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Minor in Teaching English as an Additional Language

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Prepare to teach, support, and inspire multilingual learners in today’s diverse classrooms

Our undergraduate 15-credit Minor in Teaching English as an Additional Language (TEAL) allows you to make a meaningful difference in the lives of students while gaining an in-demand teaching credential. Offered collaboratively by the School of Education and the Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences, this interdisciplinary program combines rigorous academic study with practical, classroom-ready experience.

Graduates are well-positioned for roles in schools and communities where multilingualism is growing—and where skilled, compassionate educators are urgently needed. You’ll be ready to lead, advocate, and help shape the future of education.

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Program Facts

Degree Type

Undergraduate Minor

Credits

15

Time Commitment

Full-Time

Enrollment Term

Fall

Application Deadline

Rolling

Format

In-Person

Admissions Requirements

Supplemental undergraduate application

Program Overview

Earn Your ESL Endorsement

For students majoring in a Pitt teacher certification program, the TEAL minor leads to an English as a Second Language (ESL) Specialist Endorsement from the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

Learn from Nationally Recognized Faculty

Through a carefully integrated set of courses offered collaboratively by the School of Education and the Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences, students develop deep knowledge of structure, second language acquisition, assessment, and effective instructional methods for multilingual learners.

Make an Impact in Multilingual Classrooms

As classrooms become increasingly diverse, the need for skilled, compassionate educators continues to grow. This program empowers you to support students’ language development while helping them succeed academically and confidently.

Empower Every Learner to Succeed

You’ll learn to assess multilingual learners fairly and effectively, as well as design engaging and inclusive classroom experiences. You’ll gain the tools to promote both language growth and academic achievement so every learner reach their full potential.

Strong Pathway to Certification and Careers

The TEAL minor strengthens your preparation for teacher certification and expands your career opportunities. Graduates are highly sought after in K–12 schools and other educational settings where multilingualism is on the rise. With this credential, you’ll be ready to step into roles that require expertise in language teaching and inclusive education.

Loretta Fernandez headshot photo. She is a woman with curly hair standing in a lobby of an office
"Our TEAL minor equips future educators with the knowledge and skills to open doors, amplify student voices, and transform multilingual classrooms into spaces where every learner can thrive."
Dr. Loretta Fernandez, Faculty Program Director

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Curriculum

The Minor in Teaching English as an Additional Language is 15 academic credits.

Required courses include:

  • Teaching English Language Learners (3 credits)
  • Second and Foreign Language Assessment and Testing (3 credits)
  • Linguistic Structures of English (3 credits)
  • Introduction to Teaching English as an Additional Language (3 credits)
  • Teaching English as an Additional Language (3 credits)

Optional Practicum:

Students in teaching certification majors who wish to obtain an ESL Specialist Endorsement from the Pennsylvania Department of Education can complete a 1-credit practicum course in Teaching English as an Additional Language

Program Faculty

Program Coordinator

Loretta Fernandez headshot photo. She is a woman with curly hair standing in a lobby of an office
Heather Hendry

Career Pathways

Work Environments

Graduates who major in a teacher certification program can serve as ESL-certified educators in public schools, community colleges, and community-based organizations.

Median Wages

The median annual wage for ESL educators is nearly $60,000, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics.

Job Outlook

About 3,900 job openings for ESL educators are projected each year over the next decade, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics.

Prerequisites

The course Introduction to Linguistics (LING 1000) is a suggested prerequisite, although students can take the course after declaring the minor.

Admission Requirements

To be admitted, students must meet the following requirements:

  • Have a declared major at the University of Pittsburgh
  • Have a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA
  • Complete an application for the selected minor

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