The M.Ed. in TESOL curriculum includes the coursework in two areas: TESOL and core master of education courses, total of 11 courses (34 credits), 20 hours of fieldwork, and 40 hours of internship. Up to 6 graduate credits from another university may be transferred upon approval. Course credits may be used as Act 48 credits.
Tuition rate is $516 per graduate credit, aligned with the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) institutions. Take advantage of a rolling admissions process and apply now!
Curriculum
TESOL Courses (19 credits)
- MED 574, Foundations of Teaching English as a Second Language (3 credits, 10 fieldwork hours)
Learn about various types of English learners and the policies, regulations, and processes which pertain to the provision of inclusive and equitable education to English learners in PK-12.
This course aims to build the foundational knowledge for teaching English as a second language. It covers key topics related to providing English language learners with equitable quality education compliant with federal and state laws and regulations. Examined topics include diversity of English learners, legal framework, language learning program models, instructional differentiation, advocacy, and assessment Experiential learning in the format of professional learning community and data interpretation skills are emphasized. 10 hours of field experience are integrated into course assignments.
- MED 576, Structure of American English for Educators (3 credits)
Advance your knowledge of the English language, typical difficulties of English learners, and effective instructional strategies to teach the American English phonology and grammar.
This course surveys the structure of American English from the perspective of teachers of English language learners. It aims to help teachers develop linguistic and pedagogical knowledge by exploring the English phonology, morphology, syntax, pragmatics, an impact of native language on learning English, common difficulties with learning English, and effective instructional strategies for teaching English.
- MED 578, Cultural Aspects of Teaching English as a Second Language (3 credits, 5 fieldwork hours)
Understand the role that culture plays in educational contexts. Learn the evidence-based practices of culturally responsive teaching and effective engagement of culturally diverse parents.
This course explores a complex role of culture in education. It examines key concepts of intercultural communication and evidence-based practices of culturally responsive teaching and engagement of culturally diverse families. Acquiring the theoretical knowledge is combined with experiential learning activities, digital collaborative projects, and action research project. 5 hours of field experience are integrated into course assignments.
- MED 682, Second Language Acquisition (3 credits, 5 fieldwork hours)
Examine the key factors that impact learning English as a second language. Learn how to optimize the conditions of English language development in your classroom.
This course takes on a teacher’s perspective to examine the research on key factors that influence learning a second language. A two-phase course structure enables students to make connections between SLA research and teaching emergent bilinguals. First, students will build the knowledge of second language acquisition theories and research. Then, they apply this knowledge through several projects situated in authentic classrooms, collaborative digital environments, and focused synthesis of published research. Course assignments utilize authentic English language learners’ data and simulate typical challenges of teaching emergent bilinguals. This helps foster the ability to identify student’s English language development needs and optimize the conditions of English language learning through reflective analysis and research-informed practices. 5 hours of field experience are integrated into course assignments.
- MED 684, Instruction and Assessment for English Language Learners (4 credits, 40 internship hours)
Learn effective strategies of teaching English and content to English learners, monitoring their English language development, and assessing their progress in academic achievement. Practice carrying out the responsibilities of an ESL program specialist in authentic educational contexts. Create a professional portfolio.
This capstone course with integrated 40-hour internship experience covers the principles and strategies of effective instruction and assessment for English learners. The course emphasizes the development of reflective English language teaching. During a structured and supportive internship experience, students will practice a range of ESL-certified teacher’s responsibilities including teaching and assessing English learning students; monitoring, documenting, and assessing students’ English language development and academic learning; observing lessons and providing recommendations to teachers; and designing and delivering professional development for educators. Students will create an ESL teaching portfolio.
- MED 516, Differentiated Instruction for English Language Learners (3 credits)
Learn through practice differentiation for various levels of English proficiency.
The course examines the strategies of differentiated instruction for English language learners. The key topics include levels of English language development, impact of background factors on student learning needs, and strategies to differentiate instruction and assessment for English learners of four proficiency levels. For course project, students differentiate an instructional unit for a Level 3 English language learner. The course is required for M.Ed. in TESOL Program. It also may be taken as an elective for other M.Ed. programs and Act 48 continuing education credits.
- Requirements for Field Experiences
At the beginning of each academic year, students are required to satisfy the requirements for educator field experiences. Please read about the requirements and submission process here.
After completing the 16-credit ESL Certification coursework, the students in the ESL Certification track are eligible to apply for the Pennsylvania ESL Program Specialist (PK-12) Certificate (CSPG 68) in Teacher Information Management System. Please note that in Pennsylvania, the ESL Program Specialist certification is added to an instructional certificate. Therefore, prepared candidates for the ESL Program Specialist Certification should hold Instructional I/II or out-of-state ESL Certificate to receive their ESL Program Specialist Certificate.
M.Ed. Core Courses (15 credits)
- COR 520, Ethics and Moral Leadership (3 credits)
Learn about the importance of ethics and moral leadership.
- MED 518, Research Instruments (3 credits)
This course immerses students in the experiential learning of research instruments commonly used in qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods research. The psychometric properties of a research instrument and the instrument design process are emphasized. In collaboration, students will design, pilot test, and refine various instruments, including interviews, observation protocols, surveys, pre-/post-tests, and dataset analysis. As the culminating experience, students will design a research instrument for studying a real-world problem. This course is required for students in M.Ed. programs and is open to students in other graduate programs.
- MED 520, Educators as Researchers (3 credits)
This course surveys the foundations of educational research. Students will develop an understanding of the nature of educational research, process, and ethical issues in conducting research in educational organizations. They will develop the knowledge and skills essential for critically evaluating and designing educational research studies.
- MED 610, School Law (3 credits)
This course surveys the legal aspects of PK-12 education and highlights how law, policy, and practice intersect to define the rights and responsibilities of students, educators, administrators, and other stakeholders. Through critical analysis of key statutes, landmark court cases, regulatory frameworks, and administrative regulations, students will develop a nuanced understanding of the legal complexities inherent in educational practice and policy. Emphasis will be placed on strategies to navigate diverse legal challenges ethically and effectively.
- MED 680, Educational Research (3 credits; M.Ed. capstone)
The course provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to conduct research in the field of education. Students will learn about action research, qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-method research methods. They will design an educational research study and write a research proposal. Pre-requisite: MED 520.
Read about the program and view the M.Ed. core course descriptions in the Graduate Catalog. Read more about the admission requirements and application process.
Program Completion Requirements
- Complete the 34-credit coursework including field experiences
- Earn GPA 3.0 or higher
- Satisfy the requirements set forth in 24 P.S. §12-1209 relating to good moral character (for the ESL Certification track
