Location:

Rochester, United States

Program Type:

Full Degree

Degree Level:

Master

Specialty:

Teacher Education

Program Overview

Program Description:

This program is committed to the preparation of professional educators whose expertise provides broad and rich support to the education of students from language backgrounds other than English. The program faculty recognizes the tremendous diversity of languages, cultures, learning styles and preferences, and forms of knowledge which English Language Learners bring to their educational experiences. We celebrate that diversity as a resource to all learners. While the primary responsibility of the ESOL educator is to help students achieve full proficiency in English, the Nazareth TESOL programs also strive to prepare ESOL educators who: Develop deep understanding of their students, and combine this understanding with knowledge about language and language acquisition; Design and implement learning experiences which promote both the development of English language proficiency and mastery of the concepts and skills necessary for academic success, as well as the fulfillment of personal potential; Address not only language, but also the academic, socio-cultural, and self-advocacy needs of diverse English language learners. To accomplish these goals, ESOL educators must be grounded in a broad knowledge of the curriculum, and must especially attend to the development of literacy. Learners from language backgrounds other than English use their knowledge of their first language to achieve proficiency in additional languages; therefore ESOL educators must be prepared to assist students in exploring the connections between their native language and literacy and English. Through coursework and experiences in the field, ESOL educators acquire a vast repertoire of teaching strategies appropriate to English Language Learners of different ages, first language backgrounds, and prior school experiences. Those strategies apply both general principles of teaching and learning and principles of second language acquisition. ESOL educators use an array of resources, from texts and other written materials to a variety of technologies, to create engaging and appropriate learning experiences for English Language Learners. They understand the principles and practices of differentiation and are prepared to offer learning experiences which address the needs of all their students. ESOL educators are familiar with the many models which exist for the effective education of culturally and linguistically diverse students, and are prepared to collaborate with schools, parents and community to select and operate within the models most likely to lead to successful learning by their students. ESOL educators must also understand the theoretical, historical, and political dimensions of the education of culturally and linguistically diverse students, and must use this knowledge to position themselves as active professionals in a dynamic and ever-changing field.

Additional Program Information

Accreditation:

The Teacher Education program is accredited by the Teacher Education Accreditation Council (TEAC). This accreditation includes all Master of Science in Education degree programs.

Financial Aid:

Yes

Requirements:

Completed Online Application, completion of the professional statement as described on the application, official transcripts from all colleges attended, two letters of recommendation, resume, and twelve (12) credit hours of a language other than English. A minimum of six (6) credit hours must be completed for entry to graduate study; the remaining six (6) credits must be completed in the first year of graduate study.

International Requirements:

Submission of a World Education Services (WES) evaluation of the Bachelors degree equivalency, Declaration of Finances form, Bank Affidavit, and TOEFL score.