Teaching English as a Second Language (MA)

The M.A. in Teaching English as a Second Language has the following program educational goals (based on the Council for the Accreditation of Education Professional standards originally developed with the TESOL Association). By the end of the program, graduates will have met the following goals:

• demonstrate knowledge of English language structures, English language use, second language acquisition and development, and language processes to help multilingual learners of English (MLEs) acquire academic language and literacies specific to various content areas;

• demonstrate and apply knowledge of the impact of dynamic academic, personal, familial, cultural, social, and sociopolitical contexts on the education and language acquisition of MLEs as supported by research and theories; 
• plan supportive environments for MLEs; design and implement standards-based instruction using evidence-based, interactive approaches; and use and adapt relevant resources, including appropriate technology, to effectively plan, develop, implement, and communicate about instruction for MLEs;
• apply assessment principles to analyze and interpret multiple and varied assessments for MLEs, including classroom-based, standardized, and language proficiency assessments;
• demonstrate professionalism and leadership by collaborating with other educators, knowing policies and legislation and the rights of MLEs, engaging in self-assessment and reflection, pursuing continuous professional development, and honing their teaching practice through supervised teaching.