Get started with second language teaching or take your skills to the next level with this certificate that opens doors to rewarding opportunities at home and abroad.
Recognized by TESL Canada at Standard One, this 120-hour certificate program covers key principles, practical skills, strategies, and tools to help you successfully teach English language learners.
This flexible, part-time program offers online classes in the evenings, well-suited for students who are studying remotely or working while going to school. You can also choose to complete your practicum component in person, online, or in a hybrid format to suit your schedule and location.
You’ll learn key principles of second language teaching, linguistic foundations, and the skills, strategies, and tools needed to teach English language learners.
The program is an ideal entry point for working professionals, career changers, volunteers, newcomers, or individuals interested in teaching abroad. Those who already have a background in teaching can benefit from the program by learning about new theoretical and practical trends in the field and by further developing their teaching abilities.
Note: This program focuses on TESL instruction, not TESOL or TEFL. What’s the difference
NorQuest College believes in the importance of on-the-job experience that provides an enriched learning opportunity.
NorQuest College supports you in securing your work-experience component. Your 20-hour practicum takes place in NorQuest LINC and EAL classes. You’ll be able to choose class levels, delivery options, and observation times based on your schedule and goals.
The practicum includes 10 hours of classroom observation and 10 hours of supervised teaching. During this time you’ll learn applied teaching strategies from an experienced LINC or EAL instructor, get feedback on your skills, and develop a teaching portfolio.
To support your learning experience, this program is offered in the following format:
Blended
A method of course delivery where both online and in-person/real-time instruction are required components.
This program qualifies you to pursue professional TESL certification through TESL Canada. You don’t need a degree to take the NorQuest College TESL program. However, if you decide to pursue professional certification in the future, TESL Canada requires:
Visit the TESL Canada website for more information.
You’ll graduate ready to teach English as a second or additional language in Canada or internationally, depending on the requirements of the employer and the country of employment. Employment in TESL can be flexible, with full-time careers and part-time side jobs available in many areas.
This diploma can stand on its own or enhance your existing teaching or academic credentials. Some employers may require other credentials in addition to a TESL diploma.
Look for career opportunities in:
This program qualifies for a study permit, but does not qualify for a post-graduate work permit in Canada as of June 24, 2025. Learn more about obtaining your study permit and other important immigration information.
Have a question about the Teaching English as a Second Language program?
What is the difference between TESL, TESOL, and TEFL?
TESL – Teaching English as a Second Language - Teaching English in an English-speaking country.
TESOL – Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages - A broader term that may include teaching both in English-speaking countries and abroad.
TEFL – Teaching English as a Foreign Language - Teaching English in non-English-speaking countries
Many employers prefer candidates who also have one or more of the following:
Get all the information you need on applying for your program in one, easy-to-follow application guide. We’ll deliver it straight to your inbox.
Yes, send me the guideThe personal information requested on this form is collected under the authority of section 33(c) of Alberta’s Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and will be used to process your request for information, for internal statistical and enrolment management purposes and to provide ongoing information regarding our courses, programs or events. For information about the collection and use of this information, contact the Regulatory & Compliance Coordinator at 10215 108 Street NW, Edmonton, AB, T5J 1L6, Tel. 780.644.6000.
We appreciate your interest in NorQuest’s Program name! However, this program is not open to international students at this time. For a full list of programs available to international students, please visit the Programs and Courses page.
If you’re not sure which program is perfect for you, NorQuest’s International Student Recruiters can help. Contact international.recruitment@norquest.ca or book a meeting.
