OC launches new TEFL certification in the Department of Language and Literature
The certification meets standard international requirements.
October 7, 2019 - Although Oklahoma Christian University has had a Teaching English as Foreign Language major and minor for 40 years, current requirements are asking for specific certification language to be on a graduate’s transcript. In response, the Department of Language and Literature is excited to launch a three-level certification program, as explained by Gail Nash, professor of English.
“There are many reasons why TEFL is an important field. First of all, English is the lingua franca: learned and spoken around the world. There is a high demand for trained English language teachers,” Nash said. “Additionally, ELTs can get work visas in countries around the world. This can be especially useful if someone wants to do mission work. Many countries don't think they need more missionaries, but they do need trained English teachers.”
While working in Portugal and Germany, Nash found that being an ELT was a great way to meet people, make new friends, give time to a local church and sometimes share her faith. Nash stressed that teaching languages in this way is a mission in of itself. She does not recommend using TEFL as a way to convert someone’s belief; ELTs should love teaching English. They should love the people, language, culture and country where they teach.
Nash further explained that there is a need for ELTs in the U.S. In fact, Oklahoma City Public Schools have more than 50 percent of students speaking a language other than English at home. Some states now require all K-12 teachers to be certified to teach ESL. These requirements show that just speaking a language is no longer a qualification to teach the language. Both domestically and abroad, schools are requiring ELTs to be certified, and that is what OC’s new three-level TEFL certification offers.
Level 1 is the Basic Certification, which is nine hours of credit that can be added to any major. Classes will be online or in the evenings or late afternoons.
Level 2 Certification is the TEFL minor with 18 hours of TEFL courses.
Level 3 Certification is the TEFL bachelor’s degree with 42 hours of English and TEFL courses.
To learn more, visit the Department of Language and Literature online.