Licensure Only, English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)

This initial licensure only program in TESOL allows students to obtain a PK-6 or 5-12 Massachusetts teacher educator license in TESOL without pursuing the entire master's degree. It is designed for those who already have a master's degree in another field, or for those who have another initial or professional license in ESL.

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Program Requirements

TESOL Licensure

Coursework combined with pre-practicum and practicum requirements as outlined by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education will prepare candidates who have a valid initial teaching license or significant graduate coursework in another content area or field to obtain licensure in Teaching ESOL in K-12 schools in Massachusetts. 

Program Features 

  • Licensure: The licensure-only in TESOL program leads to Commonwealth of Massachusetts initial licensure to teach English as a second language in grades PK- 12.* 

  • 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. 

*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). 

Curriculum 

The program will require between 20-32 credits; specific coursework will be determined on a student-by-student basis. This will depend on standards and competencies met by any previous coursework. All students must have coursework that meets the standards outlined by NCATE/TESOL and the Massachusetts DESE. Between 6 and 10 courses will be required for this program. Participants will also complete a student teaching practicum as appropriate. 

Sample Courses

  • ENG/EDS 770N – Context and Culture in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages 

  • EDS/ENG 792, 728– 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 

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. 

Careers 

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 licensure-only in TESOL  program have gained employment as ESL teachers, specialists, and directors in K-12 schools throughout the region. Graduates of our program have worked in the following school districts: 

  • Salem Public Schools 

  • Lynn Public Schools 

  • Revere Public Schools 

  • Chelsea Public Schools 

  • Everett Public Schools 

Explore Pathways to becoming a TESOL Educator

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

TESOL Program Options

  • 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. 

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

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