As the demand for teachers skilled in working with diverse student populations increases, Shawnee State University’s Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) minor, led by linguistics professor Leila Lomashvili, has seen a rise in interest among education majors. The program offers future educators critical skills in teaching English learners, a population that continues to grow in classrooms across the country.
“Every educator will, at some point, work with students from different cultures,” Lomashvili said. “We live in a multicultural society, and it’s essential for teachers to be informed about the cultural backgrounds of their students and how to best teach them.”
Students interested in the TESOL minor don’t need any specific prerequisites, aside from one year of a foreign language. However, the minor is particularly well-suited for those studying to become middle or high school teachers.
The benefits of the TESOL minor go beyond language arts. “Knowing applied linguistics is important for every teacher, regardless of the subject they teach,” Lomashvili said. “This minor provides detailed information on how to teach English learners across all subjects, not just English language arts.”
Lomashvili emphasized that all education majors would benefit from taking at least one course in TESOL, though completing the minor would provide even greater preparation.
“Every teacher should be equipped with the tools to teach students from diverse backgrounds,” she said.
Students interested in the TESOL minor can find more information on Shawnee State’s website or by visiting Lomashvili during her office hours, which are posted on her office door (Massie 424).
“All of the requirements are available online, but I’m happy to discuss the program in person,” she added.
In recent years, the TESOL minor has gained popularity as students recognize the value of these skills both in the U.S. and abroad.
“This knowledge is essential,” Lomashvili said. “Every child can learn a second language, but it takes time and the right approach to figure out how long that will take.”
With its growing relevance, the TESOL minor is positioning Shawnee State students to succeed in an increasingly diverse educational landscape.
