Curriculum and Instruction - Teacher Leadership Emphasis: TESOL Specialization, M.Ed.
The Curriculum and Instruction - Teacher Leadership Emphasis: Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Specialization, Master of Education (M.Ed.) program is designed for those who aspire to develop expertise in teaching English to speakers of other languages, whether in K-12 settings, adult education, community colleges, universities or international contexts. It covers a spectrum of topics including legal, social and historical trends, language acquisition theories, teaching methodologies, literacy development, and assessment strategies. Through a combination of theoretical frameworks and practical applications, you will gain a deep understanding of how to effectively teach and support language learners in diverse educational settings.
Key Features
- Tailored Specialization: Focus specifically on teaching English to multilingual learners across various educational contexts.
- Research-Driven: Engage with the latest research and theory in TESOL to inform your instructional practices.
- Addressing Critical Shortages: Maryland faces a significant shortage of ESOL educators, making graduates of this program highly sought after.
Teacher Leadership Emphasis
Teacher Leadership Emphasis supports already certified beginning teachers and experienced educators in developing a sound common grounding in aspects of teaching and inquiry. The program emphasizes advanced professional development studies, which supports experienced teachers as accomplished professionals and instructional leaders.
- Develop advanced knowledge of TESOL research, theory, and pedagogical strategies.
- Gain expertise in teaching English to multilingual learners across different grade levels, content areas, and educational settings.
- Enhance skills in designing effective instructional plans, assessing English language proficiency, and supporting the linguistic and academic development of English learners.
- Cultivate cultural competence and sensitivity to diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds in educational contexts.
Graduates of this program are prepared for a range of careers, including:
- ESOL Educator in K-12 schools (with additional state certification)
- Adult Education Instructor
- Community College Faculty
- University ESL/EFL Instructor
- Educator in International Schools or Programs outside of the United States
This program requires applicants to have a minimum 3.0 GPA (undergraduate or graduate studies). Additional information on admissions and application to this program can be found on the University Graduate Admissions website.
This program offers a robust exploration of second language education. It consists of 10 courses (30 credit hours). Seven required courses provide a great foundation in language education, while elective and research options give you the flexibility to explore different interests. There is also a separate Graduate Seminar Paper.