EdM in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages

College, Adult, International

On-Campus

The program in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages–International, College and Adult prepares students to teach English to speakers of other languages at all levels internationally and at the college and adult levels in the United States. Students seeking licensure to teach ESL at the Pre-K–12 level in the United States should see the licensure track section in this website.

Most of the domestic students who enroll in the program are interested in teaching English to adults in college, community, and other programs in the United States and abroad. Students may also use this training to teach English as a foreign language to younger learners in primary and secondary schools abroad. International students returning to their home countries teach English as a foreign language at a variety of levels.

Students in the program are required to take courses in linguistic theory, applied English grammar, language acquisition, methodology of teaching English to speakers of other languages, research methodology, and two approved electives, chosen from options such as intercultural communication, computer-assisted language learning, language program management, and applied phonology. Candidates are also required to complete a semester of supervised practicum (for native speakers of English) or guided observation (for non-native speakers of English) in a field setting that matches their particular interests. BU’s program in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages produces innovative teachers well versed in both theoretical and applied teaching principles.

Graduates of the program teach in a wide variety of settings, and particular emphasis is placed on the development and evaluation of curriculum materials. As a result, many of our graduates have published extensively and have developed new materials for a rapidly expanding field in education.

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate knowledge of the field that connects knowledge of content, teaching practices, student learning, and curriculum.
• Demonstrate the ability to interpret research in bilingual education and apply it to the design of teaching materials, including addressing issues of access, equity, and diversity when teaching all students English as a second language.

Program Requirements (Total Credits: 36–38)

Required Coursework (24 credits)

• SED LS 565 Applied Linguistics: Language and Linguistics Survey (4 cr)
• SED LS 567 Structure of English (4 cr)
• SED LS 658 Second Language Acquisition (4 cr)
• SED RS 600 Introduction to Research (4 cr)
• SED TL 509 Foundations of TESOL Pedagogy (4 cr)
• SED TL 622 Assessment for Language Teaching and Research (4 cr)

Electives (8 credits)

• SED LS 610 Applied Phonology (4 cr)
• SED LS 626 Inter-Cultural Communication (4 cr)
• SED TL 512 Computer-Assisted Language Learning (4 cr)
• SED TL 635 Language Program Management (4 cr)
• SED WL 514 Inclusive Principles & Practices in World Language Education (4 cr)
• A 4-credit graduate-level course offered by Wheelock or the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences and approved by the faculty advisor

Practicum (4 or 6 credits)

US Students

SED TL 612 Student Teaching Practicum and Seminar for Domestic Students (6 cr)

International Students

SED TL 614 Field Experience and Seminar for International Students (4 cr)