English as a Second Language (ESL)
Overview
Are you interested in language and culture? Do you imagine yourself advocating for children learning English as a second or third language? Are you curious how to make academic content accessible for all learners?
By coupling Gordon College’s English as a Second Language (ESL) minor with your education major, you can add a specialization in meeting the needs of multilingual learners. After graduating you’ll be eligible for Early Childhood + ESL licensure or Elementary + ESL licensure.
Why study ESL at Gordon?
At Gordon you’ll learn research-based teaching practices and gain experience through classroom observations and a student teaching practicum.
Our education and linguistics faculty have years of practical, real-world experience. Through Gordon’s small class sizes, evidence-based teaching and personalized attention, you’ll explore how to support multilingual learners in developing their English language proficiency while also learning academic content.
How can I live out my faith in the field of ESL instruction?
Language can be a barrier to finding community. Christians working with language learners have the opportunity to bring people of different backgrounds together. By nurturing a diverse learning community and creating space for positive interactions, ESL educators can help people feel seen, heard, understood and welcomed. When done right, this is a beautiful depiction of God’s kingdom.
This minor is limited to education majors. Students in other majors can complete the TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) minor. Licensure is offered through undergraduate and graduate education programs. Undergraduate majors may add PreK–6 ESL licensure; graduate students may add either PreK–6 or grades 5–12 ESL licensure.
| Degree | Minor |
|---|---|
| Program Level | Undergraduate |
| School | Herschend School of Education |
| Program Format | In-Person |
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Courses
English as a Second Language (ESL) Courses
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Experiential Learning
Get teaching experience with opportunities like:
- Observation and teaching in ESL classrooms
- ESL student teaching practicum
- Volunteering with Gordon's community tutors program
- Serving as a conversation partner for an international student
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Scholarships
We’re committed to working with you to make college accessible. Explore Gordon's scholarships, which are stackable up to $25,000.
Faculty
Faculty
Nationally recognized, personally focused
Gordon faculty are committed teachers, exceptional scholars and catalysts for transformation—both in their fields and in the lives of students they teach.
Careers
Life after Gordon
What careers can I pursue if I study English as a Second Language instruction?
This minor will effectively prepare you for careers such as:
- ESL teacher
- Translator or interpreter
- Tutor
- Educational researcher
- Librarian
“The ESL program at Gordon has given me the tools I need to teach and connect with children learning English from childhood: an essential part of their education. As a non-native English speaker, I know how important this is, and I’m so glad to have learned ways to communicate even with those whose language I can’t speak. I see myself in them, and it’s an honor to teach them through Gordon’s ESL program.”
Hahee Lee '25
Education major
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