$270
Tuition Cost per Credit
< 1 year
Average Completion*
Help Young Learners Find Their Voice
For a child learning a new language, a supportive teacher can make all the difference.
The Undergraduate Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) with Specialization in Teaching English to Young Learners at Athens State University prepares you to help children develop English language skills while building confidence, connecting with others, and succeeding academically. You’ll explore language acquisition, age-appropriate teaching methods, culturally responsive instruction, assessment, classroom communication, and strategies for supporting children who are learning English.
With a specialized focus on young learners, the program helps you understand how children develop language and how instruction can be designed around their developmental needs, interests, and experiences. Whether you’re preparing for a career in education, already working with children, or looking to add specialized language-learning expertise to your professional skills, this certificate can help you create more effective and inclusive learning experiences.
Program Overview
Children learning English are developing more than a new vocabulary. They’re learning how to communicate, participate, build relationships, and navigate an educational environment—often while developing academically and socially at the same time. Teaching young English learners requires an understanding of both language acquisition and child development.
The TESOL certificate with Specialization in Teaching English to Young Learners provides focused preparation in the principles and practices of teaching English to speakers of other languages, with particular attention to the needs of children and young learners. You’ll explore how children acquire additional languages, how language development interacts with learning and development, and how educators can create age-appropriate instruction that makes English meaningful and engaging. You’ll also examine culturally responsive teaching, assessment, classroom communication, and instructional strategies designed to help young English learners participate fully in the learning environment.
Program Details
The TESOL – Young Learners certificate combines language education, child development, and practical instructional strategies.
Your coursework will explore areas such as:
- Second Language Acquisition — Understand how children learn an additional language and the factors that influence language development.
- Teaching Young English Learners — Explore age-appropriate approaches for teaching English to children at different stages of language development.
- Child Development — Examine the cognitive, social, emotional, and linguistic development of young learners.
- TESOL Teaching Methods — Develop strategies for teaching listening, speaking, reading, writing, vocabulary, and grammar in engaging ways.
- Language & Literacy Development — Explore the relationship between language acquisition and literacy development.
- Culturally Responsive Teaching — Learn how culture, language, identity, and family experiences influence children’s learning.
- Instructional Planning — Develop lessons and learning experiences that align language development with children’s developmental needs.
- Assessment — Explore approaches for monitoring language development and using assessment to guide instruction.
- Classroom Communication — Develop strategies for creating supportive environments where children feel comfortable communicating and taking risks with a new language.
- Family & Community Partnerships — Explore ways to communicate and collaborate effectively with families from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds.
- Educational Technology — Examine digital tools and resources that can support language development and engagement.
- Practical Application — Apply what you learn to authentic educational and language-learning contexts.
Young learners need opportunities to practice a new language without fear of making mistakes. You’ll learn how to create engaging, supportive environments where children can develop English while feeling confident, included, and valued.
Your Career Advantage Starts Here
Schools and educational organizations need professionals who understand how to support children who are developing English proficiency. Young English learners may be developing language skills while simultaneously learning mathematics, science, reading, social studies, and other academic subjects. Effective instruction helps them access that learning while continuing to develop English.
The TESOL – Young Learners certificate can complement your existing education or professional preparation and provide specialized knowledge for working with linguistically diverse children.
Explore your career pathways with the TESOL – Young Learner undergraduate certificate, including anticipated salaries, annual job growth, and even active job listings through the Career Concourse portal.
$34k
ESL Instructor Estimated Entry Salary
$48k
ESL Instructor Estimated Median Salary
Estimated salary and employment information based on labor market data provided by Career Concourse and is intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries and employment outcomes vary based on factors such as experience, location, industry, and employer and are not guaranteed upon degree completion.
Admissions & Aid
A career in education is an investment in your future — and Athens State University works to make that investment accessible.
Athens State University offers the lowest tuition of any public, four-year university in Alabama, giving future educators an affordable path to a bachelor’s degree. With flexible learning options, dedicated faculty, and support designed around students’ needs, you can prepare for your teaching career without putting your financial future on hold.
Students may also qualify for financial aid, scholarships, and other assistance to help make their education more affordable.
Why Choose This Program at Athens State?
Develop strategies for helping students access academic content while continuing to build their English language skills.
Learn how culturally responsive teaching and inclusive practices can help students feel valued, supported, and confident in their ability to succeed.
The certificate can complement a degree or career in education and give you an additional area of expertise for working with increasingly diverse student populations.
Get Hands-On Experience
You won’t spend your entire degree learning about teaching from a textbook. Field experiences and clinical preparation give you opportunities to observe, practice, and apply your skills in real educational settings.
Invest in Your Future The Smart Way
Athens State University is committed to providing an affordable, high-quality education. As Alabama’s most affordable public, state university, we give you the opportunity to earn a degree while making a smart investment in your future, without unnecessary debt.
Learn from Experienced Faculty
Our faculty combine academic excellence with real-world business experience, bringing current industry practices into every course. At Athens State, you’re not facing the journey alone — our dedicated, knowledgeable faculty and staff walk alongside you each step of the way, providing personalized guidance and support.
Our Faculty
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*Average completion time varies by student and depends on prior credits
transferred to Athens State and the number of courses taken per semester.
Please consult with your Student Success Coach and faculty advisor for your personalized plan of study.