Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) Profile

Education is an inspiring career choice that makes a lasting impression on young people’s lives. Teaching is more than just a profession; it’s a mission to nurture curiosity, creativity, and confidence in children. If you’re passionate about shaping the next generation through a meaningful, fulfilling career, choosing the profile of teaching English as a second language profile is your opportunity to make a difference every day.

What is the role of an English as a Second Language (TESL) Teacher?

TESL educators play a vital role in both elementary and secondary schools, supporting students as they develop English language skills for academic, professional, and social sources. They create engaging, culturally responsive learning environments tailored to diverse linguistic needs, ensuring all students feel valued and capable.

TESL educators help students improve their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills, fostering confidence and effective communication. Beyond language instruction, they cultivate essential skills for navigating multilingual contexts, equipping students to connect across cultures and succeed in an increasingly globalized world.

At Bishop’s University’s School of Education, we prepare future educators of TESL to reach across language barriers and create a connected world for young minds. With a focus on fostering communication and building essential life skills, our graduates are equipped to make a meaningful impact in their students’ lives.

What are the advantages of being a Teacher of English as a Second Language?

Pursuing your B.Ed. with a specialization in TESL offers the flexibility of teaching in both secondary or elementary settings! Through practicum experience, students will be able to test each environment and select their preferred setting.

TESL educators also enjoy diverse opportunities, working with students of all ages and backgrounds in both local and global contexts, providing enriching experiences. The role fosters cultural exchange, allowing teachers to build meaningful connections across cultures while enhancing their own global perspectives. Empowering students to gain fluency and confidence in a new language brings high job satisfaction, as educators witness the transformation of students’ personal and academic growth.

How to Become a Teacher of English as a Second Language in Quebec

Becoming a licensed teacher in Quebec starts here! At Bishop’s University, our English as a Second Language Education program guides you through every step to graduate with the qualifications needed to apply for your teaching license and make a difference in students’ lives.

Complete a rigorous, practice-based Bachelor of Education (B. Ed.) degree with a concentration in Teaching English as a Second Language

To earn a Bachelor of Education in Teaching English as a Second Language, students must complete a 150-credit program (120-credit program for students entering with a CEGEP diploma). Please also note that credits earned in certain DEC programs (Early Childhood Care and Education) or in other university programs may be recognized.

The possibility of recognition of additional credits is evaluated after admission.

Successfully complete your supervised field placements in real classrooms

Students must successfully complete the requirements of all practica components to complete the B.Ed. with recommendation to the Ministère de l’Éducation et de l’Enseignement Supérieur (MEES) for the brevet d’enseignement (Teaching Certificate). Since this program qualifies students to teach at both elementary and secondary levels, practicums must be completed at both levels.

Fulfill the Quebec Ministry of Education certification requirements, including the English Exam for Teacher Certification (EETC)

Students in all B.Ed. programs are required to pass the EETC approved by the Ministère de l’Éducation, et de l’Enseignement supérieur (MEES) prior to the fourth practicum (EDU 428/439). Success on this exam is a requirement for progression through the program. Although Bishop’s assists in coordinating the test, it is not a Bishop’s examination.

How portable is a Teaching Degree from Bishop’s?

Our program ensures you meet provincial licensing requirements, enabling you to teach anywhere in Quebec immediately. A teacher education degree obtained in Quebec is recognized across all of Canada, however some provinces and territories may impose additional requirements for certification. Therefore, it is highly recommended to visit the websites of the certification agencies in the specific provinces or territories where you intend to teach after completing your degree.

Teacher candidates who wish to teach in another province or in another country must first apply for and receive a Teacher Certification in Quebec before applying directly to the Teacher Certification Agency in the other relevant province or country.

Are TESL Educators in Demand?

For French-speaking and bilingual candidates, this field offers unique advantages over other teaching concentrations. The demand for TESL is growing due to the increasing number of non-English-speaking students in schools. Graduates can work in both elementary and secondary school settings, with expanding opportunities across public, private, adult education, and alternative settings.

Why Choose the School of Education at Bishop’s?

At Bishop’s University’s School of Education, we are committed to preparing future educators who inspire, engage, and empower young learners, ensuring they are equipped to make a lasting impact during their students’ most formative years.

