TESOL Program Descriptions and Required Courses

How do I make an appointment with the Graduate Program Coordinator?

The Graduate Programs in TESOL Coordinator is Dr. Sovicheth Boun. The best way to make an appointment is via Navigate, the student advising platform where appointment availabilities are regularly updated. You can also contact him via e-mail at sboun@salemstate.edu. Appointments with Dr. Boun can be held via Zoom, in his campus office, or via telephone, but you should verify the place of the appointment when scheduling.

Transfer of graduate credits from other graduate programs and course substitutions are possible with discussion with the Graduate Program Coordinator. Electives can be chosen from ENG, EDS, or EDU graduate courses upon consulting with the Graduate Program Coordinator and based on the needs and interests of the students. Students interested in writing a thesis should discuss this option with the Graduate Program Coordinator early in your program of study.

Master of Arts in Teaching ESOL, General Track (33 credits)

Master of Arts in Teaching ESOL, Licensure Track (31.5-33 credits)

Initial-License Only in ESL (18-30 credits)

Graduate Certificate in Teaching ESOL (15 credits)

Course Descriptions

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

3 Credit(s) This course provides a foundation for understanding the field of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). Local, national, and international contexts are examined and used in investigating various historical and current approaches to teaching linguistically diverse learners. Topics include laws and language policies, cultural identity, language diversity, and culturally responsive and affirming teaching to forge family and/or community relations. Three lecture hours per week. Field-based assignments are required.

ENG/EDS 792 - Introduction to TESOL Methods

3 Credit(s) This course focuses on applying theories, principles, and evidence-based methods of language acquisition and learning to the development of materials, lessons, and curricula for teaching English to speakers of other languages. Students will cultivate skills in the design and delivery of contextualized lesson plans, develop expertise in the selection and evaluation of materials such as textbooks, computer-assisted materials, and realia, and demonstrate their understanding of critical issues in TESOL. Three lecture hours per week. Field-based assignments are required. Prerequisite: ENG/EDS 770N - Culture and Context in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages.

EDS 728 TESOL Methods in PK -12 Schools

3 Credit(s) This course is designed to prepare English as a Second Language (ESL) licensure candidates to plan, implement, and manage standards-based ESL, bilingual, and Sheltered English Immersion (SEI) content instruction in PreK-12 schools. Students will apply their knowledge of evidence-based ESL practices and strategies to classrooms that serve multilingual students from diverse backgrounds across grade levels and program models. Emphasis will be placed on developing and integrating language skills within the context of thematic units aligned to the Massachusetts curriculum frameworks. Students will also learn to evaluate, adapt, and develop materials and assessments for multilingual students in PreK-12 contexts. Three lecture hours per week. Field-based assignments are required. Prerequisites: ENG/EDS 770N – Culture and Context in in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages and ENG/EDS 792 Introduction to TESOL Methods.

EDS 793 - Language Acquisition

3 Credit(s) This course provides an overview of current research on the acquisition and learning of language including linguistic, cognitive, socio-emotional, and cultural factors. Students will investigate the process of language acquisition and learning through an in-depth case study of a multilingual learner. Three lecture hours per week. Field-based assignments are required. Prerequisite: ENG/EDS 770N - Culture and Context in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages

ENG/EDS 778N- Assessment in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages

3 credit(s) This course examines the assessment of language and language proficiency for a variety of purposes including documenting the effects of instruction on student learning and using assessment to inform instruction. Students will design performance assessments and indicators for multilingual learners in various TESOL contexts. Students will also become familiar with a variety of language tests used across TESOL contexts and will design original assessments designed to measure student learning. Three lecture hours per week. Field-based assignments are required. Prerequisite: ENG/EDS 770N – Culture and Context in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages

ENG/EDS 776 Linguistics for Language Teachers

3 Credit(s) This course will provide in depth analysis of the components of language: syntax, phonetics, phonology, morphology, lexis, and semantics. Students will apply concepts to language teaching and learning. Three lecture hours per week. Field-based experiences required. Prerequisite: ENG/EDS 770N - Culture and Context in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages

ENG/EDS 771 Sociolinguistics

3 Credit(s) This course investigates the relationship between language and human society. Students will evaluate current and classic sociolinguistic theory and research and will gather original data in an original research paper. Students will become familiar with a variety of topics applicable to this field including language variety; language and ethnicity; language, literacy, and education; language choice; language and gender; and aspects of language and culture. Three lecture hours per week. Prerequisite: ENG/EDS 770N – Culture and Context in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages

