Public School English as a Second Language (PSESL)

Maryville College operates an English as a Second Language program for local public schools in Blount County. This program provides English instruction and support to over 100 children who live in the area, but whose native language is not English.

If you are over 17 and want to learn English (either for a short term or longer perod of study) you should contact the CELL program. The Public School program is for children aged 5-17, who already live in this area. We do not accept children for study in this program. It is a support program provided to local public schools. Students must be registered in the local public schools, and are sent to this program with the school's approval.

Students come to the College from their local public schools for two hours each day, to learn English. Teachers in the program hold Tennessee state teaching licenses in ESL; most of them also have masters degrees in Teaching ESL or related fields. Maryville College students who are completing requirements for licensure in Teaching English as a Second Language also work in the program to gain valuable classroom experience.

The coordinator of this program is Ms. Jean LaForest. She can be contacted at 865-981-8130.