Teaching English as a Second Language (Grades K-12) Major

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For people who live in the United States and don't know English well, life can be tough. Even taking a bus or buying a soft drink becomes a challenge — let alone succeeding in school or at work. Luckily, teachers certified to teach English to non-English speakers can help. These instructors love knowing that every single lesson makes a huge difference in their students' ability to get through the day. If you too want to make a direct, positive impact on people's lives, you may want to consider teaching English as Second Language (ESL).

Career Potential

• Public school ESL teacher
• ESL instructor in the private sector or overseas

What Will I Learn?

Develop the content area knowledge and the pedagogical background to teach English as a Second Language

• In public school K-12 classrooms with the certification major
• In the private sector with the non-certification major

Special Features

• Study abroad
• Internship opportunities
• Language clubs
• Foreign language learning center

Get Involved

College is more than a classroom. Enhance your experience with extracurricular opportunities:

• Tutor our international students and community members
• Participate in and assist with SUNY Cortland’s Second Language Educators Conference

Student Clubs

Education Club

Next Steps