Program Highlights
CERTIFICATION IN ALL GRADES
In New York State, your ESOL certification allows you to teach PreK-Grade 12.
QUALIFIED TO TEACH ENGLISH ACROSS THE WORLD
Help students of diverse backgrounds acquire English skills.
HIGH EMPLOYMENT RATE
Due to NY’s teaching shortage, you are needed in the classroom.
Download a program guide with detailed information on the department, major and outcomes!
The students that I work with remind me daily of the way that God loves us and sees us each for who we are as unique, special, beloved children with individual strengths. I am blessed to have the opportunity not only to teach these students but to help them navigate the challenges of middle and high school in regards to their social and emotional lives as well as their academics. I get to support not only my students but their entire families as I work with them to overcome language barriers as well as the social and economic barriers that they face here in America. God is working through me to love and witness to my students and their families as well as my many co-workers.
Brianna Starr ’18 (English to Speakers of Other Languages)
Total Program
Sticker Price for 2026-2027:
$55,781
Last year
100%
of full-time freshmen students who applied
for a scholarship received one
$23,345
average grants & scholarships package
for incoming freshman students last year
Roberts' Strategic Pillars
Online, Hybrid, and In-Person Programs In Rochester, NY
You’ll be spiritually prepared for engagement in a diverse world.
Whatever your interests and circumstances, you’ll be equipped for your one-of-a-kind vocation.
You’ll be ready to lead, making meaningful contributions in your profession.
Empowered to act in local and practical ways, you’ll make a difference in the communities where you live and work.
What Will I Learn?
Your career can take you all around the world.
You’ll study:
Career Outlook
Here are just a few successes our graduates have achieved:
Student Teaching Placements
After graduating, our students have traveled to or taught in:
Roberts’ Graduate Teacher Education Professional Programs
Teacher Education Summer Camp
Spend a week learning about teaching children. You'll walk the path of a teacher, planning fun lessons and activities, and then implementing those activities with children.
Scholarships may be available.
TESOL is Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages.
When pursuing your TESOL degree at Roberts, you’ll take core education classes alongside more specific TESOL courses like Linguistics for Second Language Acquisition and Methods of Instruction and Assessment for TESOL. In the program, you’ll also get the chance to practice your new skills in fieldwork.
How do I become a TESOL teacher at Roberts?
To become an TESOL teacher, you should first obtain a bachelor’s degree. You could get your degree in education or you could pursue a more specialized degree, such as the TESOL degree from Roberts.
After getting your bachelor’s, you must get a certification for the area you’re aiming to teach in. In New York State this involves passing some exams. This ESOL certification in New York allows you to teach students in all grades Pre-K through Grade 12.
Some states (including New York) require you to obtain your master’s degree after a certain amount of time, as well.
How much do TESOL teachers make?
According to the US Bureau of Labor (BLS), the median annual wage for ESL (English as a Second Language) teachers in 2023 was $60,560.
Naturally, the numbers will differ by school district, seniority, and content area. Your specialization in TESOL may open the door to negotiating a higher starting step.
Can I meet with a professor when I visit Roberts?
Yes! If you come to campus for an individual visit, you can meet individually with a professor to get an overview of the major and your individual questions answered. Our Discovery Day events typically include a Faculty & Services Expo, where you can meet your future professors.
Does Roberts Wesleyan University offer financial aid?
Yes! At Roberts, we’re dedicated to supporting you. Our Office of Student Financial Services is here to help you make the most of every financial aid opportunity available.
We provide financial assistance to 100% of our undergraduate students, so you can focus on following your calling with confidence.
