Professional International Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages

Class information:
Professional International Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (PITESOL)
(CIP Code: 13.1401)
Class time: Monday 8:30am to 5:30 pm + One Online Class
Number of months to complete the program: 9
Job Placement Assistance: Yes
Total Credits to complete program: 36
Price per Credit: $250.00
Total Price for this Program: $9050.00
*Course offered in San Diego Location Only
(Pending SEVIS Approval for international students)

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The Professional International Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (PITESOL) program produces graduates with the skills to train teaching faculty who excel in their roles as educators, creative scholars, and researchers. This program will prepare teachers for a wide variety of positions both in the US and abroad. Our students will be equipped with the specialized knowledge and field skills for teaching English to speakers of other languages. Upon graduation, they will be competent professional educators with demonstrable leadership skills.

The performance outcomes which are required for the completion of the program include: class participation, response to discussion questions, writing research papers, group assignments, case study analyses, quizzes, mid-term and final examinations (Comprehensive Learning Assessments).

The following educational outcomes are those of the PITESOL program:

1. Demonstrate principles of language pedagogy and of current best practices in teaching English to speakers of other languages; relate how these principles are based on research of language acquisition and the teaching of the various skills.
2. Show proficiency in spoken and written English at a level commensurate with the role of a language model of the anticipated English teaching context.
3. Consider current TESOL pedagogy in the creation of effective lesson plans for diverse groups of learners in a variety of teaching contexts; evaluate materials, produce content and level appropriate lesson plans, and employ the skills required to explain the English language system.
4. Explain current theories concerning the cognitive, affective, social, and cultural factors involved in the acquisition and use of second languages and illustrate this knowledge in effective lesson design and classroom interactions with second language learners.
5. Identify and apply the skills necessary for effective leadership, collaboration, and communication in and out of the classroom and/or institution.
6. Analyze, discuss and integrate ethical values and issues in learning and teaching
7. Select, assess, and implement technology in teaching English within a wide variety of contexts
8. Formulate and build upon the application of analytical and quantitative reasoning and classroom research procedures to guide, support, and solve complex issues in the TESOL field
9. Recognize when information and/or analysis is needed and develop skills to find, appraise, and effectively synthesize and compose needed information and content
10. Construct and challenge critical thinking skills through inquiry and reflection on theory, practice, and beliefs of teaching and learning.

Program Requirements

For acceptance into the Interntional Professional in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (PITESOL) program, applicants must satisfy the following criteria:

An applicant with a Advanced English from a regionally or nationally accredited institution and a minimum GPA of 2.5 can apply for entrance into INX College.

Graduation Requirements

The Interntional Professional in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (PITESOL) program requires 36 credit hours, including three (3) credit hours of Capstone (which also satisfies the one (1) credit-hour Practical Learning Experience [PLE] requirement).

Students must apply for graduation. Upon graduation and fulfillment of all academic requirements, students receive a Interntional Professional in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages Certification (PITESOL)

Required Courses

International Professional in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages Program Requirements—36 Credit Hours Total

Core Courses (Embedded Practicum Components)—36 Credit Hours Total

Second Language Acquisition 3 credit hours
Approaches to EFL Teaching 3 credit hours
Grammar Teaching 3 credit hours
Methods to Teaching Reading 3 credit hours
Methods to Teaching Writing 3 credit hours
Methods to Teaching Vocabulary (Online) 3 credit hours
Methods to Teaching Speaking 3 credit hours
Methods to Teaching Listening 3 credit hours
Assessments 3 credit hours
Curriculum Design & Coursebooks (Online) 3 credit hours
Management & Relationships 3 credit hours
Capstone Teaching Hours 3 credit hours

Each sessions is 3 months with 1 month vacation:
Example: Session 1 3 months/ 1 Month Vacation / Session 2 3 months / 1 Month Vacation / Session 3 months / Completed PITESOL / Eligible for OPT. 

Session 1 (3 months) 12 Credits
Second Language Acquisition (3 Credits): This course introduces Second Language Acquisition (SLA) by exploring how additional languages are learned. Using How Languages Are Learned (4th ed.) by Lightbown & Spada as a guiding text, students will examine major SLA theories, research findings, and their implications for language teaching. Topics include first vs. second language acquisition, the role of input and interaction, individual differences, and the effectiveness of different instructional approaches. 
 
