The aim of this article is to assist TESOL learners in effectively delving into professional literature for both their coursework and future teaching endeavors. It begins by addressing common challenges in critical reading faced by TESOL students, such as complex and technical language, varied writing styles and a lack of familiarity with TESOL theories and contexts. It then offers practical guidelines to help students identify and analyze relevant literature, evaluate evidence and claims, and apply theories in practical classroom contexts. Serving as a practical resource, this article is intended for students seeking to enhance their critical reading skills in TESOL.