Bilingual Education (English as a Second Language)

The Bilingual Education program at Boston University helps students prepare for a teaching career in a variety of classroom settings. Whether the goal is to become a teacher at the elementary, middle or high school level, the program offers a comprehensive course of study in curriculum development, educational issues, teaching methods, and literacy development.

The Bilingual Education undergraduate program, which leads to licensure for teachers of English as a Second Language for levels PreK-6 or 5-12, offers a strong liberal arts component with an emphasis on language and culture. Studies include professional development courses combining theory and practice, specialty development courses focusing on first and second-language acquisition and linguistics, literary instruction and assessment, and curriculum development. Students have the opportunity to apply the theoretical concepts learned during their coursework in supervised field placements. Placements are made in collaboration with various public school systems in the Boston area.

With careful planning, students have the opportunity to complete dual licensure programs in elementary and bilingual education (English as a second language). Students who select this option prepare to teach in immersion and/or two-way bilingual programs, or general education classrooms that enroll children who are learning English as a second language.

Undergraduate Students

Undergraduate students at the School of Education benefit from the community feel of a small school along with the resources of a large university. Our students are in the field in both urban and suburban schools as early as their first year at SED.

Graduate Students

Talented graduate students from around the world prepare to become teachers, counselors, administrators, and more in as little as one year at the School of Education. Our students engage in diverse aspects of education both in the classroom and the field.