Help multilingual learners thrive

Learn how language, culture, and education intersect with a Teaching English as a Second Language (TESOL) minor at Fort Lewis College. Designed for students from a wide range of majors, this minor helps you develop the knowledge and practical skills needed to support English language learners in schools, community programs, and international settings.

Through coursework in linguistics, language acquisition, literacy, and culturally responsive teaching, you'll gain a deeper understanding of how people learn languages and how educators can create inclusive learning environments. Field-based experiences provide opportunities to apply what you learn in real-world educational settings.

Why study TESOL at Fort Lewis College?

Language access and culturally responsive communication are increasingly important across education, healthcare, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and international programs. The TESOL minor gives you valuable skills that complement majors in education, psychology, sociology, public health, communication, languages, and many other fields.

At Fort Lewis College, you'll:

  • Learn from faculty with expertise in multilingual education and language development
  • Explore language, culture, and identity in diverse learning environments
  • Gain hands-on experience working with multilingual learners
  • Study the linguistic and cultural factors that influence language acquisition
  • Develop skills that can be applied locally, nationally, and internationally

Career pathways

A TESOL minor can strengthen your preparation for careers that involve education, communication, and multicultural engagement, including:

  • English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher
  • Language support specialist
  • Adult education instructor
  • Community education coordinator
  • International education professional
  • Literacy program educator
  • Nonprofit or community outreach specialist
  • Cultural liaison
  • Education program coordinator

This minor also provides valuable preparation for graduate study in teaching, linguistics, multilingual education, literacy, and related fields.

How to get into the TESOL program

Roadmap for first-year students
Roadmap for transfer students (junior)

Questions

For more information, please review the requirements in the course catalog or contact:

Dr. Lorien Schuldt
Email Dr. Schuldt
970-247-7274
Education & Business Hall (EBH), Room 250