TESOL, TENL, TEFL…Which one is right for me?
For those who are interested in teaching English as a new language or teaching English learners, the path to a certification, licensing, or degree program can be fraught with a multitude of acronyms that lead to many questions: Do I need a TESOL or TEFL certificate? Or is it TENL? Some universities call it TESOL and some call in TENL…what’s the difference? My school has an ESL program, so what degree do I need to teach there?
It can be overwhelming to decide what program will provide you with the opportunities to learn, experiences, and credential you need. So, here’s a rundown of the terms and details you should know while navigating this process.
- TESOL – Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
This general term is used in settings where English is taught to anyone who does not speak English as their first language — anyone whose native/home language is something other than English. TESOL usually encompasses teaching in a variety of English learning settings, contexts, and approaches. TESOL certification and degree programs prepare you to teach.
If you see ESOL without the T, the focus is on the language or the learning, not on teaching. So, an ESOL program refers to an English language learning program, while a TESOL program is a program that trains you to teach in an ESOL program.
- TENL and ENL – Teaching English as a New Language and English as a New Language
This term is generally used in the same way and in the same situations as TESOL, but it specifically takes note of the fact that, for many learners, English may not be a second language. It may be a third or fourth, or even one that they’ve learned simultaneously with multiple languages.
Just as with TESOL and ESOL, TENL refers to the teaching of ENL, while ENL refers to the learning of English as a new language.
TESOL or TENL certification courses usually include preparation for teaching in a variety of contexts in the U.S. and abroad. However, you want to make sure that the program you’re exploring meets your teaching goals. Some certification programs are accredited and internationally recognized, while others are not.
- TESL and ESL – Teaching English as a Second Language and English as a Second Language
ESL refers to learning English in a setting where English is used in daily life in and out of the classroom. This term is usually used in contexts like the United States or Canada, where English is considered the primary language in society. TESL is teaching in that ESL setting.
A TESL certificate or degree program will usually only focus on teaching in the U.S., but this question is one you’ll want to ask if you’re exploring a TESL program.
- TEFL and EFL – Teaching English as a Foreign Language and English as a Foreign Language
EFL refers to learning English in a setting where English is not used as a primary language in society. These settings might include countries like China, Spain, or Saudi Arabia. Teaching in EFL contexts looks very different because the classroom may be the only place where learners are exposed to English and able to practice using English.
TEFL certification courses usually focus on preparing teachers to teach outside of the U.S. If you plan to use your certification in the U.S. or another country where English is the primary language (like Canada or the United Kingdom), you’ll want to explore the content of the courses to ensure that you’ll be given resources and experiences to prepare you for that setting as well as abroad.
- EL/ELL – English Learners/English Language Learners
All learners who are learning English are generally referred to as ELs or ELLs. However, they may also be referred to as emergent bilingual learners (EB), multilingual learners (ML), or culturally and linguistically diverse learners (CLD). There is a trend to utilize the latter terms to acknowledge the value of all linguistic and cultural backgrounds and not give sole preference to English.
Have you narrowed down the acronym that suits your teaching goals? Huntington University offers several program options for those who are interested in teaching English to speakers of other languages. To learn more, visit huntington.edu/TESOL.
