The minor in TESOL provides students with a basic understanding of theoretical and applied linguistics with the goal of using that knowledge to teach English to speakers of other languages. This minor does not prepare students to teach K-12 in the public schools since that requires a content area accepted by the state of Arkansas (such as English, History, Math, etc.). Rather, it is intended to provide students with the necessary background to teach adults in settings outside the public schools and to teach English to adults or children overseas.
UCA graduates have taught English in China, Costa Rica, France, Japan, Jordan, South Korea, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, Spain, Thailand, Uzbekistan and other countries. Here’s a few profiles.
Renee Smith, Class of 2012, joined the Peace Corps after graduation and spent two years in Morocco. Afterwards, she became an instructor at YBM Language Institute in Seoul, South Korea where she continues today, teaching English to Korean students.
Becca Shaw Sullivan, Class of 2017, went to the University of Illinois and graduated in 2019 with an MA in TESOL. She begins her career as an adjunct professor teaching English as a Second Language at Harrisburg Area Community College in Harrisburg, PA this fall.
Andrew Mobbs, Class of 2009, taught English in Mongolia with the Peace Corps followed by a stint with the US Department of State in Uzbekistan for a few years. He then earned his Master’s in TESL at Northern Arizona University where he now works as a Program Coordinator, Career Development Specialist.