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EdM in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages—Multilingual Learner Education

The Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Multilingual Learner Education program prepares individuals to teach English as a second language (ESL) in US public schools. One track leads to initial Massachusetts licensure in ESL in grades PreK–6. A second track leads to initial Massachusetts licensure in ESL in grades 5–12.

Coursework includes the study of current theory/research related to the teaching of content and language to designated English learners. Classes emphasize the importance of culturally responsive teaching, including strategies for leveraging home language resources in the ESL and content-area classrooms.

The program of study includes coursework in linguistics, language acquisition, assessment and pedagogy, techniques for developing biliteracy skills, lesson planning for language instruction, and policy issues that influence English learners in US public schools.

Students complete a student-teaching pre-practicum in the fall term in a public school classroom in the greater Boston area. They complete a full-time practicum in the spring term. Interested candidates who already possess an initial teaching license in another field and who would like to earn the master’s degree and ESL license also are encouraged to apply and meet with the program director to plan a program of study.

Learning Outcomes

  • Curriculum, Planning, and Assessment: Promotes the learning and growth of all students by providing high-quality and coherent instruction, designing and administering authentic and meaningful student assessments, analyzing student performance and growth data, using this data to improve instruction, providing students with constructive feedback on an ongoing basis, and continuously refining learning objectives (CAP Elements: Well-Structured Lessons; Adjustments to Practice; Reflective Practice).
  • Teaching All Students: Promotes the learning and growth of all students through instructional practices that establish high expectations, create a safe and effective classroom environment, and demonstrate cultural proficiency (CAP Elements: High Expectations; Meeting Diverse Needs; Safe Learning Environment).
  • Family and Community Engagement: Promotes the learning and growth of all students through effective partnerships with families, caregivers, community members, and organizations (CAP Element: Safe Learning Environment).
  • Professional Culture: Promotes the learning and growth of all students through ethical, culturally responsive, skilled, and collaborative practice (CAP Element: Meeting Diverse Needs).
  • Demonstrates Subject Matter Knowledge: Implements evidence-based instructional strategies that support English language development through culturally responsive academic content (CAP Element: Subject Matter Knowledge).

Courses & Requirements

PreK–6 Track (Total Units: 36)

Education Coursework (8 units)

  • WED ED 502/503 Professional Teaching Seminar I: Analyzing Foundations of Teaching (2 units)
  • WED RS 600 Introduction to Research (4 units)
  • WED SE 510 Special Education: Curriculum and Instruction (2 units)

TESOL Content Coursework (20 units)

  • WED BI 515 Methods in Bilingual Education and English as a Second Language (ESL) (4 units)
  • WED BI 535 Literacy Development for Bilingual Students: Instruction and Assessment (4 units)
  • WED BI 620 Educational Issues in Bilingualism (4 units)
  • WED LS 565 Applied Linguistics: Language & Linguistics Survey (4 units)
  • WED LS 658 Second Language Acquisition (4 units)

Practicum Coursework (8 units)

  • WED BI 504 Seminar: The Student Teaching Experience—Bilingual (ESL) Language (2 units)
  • WED TL 570 Student-Teaching Pre-Practicum: ESL PreK–6 (2 units)
  • WED TL 571 Student-Teaching Practicum: ESL PreK–6 (4 units)

5–12 Track (Total Units: 38)

Education Coursework (10 units)

  • WED DS 502 Introduction to Adolescent Development (2 units)
  • WED ED 502/503 Professional Teaching Seminar I: Analyzing Foundations of Teaching (2 units)
  • WED RS 600 Introduction to Research (4 units)
  • WED SE 510 Special Education: Curriculum and Instruction (2 units)

TESOL Content Coursework (20 units)

  • WED TL 508 Methods of Teaching English as a Second Language (ESL), 5–12 (4 units)
  • WED BI 535 Literacy Development for Bilingual Students: Instruction and Assessment (4 units)
  • WED BI 620 Educational Issues in Bilingualism (4 units)
  • WED LS 565 Applied Linguistics: Language & Linguistics Survey (4 units)
  • WED LS 658 Second Language Acquisition (4 units)

Practicum Coursework (8 units)

  • WED BI 504 Seminar: The Student Teaching Experience—Bilingual (ESL) Language (2 units)
  • WED TL 572 Student-Teaching Pre-Practicum: ESL 5–12 (2 units)
  • WED TL 573 Student-Teaching Practicum: ESL 5–12 (4 units)

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