TEACHING ENGLISH TO SPEAKERS OF OTHER LANGUAGES
salemstate.edu/graduate
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. Our program offers a unique collaboration between the English and secondary and higher education departments, drawing on faculty expertise from both departments and between the College of Arts and Sciences and the McKeown School of Education. Our faculty hold doctorates in the fields 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. Our strong partnerships with local schools allow for pre-practicum experiences with highly qualified teachers in the region, many of whom are also alums of our program.
“Volunteering in an ESOL classroom changed the course of my career. Salem State helped me turn that calling into a profession. One of the program’s greatest strengths was how the coursework and pre-practicum experiences complemented one another. I could apply what I learned in real classrooms and bring those experiences back to class to reflect and grow. Salem State’s strong partnerships with local schools and community organizations opened unexpected opportunities, helping me find my place in adult ESOL and grow from volunteer to Program Manager of a community Adult ESOL program. If you’re passionate about working with multilingual learners, Salem State’s TESOL program will prepare you to serve.” –Jennifer Phillips, MAT ESOL ’27
MASTER OF ARTS IN TEACHING PROGRAM Salem State University’s Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) is designed to prepare students to teach multilingual learners in a variety of settings. We offer two tracks: licensure and general. 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. 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 a field experience component similar to a practicum. General track students are required to complete a supervised field experience in a community agency or a language school offering ESOL classes.
SAMPLE COURSES ENG/EDS 770N
Context and Culture in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
EDS/ENG 792 and 728 or 722
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
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 methods courses allows students to fine-tune their teaching practice. Electives allow for further exploration in areas such as sociolinguistics; teaching grammar, composition and literature; digital writing; classroom management; or technology in the classroom. The licensure track capstone experience provides a student teaching practicum and an accompanying seminar. A thesis option is also available for qualifying students.
GRADUATE CERTIFICATE AND INITIAL LICENSURE ONLY PROGRAMS We also offer graduate certificate and initial licensure only programs for those wanting to obtain advanced credentials but not wishing to pursue a full MAT. The graduate certificate in TESOL provides students with a strong foundation in TESOL, and coursework may be applied toward the MAT if desired. The licensure only program is designed for students seeking initial licensure and/or training in teaching English as a second language. For full details visit salemstate.edu/graduate.
FACTS AND FIGURES •
Experienced faculty with expertise in second language acquisition, culture and literacy, teacher education, sociolinguistics, and extensive field experience both in the United States and overseas.
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Flexible licensure and general track options to meet a variety of professional needs with practicum and/or field work components that enable students to gain practical professional experience in the field.
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Licensure-track option includes a 300-hour practicum that meets the licensure standards of the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. 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.
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General track option includes 50-hour field experience within college or community adult ESL programs, including Salem State’s own non-credit ESL program.
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Credit hours: 33-35 credits depending on MAT track followed. Online and hybrid course formats available, depending on the courses.
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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.
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 MAT licensure track and the licensure-only programs have gained employment as ESL specialists in K-12 schools throughout the region. Graduates of the MAT General track and the Graduate Certificate programs have gained employment at adult and community ESL programs. Examples include Berklee College of Music, Boston Center for Adult Education, Pathways, Inc., Catholic Charities, North Shore Community College and Middlesex Community College.
COST For Massachusetts residents, each credit costs $492.60*, which includes tuition and fees. For non-Massachusetts residents, each credit costs $593.50*. The MAT tracks are 33-35 credits, while the licensure-only program is 20-32 credits (excluding prerequisites). The certificate is 15 credits. For assistance funding your graduate education, options such as financial aid, graduate assistantships, employer reimbursement and tuition remission, and veteran’s benefits may be available. *Tuition and fees subject to change.
PROGRAM
TRANSCRIPT REQUIREMENTS
LETTERS OF REFERENCE
PERSONAL STATEMENT
MAT ESOL (Licensure Track)
Bachelor’s degree
2
2; specific prompts
MAT ESOL (General Track)
Bachelor’s degree
2
2; specific prompts
Graduate Certificate TESOL
Bachelor’s degree
2
2; specific prompts
Licensure Only – TESOL
Bachelor’s degree
2
2; specific prompts
Students who earned a degree outside of the U.S. may be required to submit additional materials. Intermediate proficiency in a world language must be demonstrated by all native speakers of English via college coursework or a proficiency test.
PLEASE VISIT SALEMSTATE.EDU/GRADUATE/ADMISSIONS FOR FULL DETAILS.
“Completing the TESOL Graduate Program at Salem State University has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my educational and professional journey. The program helped me connect research and theory with practical strategies that I now use every day as an ESL teacher. Through engaging courses, meaningful discussions and the support of knowledgeable professors, I became more confident in serving multilingual learners from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds. The program also prepared me to earn my Massachusetts Initial ESL license and strengthened my commitment to creating inclusive and equitable learning opportunities for all students. I highly recommend Salem State’s TESOL program to educators who want to grow professionally and make a lasting difference in their students’ lives.” —Ahmed Bensoultane, TESOL Graduate ’26
Apply: salemstate.edu/apply Financial Aid: salemstate.edu/finaid Email: gradadmissions@salemstate.edu Phone: 978.542.6200 For accommodations and access information, visit salemstate.edu/access.