Teacher of English as a Second Language (Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Certification)
The TESL certification program at Montclair State University prepares teachers with the knowledge and skills to serve English language learners in P–12 settings. This 15-credit, non-degree graduate program is designed for candidates who already possess a standard or CEAS New Jersey instructional certification in early childhood (P–3), elementary (K–6), or subject-area education and want to obtain an additional certification in English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction.
The TESL certification courses are currently offered online. All courses meet during the late afternoon and evening hours to accommodate students’ work schedules. The program can be completed on a part-time (3 credits per semester) or a full-time (6 credits per semester) basis. Most full-time students are able to complete the program in one year.
Upon successful completion of the program, candidates will be recommended to the New Jersey Department of Education for the ESL instructional endorsement. Students interested in teaching elsewhere should seek information from the appropriate state authorities; requirements are generally similar.
Please refer to our teacher education and certification page for information on other options in teacher education as well as our programs of study page for a comprehensive list of all of the graduate programs offered within the university.
*F1/J1 visa seeking students are not eligible for this program.
The Office of Graduate Admissions requires the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree in order to be eligible to apply for a graduate program. Applicants with non-U.S. degrees, please visit the international applicants page to review the U.S. degree equivalency information.
In order to make applying for graduate school as seamless as possible for you, we have
created an application checklist. This checklist can be a reference point for you during the
application process to ensure that you have a comprehensive understanding of the steps
needed to apply, as well as all corresponding supplemental materials for your specific
program of interest.
- Application Deadline: Rolling Admission
- Submit Online Application: Please create your online account and submit your application by following the general application instructions and pay the non-refundable $60 application fee. Once this step has been completed, the online portal will allow you to upload your supplemental materials.
The following is a list of the supplemental materials that will accompany your application for the Teacher of English as a Second Language (Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Certification) program:
- Transcript: One from each college attended.
- Resume
- Copy of teaching certification
- Letters of Recommendation: Two.
- A major goal of Montclair State University’s teacher education program is to educate teachers who understand how to prepare their students for democratic citizenship. Democratic citizenship includes the ability to think critically and to play an active role in improving our society. Please review the Portrait of a Teacher. You will note that several of the standards in the Portrait focus on this important goal. For the Statement of Objectives, please write an essay of three to four double-spaced, typed pages and incorporate items 5 and 6 from the Portrait of a Teacher to address the following questions:
- In your life as a citizen, student, and future teacher of this society, what experiences are reflective of this standard? Additionally, what experiences in your life have conflicted with this standard?
- Envision yourself as a teacher. How would you foster a classroom climate that would promote this standard in your discipline?
- You might begin by reflecting on some of your own classroom experiences as a student. Which things would you do differently and which would you emulate in creating such a classroom climate?
- Standardized Test Scores: See information on the Center for Student Success and Educator Excellence.
- Applicants with non-U.S. degrees, please visit the International Applicants page to review the US degree equivalency information.
If you have any general questions regarding the application process and requirements, please email or call us:
Office of Graduate Admissions
Email: graduate@montclair.edu
Telephone: 973-655-5147
Fax: 973-655-7869
If you have specific inquiries regarding your program of interest, please contact the Teacher of English as a Second Language (Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Certification) Program Coordinator:
Dr. Fernando Naiditch
Email: naiditchf@montclair.edu
Phone: 973-655-5477
