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  4. TESOL Minor

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Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages Minor

The Whitworth teaching English to speakers of other languages minor prepares students to teach English in classrooms and other settings around the world. You'll learn more about the linguistic features of English and the socio-cultural aspects of language, and you'll gain cultural competency. The demand for qualified English language instructors is higher than ever, and our grads are prepared to be compassionate and competent leaders in the field.

Not an education major? No problem. The TESOL minor is interdisciplinary and will provide you with valuable skills for many types of work abroad and with linguistically diverse groups in the U.S.

Why minor in TESOL at Whitworth?

  • Develop intercultural competency. Many courses in this minor prepare students to collaborate across cultures and languages in local, national and international settings.
  • Benefit from one-on-one advising. Students in this minor work closely with the program director to map out courses alongside their Whitworth major.
  • Learn from professionals in the field. Students in the TESOL program observe and support the instruction in classrooms taught by our expert site partners.
  • Gain hands-on experience. You'll complete field work in an English language learners classroom and work alongside the classroom's lead teacher.
  • Integrate your faith or worldview with your learning. Courses in the program emphasize diversity as a foundational Christian value.
  • Become who you're meant to be.

Our TESOL grads make a difference (and get jobs)

Students who minor in teaching English to speakers of other languages are prepared to teach English in international K-12 and adult classrooms and to serve linguistically diverse groups in a number of other ways. Our grads have gone on to serve in the Peace Corps and work in non-governmental organizations, ministry, education and healthcare.

  • Caleb Rosen, bilingual instructional assistant, Salem-Keizer School District, Salem, Ore.
  • Cheyenne Scherf, English teacher's assistant, North American Language and Culture Assistants Program, Granada, Spain

Ask our faculty

Headshot of Gregg Brekke

Ask Gregg

Assistant Professor of World Languages & Cultures Gregg Brekke directs the TESOL program. He specializes in second language acquisition and English linguistics.

What related majors can I explore?