teaching English in an English-speaking country. English as a foreign language (EFL) teaching refers to teaching English in a non-English-speaking country.

How can I teach ESL to adults in Canada?

The TESOL Certificate at Renison will provide you with the skills and training required to teach in most private sector language schools, private career colleges, privately funded ESL programs provided by community colleges and universities in Canada.  With the Certificate you may choose to apply for TESL Canada Certification Standard 1 (interim) and/or apply for TESL Ontario (CTESOL) Membership.

To maximize ESL teaching options to adults in Canada, you may need to combine the TESOL Certificate at Renison and the ACE-TESOL Diploma program.

Building on the Certificate program, the Diploma examines the theory that underpins the practice of ESL teaching and offers opportunities to master the practical skills you developed in the Certificate.  The Diploma program will permit you to teach in both government-funded programs (LINC, OSLT, School Board ESL, etc.), and private schools in Canada. With the Diploma, you may apply for TESL Canada Standard Two (interim) and/or TESL Ontario-Ontario Certified English Language Teacher (OCELT) professional designation.

For more information on TESL Canada Certification Standards please visit the TESL Canada website.

For more information on TESL Ontario Teacher Accreditation please visit the TESL Ontario website.

When does the observation and practicum take place? 

Observations will take place in authentic English language classrooms through the first half of the program. There is some flexibility when scheduling your observation attendance, but it is important to note that most language classes take place during the regular daytime working hours and some may even take place during the evenings.  In addition, as Renison continues to transition its classes to in-person delivery the majority of English language classes are now offered in person rather than online.  Be aware that minor adjustments to your schedule may be required to accommodate and complete the observations efficiently. 

Participants who would like to complete their practicum within the limited in-person practicum placement opportunities available in English language programs offered at Renison University College must express interest by the deadline (indicated within each course schedule) and meet all eligibility requirements. Participants will be provided with additional information and details once the practicum placements are to begin. Be aware that minor adjustments to your schedule may be required to accommodate and complete the practicum efficiently. 

Selected participants will be required to pay an additional Practicum Placement Fee.  

To be eligible for a  Renison  hosted practicum placement, participants must:   

• Be available to attend and complete the placement in person at Renison University College during the time offered for placement 

• Demonstrate a language proficiency of IELTS 8 or equivalent  

• Successfully have completed all course work requirements of the TESOL Certificate at Renison University College and/or Diploma program

• Complete and submit documents and payment to support the practicum placement by the deadlines indicated within each course schedule  

All other participants must find their own practicum placements.  The TESOL Certificate at Renison University College program coordinator will provide guidance to participants to help locate a suitable placement but will not be arranging or actively searching for a placement for participants.  Participants are responsible for coordinating their own practicum placement.  

What is ACE?

ACE (Advance Consulting for Education) is Canada’s premier provider of English Second Language (ESL) teacher training. Renison University College is an ACE partner institution, offering ACE teacher training programs.