OC offers online certification course for teaching English as a second language 

The new certification opportunity helps meet the demand for qualified English language teachers.

February 20, 2020 - The Oklahoma Christian University Department of Language and Literature launched an online certification for teaching English as a Second Language as a pilot this spring? Faculty hope to have the degree offering? officially in the academic catalog for the 2020-2021 year.

The qualifications for English language teaching positions have tightened both domestically and abroad, as explained by Professor of English Gail Nash. Most, if not all, reputable language schools require a TEFL Certification on an academic transcript. 

"The challenge will be to replicate, as much as possible in an online format, the dynamic nature of a face-to-face class; that's going to be hard,” Nash said. “On the other hand, the online format extends our reach, so I'm excited about being able to bring OC's TEFL Certification to people who might be living overseas or who might be working full-time and unable to attend a traditional, in-seat class.”

Furthermore, Nash added that TEFL Certifications and OC’s classes ensure future teachers both understand how languages are learned and develop effective classroom techniques. It is no longer enough for ELTs to be only native English speakers; they need to be qualified native English speakers.

Students may add a TEFL Certificate to their major by completing nine hours of coursework in TEFL methodology and teaching practicum, as well as having a foreign language competency. These courses may be taken in any order over three semesters during fall, spring or summer. TEFL Certificate courses are independent studies or hybrid classes with one-on-one meetings once a week with the instructor. Students will teach, tutor, or complete coursework for about two-four hours a week.

For more information, interested students may contact gail.nash@oc.edu or visit the Department of Language and Literature online.