A Personalized Learning Environment

You’ll benefit from small class sizes and close mentorship from experienced faculty who are committed to your success. This personalized approach ensures that your academic and professional growth is supported every step of the way, allowing you to develop confidence in your skills and teaching methods.

Innovative Curriculum

Our program equips future educators with essential knowledge in teaching, learning, and classroom management. Foundational courses will guide you to understanding the psychological and social aspects of education and focus on creating inclusive and supportive learning environments. These courses focus on designing motivating learning situations and creating environments that stimulate the love of learning.

Through practical, targeted methods courses, students develop real-world strategies for teaching complex concepts while exploring the pedagogical use of technology to enhance teaching practices. You will engage with interdisciplinary teaching approaches with an emphasis on individual differences, inclusive and culturally responsive practices.

Aspiring educators will also develop assessment tools that provide constructive feedback and learn effective strategies for interacting with parents and the school team to support student success. Beyond the core curriculum, electives allow students to tailor their studies to their interests.

Extensive Practicum Experiences

Our field placements allow you to apply what you learn in real classroom settings. Starting from your first year, you’ll work closely with professional educators starting with classroom observations, to full-class responsibilities in your final year. Over your degree, you’ll complete a minimum of 700 hours of hands-on practical experience.

Community Connections

You’ll benefit from partnerships with local schools and organizations, fostering a strong sense of community and practical experience. These partnerships ensure that students receive mentorship from experienced educators, receive real-world teaching opportunities, and a network of connections that can help launch their careers.

Some of these include the Centre de services scolaire de la Région-de-Sherbrooke, Centre de services scolaire des Sommets, and Centre de services scolaire des Hauts-Cantons. Work in schools such as École Des Avenues and École secondaire du Triolet in Sherbrooke, École primaire Brassard-Saint-Patrice in Magog, École secondaire L’Escale in Val-des-Sources, École Sacré Coeur in Coaticook, and École Polyvalente Montignac in Lac-Mégantic.

Through the multiple years of experience, you’ll gain confidence in bilingual and multicultural settings and learn to incorporate inclusive teaching practices while engaging with a variety of age groups and learning needs.

TESL Profile Highlights

The B.Ed. program in Teaching English as a Second Language at Bishop’s University is designed to provide a comprehensive foundation in education while fostering specialized expertise in second-language teaching. With a balance of foundational courses, practicum experiences, and linguistically focused offerings, the program prepares educators to inspire and engage diverse learners in mastering English. 

Language Teaching Foundations of Literature and Linguistics

Courses like Introduction to Linguistics for Language Teaching and Perspectives on Second Language Acquisition provide a foundation in linguistic concepts and language learning theories, while innovative classes such as Drama Techniques for Language Teaching explore engaging, performance-based teaching strategies. Integrating literature into language teaching, courses such as Literature and Language Teaching and Children’s Literature prepare educators to use texts to promote critical thinking and creativity.

For those drawn to specialized literary studies, offerings such as Crime Stories: The Great Detectives, Elizabethan Shakespeare, and the immersive Stratford “Shakesperience” bring genre, iconic playwrights, and performance-based learning to the forefront.

Teaching Language through Culture and Media

Courses like Approaches to Short Fiction and The American Short Story explore short-form narratives that have shaped literary traditions, while English Writers of Quebec and Introduction to Indigenous Literatures in Canada highlight diverse voices, fostering cultural awareness and inclusivity. 

Courses like The Modern British Novel: Experiments in Fictional Form and Keep Calm and Carry On: The British Dystopian Novel examining innovative narratives and dystopian themes, alongside English-Canadian Literature from the First World War to the Present, which traces the evolution of Canadian identity through literature. These studies equip students with a diverse understanding of global and national literary traditions.

Expanding into visual and media culture, courses such as Approaches to Media Studies, Popular Culture, and Science Fiction in Literature and Film examine the intersections of literature, media, and cultural production. Together, these offerings prepare future educators to integrate critical and creative approaches into their classrooms, fostering literary, cultural, and media literacy in their students.

Next Steps

Choosing to teach English as a Second Language can be a hugely rewarding and dynamic career choice. Bishop’s offers a comprehensive B.Ed. program that will encourage you to develop autonomy, critical reflection, and leadership skills.

We encourage you to keep exploring what it’s like to study at Bishop’s by booking a tour, or if you’re ready, apply!