Approaches to EFL Teaching (3 Credits)* Online: This course explores foundational and contemporary approaches to teaching English as a second or foreign language. Students will analyze methodologies such as Communicative Language Teaching (CLT), Task-Based Learning (TBL), Content-Based Instruction (CBI), and others. Through a blend of theory and practice, students will develop a nuanced understanding of effective teaching strategies for diverse ESL/EFL contexts. 
 
Grammar Teaching (3 Credits): This course provides an in-depth exploration of grammar instruction in English as a Second/Foreign Language (ESL/EFL) classrooms. Using Teaching Grammar in Second Language Classrooms by Hossein Nassaji & Sandra Fotos as the guiding text, students will examine different approaches to teaching grammar, the role of explicit and implicit instruction, and strategies for integrating grammar into communicative language teaching. The course will also cover error correction, assessment of grammar knowledge, and practical lesson planning. 
 
Methods to Teaching Reading (3 Credits): This course provides an in-depth exploration of methods for teaching reading to English language learners. Using Teaching Reading by Richard Day and the teaching reading chapter from How to Teach English (2nd edition) by Jeremy Harmer as the primary texts, students will examine theories, strategies, and best practices for developing reading skills in ESL/EFL settings. Topics include reading fluency, vocabulary development, extensive vs. intensive reading, phonics, and strategies for different proficiency levels.

Methods to Teaching Writing:
This course explores effective approaches to teaching writing to English language learners. Students will examine the writing process, from brainstorming to drafting and revising, and learn how to support learners in developing both accuracy and fluency. Topics include genre-based instruction, error correction, peer feedback, and assessing writing. The course combines theory with practical strategies for classroom application.

Methods to Teaching Vocabulary (Online):
This fully online course examines the principles and practices of teaching vocabulary in ESL/EFL contexts. Students will explore how vocabulary is acquired, the role of frequency and word families, and techniques for fostering long-term retention. Emphasis is placed on contextualized vocabulary instruction, teaching collocations, and integrating vocabulary with other language skills through digital tools and online platforms.

Methods to Teaching Speaking:
This course focuses on the development of speaking skills in English language learners. Students will analyze key concepts such as fluency, accuracy, pronunciation, and interactional competence. The course covers a range of classroom techniques and speaking tasks, including role plays, debates, and presentations, with attention to scaffolding, correction, and communicative effectiveness.

Methods to Teaching Listening:
This course examines the nature of listening and effective instructional strategies for developing listening skills in English learners. Students will study bottom-up and top-down processing, listening for gist and detail, and strategies to support comprehension. Topics include authentic listening materials, task design, and integrating listening with speaking activities in real-world contexts.

Assessments:
This course introduces principles and practices of assessment in TESOL. Students will explore different types of language assessments—diagnostic, formative, and summative—as well as standardized testing and classroom-based evaluation. Emphasis is placed on creating fair, valid, and reliable assessments that align with instructional goals. Students will also learn to use rubrics, feedback, and performance-based measures effectively.

Curriculum Design & Coursebooks (Online):
In this online course, students will explore how to design effective ESL/EFL curricula and evaluate coursebooks and materials. Topics include needs analysis, setting learning outcomes, syllabus types, lesson sequencing, and materials adaptation. Students will critically assess commercial coursebooks and learn to design custom content aligned with learner goals and program standards.

Management & Relationships:
This course addresses the interpersonal and organizational skills necessary for effective teaching and classroom management. Students will explore teacher-student rapport, classroom routines, behavior management strategies, and working collaboratively within a school context. Emphasis is placed on building inclusive, respectful, and motivating learning environments.

 

Capstone Teaching Hours:
This practicum course provides students with supervised teaching experience in real ESL/EFL classrooms. Students will apply theories and methods studied throughout the program, receive feedback from mentors, and engage in reflective teaching practices. The course includes lesson planning, classroom observation, teaching hours, and a final portfolio demonstrating professional growth and instructional competence.

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