Teaching of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) - M.Ed.

Masters

Learning Format

Online

Types

Master's
Teaching of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) - M.Ed.

Welcome to the TESOL Program at Framingham State University

Are you passionate about empowering students through language? Framingham State University’s Master’s program in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) is designed for aspiring educators who want to make a meaningful impact on the lives of English Language Learners (ELLs). Whether you aim to teach young learners in PreK-6 or adolescents in grades 5-12 or advance your Early Childhood or Elementary Initial license to Professional, our program provides you with the skills, knowledge, and practical experience to thrive in diverse educational settings.

Why Choose Our TESOL Program?

Comprehensive Curriculum: Our program requires the successful completion of ten carefully curated courses that cover essential aspects of TESOL, from language acquisition theories to practical classroom strategies. To ensure your readiness, a comprehensive examination will be taken during your final semester.

Hands-On Experience: Gain invaluable practical experience through our 300-hour Practicum, where you’ll apply your learning in real-world classrooms. This hands-on training is integral to developing your teaching expertise and confidence.

Pathway to Licensure: For those seeking licensure in ESL, our program, combined with the Practicum and other requirements, can lead to an Initial License in English as a Second Language for Grades PreK-6 or Grades 5-12. This licensure opens doors to a rewarding career in education, making you a vital resource for schools in need of skilled ESL teachers.

Graduate Certificate in TESOL: Already a mainstream teacher? Enhance your skills with our four-course Graduate Certificate in TESOL. This program equips you with the theoretical and practical knowledge needed to support ELLs effectively, ensuring their language development and academic success. 

Affordability and Support: At Framingham State University, we understand that pursuing higher education is a significant investment. Our TESOL program is competitively priced, offering excellent value for the comprehensive education and professional preparation you’ll receive.

Join the FSU Community: When you choose Framingham State University, you’re not just enrolling in a program – you’re joining a supportive and diverse community of educators, mentors, and peers dedicated to making a difference. Our faculty are experienced professionals who bring real-world insights into the classroom, and our alumni network offers valuable connections and opportunities for professional growth.

 

Program, Admissions & Licensure Requirements

Program, Admissions & Licensure Requirements

The program requires successful completion of the following ten (10) courses. A written comprehensive examination is required as the student’s culminating experience. The comprehensive exam is taken during the student’s final semester of study or shortly thereafter.

Prior to enrolling in the M.Ed. TESOL courses, students are required to demonstrate prior coursework or training in teaching reading in the first language. Students who do not meet the proficiency requirements will be required to take the pre-concentration course LTRC 907 Literacy Instruction prior to enrolling in TESL 949 Teaching Reading and Writing to English Learners with Pre-Practicum Grades PreK-12.

*This may be waived for candidates who meet the proficiency requirements upon admission.

  • Complete the online graduate admission application
  • Submit the $50.00 application fee
  • Applicants must have received a bachelor’s degree with a minimum 2.80 GPA from a regionally accredited college/university and must submit all official college-level transcripts. Applicants who studies outside of the United State must submit official transcripts and a course-by-course evaluation for US equivalency. 
  • Two (2) recommendations must be submitted electronically through the Recommendation section of the application. One letter must be from an employer or supervisor, and the second letter must be from a faculty member who has taught the candidate at the collegiate level if the candidate attended classes in the last five years; if a faculty recommendation is not possible, the second letter should be another professional recommendation.
  • Submit a typed, 300-word personal statement discussing their motivation for seeking a master’s degree in view of prior formal education, current job responsibilities, and career plans.

For the candidate who does NOT hold any teaching license in Massachusetts:

The Master of Education with a concentration in The Teaching of English to Speakers of Other Languages (M.Ed. in TESOL) is a state-approved program leading to Initial Licensure in ESL. Students seeking their first Initial Teacher Licensure in English as a Second Language need the following:

Completion of

In order to qualify and register for the 300-hour Practicum which leads to licensure, students must have:

  • Successfully completed the ten (10) M.Ed. TESOL courses listed above.
  • Passed the TESOL Comprehensive Exam. (see Comprehensive Exam).
  • Earned a passing score on the Communication and Literacy Skills Test of the Massachusetts Test for Educator Licensure (MTEL 001) (official score report forwarded to the Graduate Office with Practicum Application). The application cannot be processed without this score.
  • Earned a passing score on the ESL Subject Matter Test, (MTEL 054 ESL), (official score report forwarded to the Graduate Office with Practicum Application). The application cannot be processed without this score.
  • Identified a Practicum location in agreement with a school district Supervising Practitioner (the teacher or supervisor in the school district who oversees the student). Students locate their own Practicum sites. (The TESOL Program Coordinator and TESOL Program Advisor can offer suggestions for districts to contact.) The University must approve the Practicum location.
  • Received permission from the University Practicum Supervisor regarding travel distance.
  • Submitted a Practicum Application. Please contact to the Graduate Office to obtain the application. 

 

Professor and students

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, graduates will be able to:

  • Demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of language as a system.

  • Use theories in second language acquisition to differentiate between learning disabilities and language differences.

  • Assess and interpret formal and informal testing results through conducted research.

  • Analyze instructional methods in ESL and Sheltered English Immersion and describe best practices.

  • Interpret the State and Federal laws that govern the education of English language learners and share information with the local community.

Meet Our Coordinator

Anne Roberti

Anne Roberti, Ph.D.

Executive Director, English Language Programs and Program Coordinator and Visiting Associate Professor, M.Ed. - Teaching of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
508 215-5713
aroberti@framingham.edu
O'Connor Hall

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