No ESL teacher left behind: An examination of language attitudes and their repercussions on ESL teacher qualifications

This thesis examines the problem of underqualified English as a Second Language (ESL) teachers in American programs. The thesis compares language learning attitudes in a select group of foreign countries to those in the United States. Manifestations of American language attitudes, such as the English Only Movement, are discussed as causes for the lack of qualified ESL teachers.; A pilot study was conducted in order to determine the relationship between teacher qualifications and student outcomes. The Tarleton State University IRB approval number for this study is 2006-112006-6065. The thesis concludes with possible future outcomes if American ESL programs continue to hire poorly qualified teachers and suggestions to minimize some of the problems that ESL programs face.