EDS 799 – Teaching Reading, Writing, and Vocabulary to Multilingual Learners

3 Credit(s) This course examines the theories and principles of learning to read and write in an additional language and the relationship of vocabulary in the teaching and learning of these skills. The major focus is on practical approaches to teaching reading, writing, and vocabulary skills across TESOL contexts. Students will develop an original portfolio of literacy-based instructional materials--including the use of technology--appropriate for their desired TESOL context. Three lecture hours per week. Field-based assignments are required. Prerequisite: ENG/EDS 770N Culture and Context in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages

ENG/EDS 839 - Research in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages

3 Credit(s) This course examines current research methods in the field of TESOL and students will develop the ability to read and conduct classroom research. Quantitative and qualitative methods, such as quasi-experiments, focus group, case study, and action research will be considered. Teacher research in the TESOL classroom will be emphasized. Students will develop detailed research proposal and conduct a pilot study designed to investigate language acquisition, learning, and teaching. Three lecture hours per week. Prerequisite: ENG 770N/EDS 770N – Culture and Context in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages.

EDS 779 Seminar in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages

3 Credit(s) In this graduate seminar, students will, as part of a professional learning community, practice and demonstrate their ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and to reflect on, give, and receive feedback on their instruction and student learning outcomes. Three lecture hours per week.

ENG/EDS 722 Methods of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages in Varied Contexts

3 Credit(s) This course provides an introduction to teaching the English language in varied contexts in the United States and abroad. Current methods and approaches will be explored and practiced. Topics include working with diverse populations, teaching language in context, developing lessons and curriculum for specific age groups and situations, aspects of literacy, and issues surrounding culture and identity. Three lecture hours per week. Field experience hours are required. This course is not appropriate for those seeking licensure in Pk - 12 schools. Prerequisite: ENG 770N/EDS 770N – Culture and Context in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages.

ENG/EDS 859 – Teaching Grammar to Multilingual Learners

3 credit(s) This course examines the theory and practice of grammar instruction in TESOL contexts. Students will apply the study of grammatical forms and structures of English to teaching English in various TESOL contexts. Students will develop original lesson plans that incorporate grammar instruction and technology into a standards-based framework. Three lecture hours per week. Field-based assignments are required.

EDS 796N Graduate Practicum in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages

3 credit(s) A 300 hour supervised student teaching experience in teaching multilingual learners in a Sheltered English Immersion (SEI), bilingual/dual language, or English as a Second Language (ESL) classroom. Practicum students are supported by a supervising practitioner at their school site and a Salem State University faculty supervisor as they develop their professional knowledge and skills in teaching multilingual learners. Designed to meet Massachusetts DESE guidelines for seeking an initial teacher educator license in ESL. Co-requisite: EDS 779 Seminar in TESOL.

EDU 796A Half-Practicum in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages

1.5 credit(s) A 150 hour supervised student teaching experience in teaching multilingual learners in a Sheltered English Immersion (SEI), bilingual/dual language, or English as a Second Language (ESL) classroom. Practicum students are supported by a supervising practitioner at their school site and a Salem State University faculty supervisor as they develop their professional knowledge and skills in teaching multilingual learners. Designed to meet Massachusetts DESE guidelines for licensed teachers seeking an additional teacher educator license in ESL. Co-requisite: EDS 779 Seminar in TESOL.

EDS 796F Field Experience in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages in Varied Contexts

3 Credit(s) A 50-hour supervised field experience in varied TESOL contexts. Students will be placed and supported by supervising practitioners in a language teaching agency, school, afterschool, postsecondary, online, or community-based program. Students develop the professional knowledge and skills in English language teaching (ELT) that include, but are not limited to, the development of original unit plans or lesson plans, ELT program management, curriculum design, and material development appropriate for the context in which they are placed.

ENG 965 MAT English to Speakers of Other Languages Thesis, Part One: Planning and Research

3 Credit(s) The first half of a two-semester sequence designed for MAT ESOL candidates. Planned with the program coordinator and designated thesis adviser using guidelines and criteria and approved by the Graduate Dean, this course is devoted to proposing, planning, and gathering the data needed to write an original thesis that explores a relevant topic in the field. Pre-requisite: ENG 839; Permission of the graduate coordinator.

ENG 966 MAT English to Speakers of Other Languages Thesis, Part Two: Writing

3 Credit(s) The second half of a two-semester sequence designed for MAT in ESOL candidates. Planned with the program coordinator and thesis advisor and approved by the Graduate Dean, this course is devoted to applying theory and original research toward writing a substantial thesis that explores a relevant topic in the field. Pre-requisite: ENG 965; Permission of the graduate coordinator.