Pedagogy and Learning, M.Ed. - TESL (Non-Licensure)

Graduate Curriculum Committee

Nermin Bayazit, PhD
Lyndsey Benharris, PhD
Laurie Link, EdD
Phillip Saisa, EdD
Robert Shapiro, PhD, BCBA-D
Jescah Apamo-Gannon

Denise Sargent

Dustin Halterman, Ed.D

Program Description

The TESL concentration in the M.Ed. in Pedagogy and Learning (non-licensure) is designed to provide current and future educators an opportunity to be equipped with the knowledge of Teaching English Learners.  With this knowledge, teachers can be better prepared for the increasing diversity in our schools.

This program consists of coursework in order to meet the subject matter knowledge requirements for the ESL teacher license put forth by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

Admission Standards and Criteria

To apply for enrollment in the Master of Education in Curriculum and Teaching Program, students must submit documents as outlined in the graduate admission section. Applicants to this program are not required to submit scores for the Massachusetts Test for Educator Licensure (MTEL) or a copy of a teaching license.

• Personal Statement
  Students must complete an essay of no more than one page in response to one of the following questions/statement:

  1. Tell about a positive situation in which you helped a person and made a significant difference in that person’s life.

  2. What are the most important factors in establishing a long-term working relationship with students, friends, etc.?

  3. Tell us about a significant event that involved you in a teaching or helping role.

     • Describe the situation as it occurred at the time.

     • What did you do in that particular situation?

     • How did you feel about the situation at the time you were experiencing it?

     • How do you feel about the situation now?

     • What would you change, if anything?

Program Learning Outcomes

Students will develop as a reflective, student-centered educator

Students will develop culturally responsive teaching skills to effectively meet the needs of the learners in diverse environments

Students will effectively atriculate and apply educational theory and research in the field of education

Students will apply second language acquisition theory to planning, implementing, and assessing instruction

Required Courses (15 Credits)

• EDUC 9005 - Dynamic Perspectives in Education
• EDUC 9300 - Educational Research
• EDUC 7234 - Curriculum and Assessment for English Learners
• EDUC 7232 - Second Language Acquisition
• EDUC 9510 - Capstone: Implementation of Best Practices

Focus Area (Content and Pedagogy) (12 Credits)

• EDUC 7235 - Culturally Responsive Instruction
• EDUC 7636 - Essential Linguistics for Educators
• EDUC 8234 - Literacy Methods for English Learners
• EDUC 8233 - Teaching English as a Second Language

Electives (9 credits)

• Pedagogy elective (field experience and seminar; if getting ESL license)
• Content elective
• A course in special education or technology

Total Program Credits: 36