M.Ed. in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
Program Co-Directors
Sarah Hesson
(401) 456-8789
shesson@ric.edu
Leila Rosa
(401) 456-8931
lrosa@ric.edu
For program inquiries, please email
TESOL@RIC.edu.
Mission
The M.Ed. in TESOL Program at Rhode Island College prepares educators to support emergent bilingual learners. For K-12 practitioners, the program assists candidates in obtaining the ESL certificate. By pursuing a graduate degree in TESOL, candidates learn pedagogical approaches that foster bilingualism and are inclusive of cultural and linguistic diversity of our state and nation. This program also enrolls candidates preparing to teach English as a Foreign Language in countries around the world.
Bilingual teachers can apply to the M.Ed. in TESOL Bilingual Education Concentration which prepares educators for Bilingual/Dual Language Certification and ESL Certification.
Learning Objectives
Students pursuing a Master of Education in TESOL and the Master of Education in TESOL/Bilingual Education Concentration at Rhode Island College can expect to acquire:
- Knowledge of second language acquisition, English linguistics and of the sociocultural contexts of our communities.
- Experience in designing and delivering ESOL and/or bilingual instruction, including the delivery of responsive reading and writing instruction for students who are developing English literacy or biliteracy
- The ability to conduct assessments of emergent bilingual students to plan responsive curriculum and instruction
- The ability to collaborate with others, including the families and communities of students and other educational personnel working with the student
- The written and oral communication skills and cross-cultural skills necessary to interact effectively with culturally and linguistically diverse families
Admission Requirements
Admission to graduate study at Rhode Island College's Feinstein School of Education and Human Development is dependent on several factors. Primary consideration is given to a candidate's academic record, standardized test scores, a current resume, a statement of professional goals as included in an application essay and a performance-based evaluation. A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university is required for admission to all graduate programs. Final acceptance is based on the combined decision of the appropriate academic department and the associate dean for graduate programs and assessment. The M.Ed. in TESOL Program and the M.Ed. in TESOL/Bilingual Education Concentration accepts applications for March 1st for fall admission and November 1st for spring admission, but students are allowed to take up to two courses prior to matriculating into a program..
Click here to download Plan of Study
- Application and $50.00 nonrefundable fee.
- One copy of all official transcripts of each undergraduate and graduate record.
- A minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of B (3.00 on a 4.00 scale) in all undergraduate course work. Applicants with undergraduate GPAs less than 3.00 may be admitted to degree candidacy upon submission of other evidence of academic potential.
- Teaching certificate.(See note: adult educators need not provide this)
- Official standardized test scores (Graduate Record Examination or the Miller Analogies Test), unless you currently hold a graduate degree.
- Three candidate reference forms WITH 3 accompanying letters of recommendation.
- Professional goals essay.
- Performance-based evaluation.
- A current resume.
Note: If you plan to teach ESL to adults or you plan to teach internationally, a teaching certificate is not required for entry into this program. However, a suitable undergraduate minor (e.g. languages and linguistics; English; international studies) is required to take graduate courses in this program.
International Applicants must also submit:
- Official translated copies of all academic credentials.
- Score of Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or certification of English proficiency.
- Statement of financial ability (i.e. how the tuition will be paid).
- A copy, if applicable, of current visa.
With the assistance of the graduate TESL advisor, prior to beginning graduate coursework the student develops a proposed program of study outlined on the Plan of Study Form. The student's advisor, the chair of the Department, and the graduate Dean for the Feinstein School of Education and Human Development, must approve this form. Any time a student's program changes, the student must submit an approved Change in Plan of Study Form.
Course Requirements
Click here for course details.
