Skip to Content

International Programs

Specialization in Teaching English to the Young Learner (TEYL)

Get better at teaching English to kids aged 4-12 with the Specialization in Teaching English to the Young Learner (TEYL) at UC San Diego.

Who will Benefit

This special program is for those already in the full-time Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) Professional Certificate program or planning to study TEFL for at least 6 months (2 quarters). TEYL has 3 required courses (3 units each) and 3 units of electives, making it 12 units or 120 hours of training. It might take up to three quarters to finish, and you might need to pay extra for more units beyond your full-time program.

Ready to become an awesome English teacher for young learners? Start your TEYL journey with us.

Program Details

Classes:
 
 Three required core courses:

  • TEYL Classroom Management (3 units)

Focus on establishing the optimal classroom learning environment for foreign language acquisition in the young learner classroom in this TEFL certificate course. You will learn to use key teaching strategies and reflective teaching techniques to foster positive classroom dynamics that motivate young language learners socially and emotionally. This class also involves an on-site visit to a local elementary school, when possible.  

  • Teaching Young English Learners in Primary Grades (Ages 4-7) (3 units)
This TEYL course is designed for elementary school ESL/EFL teachers for ages 4-7. Learn the essential concepts, theories, and activities that are age appropriate and used by successful ESL/EFL teachers around the world. Young children learn best while using their hands, eyes, and ears, so all activities will incorporate activities involving the physical world such as: songs, stories, rhymes, games, drawing, and colors, etc. Learn how to construct a typical lesson plan with: warm-ups, pre-activities, body, and closing techniques. You will also learn effective assessments to evaluate learner success.
  • Teaching English to Intermediate Young Learners (Ages 8-11) (3 units)
his TEYL course is designed for elementary school ESL/EFL teachers for ages 8-11. Focus on taking a young learner-centered perspective and use scaffolded instruction while balancing task demands and support. Learn how to create and deliver intermediate-level lessons to this specific age group in speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Learn and practice the art of storytelling as well as develop an entire themed unit by using authentic children's literature. This course will allow for self-reflection of each lesson plan delivered as well as professional feedback from the instructor. 
  • Electives (3 units) Choose from the available electives each quarter.
Duration: 2-3 Quarters

Delivery Method: In-person

Visa: F-1 student visa

Program Schedule:
  • Monday - Friday, occasional Saturdays
  • Daytime and evening courses
  • Schedule varies

Admission Requirements

Enrollment in the TEYL specialization is only available to those who are already enrolled in another full-time TEFL program. Students can only complete the TEYL specialization if they will study in TEFL programs for 6 months or more. Please view the full-time program webpages for admission requirements.  


Age: 18+ 
 
Language Proficiency Requirement: 

  • TOEFL iBT: 79

  • IELTS: 6.5

  • B2 First (Cambridge English: First-FCE): B2/C1

  • C1 Advanced (Cambridge English Advanced-CAE):180-C1 and C2 Proficiency (Cambridge English Proficiency-CPE): 180-C1

  • Duolingo English Test (DET): 110

  • Pearson Test of English (PTE): 58

  • TOEIC (all four subjects are required):

    • Listening: 445 

    • Reading: 420 

    • Speaking: 170

    • Writing: 165

  • ELI level (8-week programs): 7 or higher

For questions regarding alternative English proficiency exams, please email ipadmission@ucsd.edu.

All enrolled students are required to complete an online pre-arrival orientation before starting the specialization in Teaching English to the Young Learner (TEYL). 

Dates & Prices

2025 Dates:

  • January 2 - March 14
  • March 24 - June 6
  • June 18 - September 5
  • October 1 - December 12

2025 Prices: 

  • TEYL Program Fee: $95 (non-refundable)
  • It is possible to take some of the TEYL classes as part of your full-time TEFL Program. Additional classes cost $500 each. The Program Advisor will assist you with creating an academic plan during the program orientation.
  • Books/Materials: Approximately $200-$800 per quarter (Payment for all books and instructional materials CANNOT be made in advance and are to be purchased upon arrival at UC San Diego.)

For all 2025 program dates and prices, visit the Dates and Prices page or download the 2025 Dates & Prices document. This document also lists the financial verification required for your program application if you need the Form I-20 for a student visa.

Testimonial

By taking the TEYL certificate during my studies in the TEFL Proficiency program, I acquired more teaching techniques, skills, and practice in teaching young students in the early stages of learning English. Since completing the TEFL Proficiency program in 2015, I have been teaching English at primary schools in Chile. I work full-time as an English teacher for the first through seventh grades.

- Bernardita Benavides Diaz, Chile

Programs You May Also Like

For a complete list of the TEFL programs, please visit our Certificate Programs page.

Advanced Studies in TEFL

Specialization in Teaching English Grammar (TEG)

Apply Now!

  • English Language Programs
  • University Credit Programs
  • Business Certificates & Programs
  • TEFL Certificate & Programs

2025 Dates and Prices

View programs, dates, prices, and financial verification requirements.

Contact Us

Call
+858-534-6784

Email
ipinfo@ucsd.edu

Regular Mail Address
University of California San Diego
Division of Extended Studies
International Student Services, 0176D
9500 Gilman Drive
La Jolla, CA 92093-0176
USA

Physical Location & Express Delivery
University of California San Diego
Division of Extended Studies
International Programs
8980 Villa La Jolla Drive - suite 380
La Jolla, CA 92037 USA
USA

Stay in Touch

Sign up to receive International Programs news and updates.