Whether you go overseas or teach in the United States, teaching English as a second language can be a rewarding career!
Students complete five courses including an online practicum with online or in-person classroom observation options. Students will learn current theories of second language learning, adult learning theory, lesson planning and instructional techniques.
Total Hours: 130
The program costs $940, including tuition and fees for Anne Arundel County residents.
Must be 16 years or older. ENG-101 eligibility is strongly recommended. For questions about this recommendation, email the English Language Learning office at esloffice@aacc.edu.
Upon successful completion of all five courses, students earn an AACC continuing education certificate. Once you successfully complete all the course requirements of the certificate program with a passing grade or higher, submit a Student Application for a Continuing Education Certificate. Use certificate code CE.TEACH-ESL.
Continuing education students don't need to apply for admission to AACC. Just check out our course search and choose a program or course that interests you, register and make your payment. Winter and spring term registration is now open. Registration for summer 2026 opens April 14!
Learn more about registering for continuing education courses.
If you have previously taken classes at AACC, you will need to log in using your AACC account. New students will be able to create a temporary account in the checkout process.
If you would like help, email the Instructional Support Center or call 410-777-2325.
Upon registering for your course, regularly check your MyAACC account and AACC email for class and general updates from the college. Due to FERPA regulations, all official college communications must be sent to your AACC student email. This includes class cancellation and waitlist notifications. For assistance accessing MyAACC, visit our email instructional page or contact the Technical Service Desk. For Spanish translation, visit our translated webpage.
"When I was nearing retirement, I enrolled in AACC’s TESL certificate program as a steppingstone to a new part-time career working with non-native English learners. The program’s courses and hands-on learning opportunities helped me develop confidence and hone my instructional skills. In my current work, I often draw from the online resources I learned about in the program, the textbooks we used, and the practical tips that faculty and classmates shared to make my lessons as useful and engaging as I can for my ESL students. "
-Chris Edwards