Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) English to Speakers of Other Languages

Omar Longus

Salem State's graduate MAT ESOL program has helped me to become a active and involved
member in the field and in my community.

Read his story

Program Features

Flexible pacing options: Full-time students typically complete this program within 1.5-2 years. Part-time students typically complete this program between 2.5-4 years depending on the number of courses taken per semester. Online and hybrid course formats are available, depending on the courses.
A variety of pre-practicum and practicum locations: Our strong partnerships with local schools allow for pre-practicum and practicum experiences with highly qualified teachers in the region, many of whom are also alums of our program.
Faculty: Our faculty hold doctorates in the field of applied linguistics, culture and literacy, and second language acquisition. They have vast experience as Fulbright scholars, Peace Corps volunteers, public school teachers and administrators, and consultants on curriculum development for institutions within the United States and overseas.
Graduate assistantships: Opportunities to apply for graduate assistantships, grants, and scholarships.

Curriculum

A practical combination of theory and practice, our core curriculum emphasizes linguistics, language acquisition, lesson planning, theories and methods of teaching, assessment, and research. A robust sequence of method courses allows students to fine tune their teaching practice. Electives allow for further exploration in areas such as sociolinguistics; teaching grammar, composition and literature; culturally responsive teaching; digital writing; classroom management; or technology in the classroom.

Sample Courses

ENG/EDS 770N – Context and Culture in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
EDS/ENG 792, 728 or722 – A two-semester Methods sequence targeted to teaching goals
EDS 799 – Teaching Reading, Writing, and Vocabulary to Multilingual Learners
EDS/ENG 839 – Research in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages

The Salem State University Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages is a dynamic interdisciplinary program that is designed to prepare students to teach multilingual learners (MLs) in a variety of settings both within the United States and overseas.

If you have any questions about which program would be the best fit for you, please reach out to graduate admissions.

MAT ESOL Licensure

Students who wish to pursue a K-12 teaching license in ESL in Massachusetts may choose to follow our licensure track option which includes a supervised 300-hour student teaching practicum in a K-12 setting.

Practicum

Coursework meets the licensure standards of the Massachusetts DESE and those of CAEP/TESOL which includes at least 75 hours of pre-practicum experiences and a 300-hour practicum. After a student’s pre-practicum experiences, he or she may choose to be licensed in grades PK-6 or 5-12. The student will then be placed for his or her practicum or student teaching experience in the grade level of choice.

A half-practicum is available for those who already have an initial license to teach in Massachusetts. Placements are made in collaboration with the McKeown School of Education to ensure the most appropriate placement in an ESL setting at a K-12 school.

Licensure

The MAT ESOL licensure program leads to Commonwealth of Massachusetts initial licensure to teach English as a second language in grades PK- 12.

We offer the opportunity to progress from your preliminary license through your professional license within one program. As soon as you pass your MTELs (state teacher licensure tests), you can apply for your preliminary license and begin your career as a classroom teacher. Once you have completed your core classes and student teaching, you will be endorsed for your initial license. Upon completing your MAT and finishing at least three years of teaching under your initial license you will be eligible for your professional license. This means that graduates of our program are able to complete all licensure requirements without needing to pursue additional coursework.

Please be aware that the Commonwealth of Massachusetts may change licensure requirements. Students are advised to contact the state for specific, current licensure requirements. Students may access that information at the Department for Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).

MAT ESOL, General

Students who wish to pursue careers in adult or community agencies, or language schools in the United States or overseas, may choose to follow our general track option, which includes field work opportunities as part of the courses and a supervised field experience similar to a practicum. This track is also appropriate for those who may already have a license to teach ESL but do not yet have a master's degree.

Fieldwork

General track option includes a 50-hour supervised field experience within college or community adult ESL programs, including Salem State’s own non-credit ESL program. This supervised field experience will be completed at the end of the program.

TESOL Program Options

Salem State University offers four unique pathways to prepare you for the next steps in your career teaching English to speakers of other languages:

MAT English to speakers of other languages, licensure track: for those seeking a master’s degree and initial licensure in the field of ESL in grades K-12 in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
MAT English to speakers of other languages, general track: for those seeking a master’s degree and wish to pursue a career teaching ESL in a college, adult, or community program or at a language school in the U.S. or overseas. This track is also appropriate for those who may already have a license to teach ESL but do not yet have a master's degree.
Licensure only, English to speakers of other languages: for those seeking initial licensure in the field of ESL in grades K-12, but not a master’s degree.
Graduate certificate in teaching English to speakers of other languages: for those seeking a strong introduction to ESL teaching, but not licensure.

According to the U.S. Department of Education, 10.6% of U.S. K-12 students and 10.5% of Massachusetts students were classified as multilingual learners in the fall of 2021. The need for fully trained ESL teachers is high. Graduates in the MAT Licensure track have gained employment as ESL teachers, specialists, and directors in K-12 schools throughout the region. Graduates of the general track program have gained employment at adult and community ESL programs in various language schools and community colleges.

Graduates of our program have worked in the following organizations, along with many others:

Berkeley College of Music
Boston Center for Adult Education
Pathways, Inc.
Catholic Charities
North Shore Community College
Middlesex Community College

Have Questions?

Ready to learn more about this program? Contact program coordinator Sovicheth Boun.

To find out more about graduate school at Salem State, make an appointment with a graduate admissions counselor or register for an upcoming event.

Ready to Apply?

Your future is waiting. Take the next step by learning about program-specific admissions requirements and applying today!