Teaching English as a Second Language (MA)
Faculty
Paul Abraham, Professor, Director of the MATESL and Language and Literacy Programs
Janet Chumley, Associate Professor of Practice
Description
Through research, practicum experience, and hands-on projects, our students consider bilingual challenges and questions, like which "English" should be taught, and what is the proper balance between academic content and language skills in public schools. All Master of Arts in Teaching English as a Second Language (MATESL) students complete a challenging capstone project — a curriculum plan that demonstrates their knowledge, skills and creativity.
Our program offers preparation for teaching English as a Second Language in three areas: elementary school, middle and high school and adult English language programs. Students who wish to teach in public schools pursue a program of study for initial licensure in grades PreK-6 or 5-12, approved by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Our non-licensure graduates teach ESL in private schools and adult language programs in the United States and abroad. Small classes, individual guidance from faculty and supervisors, extensive practicum experience, and a supportive, experiential learning environment ensure a personalized and practical course of study.
Learning Outcomes-
Simmons’s MATESL program addresses the Massachusetts Department of Education’s standards for Subject Matter Knowledge and Professional Standards for Teachers.
Requirements for entry into program
Costs
Including financing and fellowships / assistantships
$900 per credit hour
$52 per semester
Degree requirements
Credits
- Students who plan to teach in public schools specialize in elementary or middle/high school instruction (40 - 48 credits), with preparation for Massachusetts state licensure as a Teacher of English Language Learners (PreK-6 or grades 5-12).
- Our non-licensure MATESL track (36 credits) is designed for those who plan to teach in settings such as adult education programs, college-level intensive ESL programs, independent language or secondary schools, and business settings.
- For those who hold a master's degree but wish to specialize in ESL, the C.A.G.S. option (32 credits) provides preparation in ESL and is designed in consultation with the program director.
Core, Pre-requisite, and elective course requirements and progression, etc.
Those seeking a Massachusetts license to teach ESL to younger learners must enroll in eight to 10 courses plus either two semesters of student teaching practicum or one practicum complemented by an elective.
Initial ESL Licensure, Grades 5—12
| GEDUC 460 | Teaching Strategies for the Inclusive_Classroom | 4 |
| ML 408 | Second Language Acquisition | 4 |
| ML 410 | Introduction to Linguistics and English_Grammar | 4 |
| TESL 445 | Fundamentals of Reading in a Sec. Lang._Language | 4 |
| TESL 451 | Bilingualism Lang Multiculture | 4 |
| TESL 479 | Teach English As a Second Language_Methodology and Curriculum | 4 |
| GEDUC 444 | Research & Evaluation in Schools | 4 |
| TESL 452 | Advanced Seminar in Tesl Curriculum | 4 |
| | | |
| TESL 480/TESL 471/TESL 487 | Practicum: English As a Second Language_(grades 5-12) | Variable |
| | AND | |
| TESL 500 | Special Topics in TESL | 4 |
| | OR | |
| | Elective Approved course elective | |
| | OR | |
| | An additional semester of TESL 480 Student Teaching Practicum | |
Initial ESL Licensure, Grades PreK—6
Students complete above coursework, plus:
| GEDUC 464 | Reading & Language Arts for the_Elementary Classroom | 4 |
| GEDUC 467 | Math for the Elementary Classroom | 4 |
Adult Track/Non-licensure Option
Students pursue a set of courses similar to the Grades 5-12 licensure program, but are exempted from GEDUC 460.
Capstone, placement, internship, practicum, etc.
With a focus on applied theory, our students explore diverse instructional models and develop skills and knowledge in areas including second language acquisition, multicultural classrooms, curriculum development and language policy. Depending on their area of specialization, students do their teaching practica in public schools or in adult education programs. Our double practicum — two semesters of teaching — is a popular option for all, and many MATESL graduates stress the extended student teaching experience as key to their professional success.
Delivery Mode or Modes Available (full-time, part-time, locations, technologies, etc.)
Licensure, certification, etc.
MATESL Program offers two options that lead to eligibility for initial licensure and one non-licensure option. The non-licensure option, appropriate for teaching adult populations, requires only seven courses plus either two semesters of student teaching practicum or one practicum followed by an elective. Those seeking a Massachusetts license to teach ESL to younger learners must enroll in to 10 courses plus either two semesters of student teaching practicum or one practicum complemented by an elective.
Other program information
Dual (and other) degree options (With what other degree programs may this program be combined?)
Concentrations, specializations, etc.