Webster University Athens MA in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages: International Education Emphasis

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Gain effective learning and communication strategies to help non-native English speakers develop their language skills.

Webster's Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) with an emphasis in International Education graduate program is designed for education professionals with or without teaching experience. While pursuing the master’s degree in TESOL, graduate students refine their knowledge of the English language system and second language acquisition. They study phonology, dialects and legal policies that influence the teaching standards. Webster TESOL students also focus on theory regarding culture, language structure and teaching methodologies to ensure that they will become influential teachers in the future.

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Join the Webster Athens Program

Webster University's MA in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) has more than 250 current students, hundreds of graduates working around the world, and program faculty with professional experiences in more than two dozen countries.

Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages: International Education Emphasis (MA) Program

Webster's ESL classes use a four-skills communicative approach to learning language. Classes are interactive, lively and small to encourage more participation and to give instructors more time with each student.
Instructors have master's degrees, most in TESL/TEFL. Many work as a teacher trainers, and have years of experience teaching English both in the U.S. and abroad.
Many technological tools are available for language learning, including blogs, electronic classrooms, online discussion tools and video and audio equipment.
Webster University's worldwide context allows interaction with learners from around the world through online education and/or study at one of the university's many international campuses.

Webster's MA in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, International Education emphasis is designed for current and future teachers of English in settings outside of the United States. Prior teaching experience in not required.

The following program goals are built on a conceptual framework of knowledge, implementation and reflection.

Candidates will gain knowledge of:

The English language system, its components (i.e., phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, etc.) and issues of linguistic variation (i.e., dialects, discourse, slang, humor, etc.).
The major theories, key concepts and research in first and second language acquisition (SLA).
Modern and traditional teaching approaches, as well as the legal processes and policies that have influenced the English as a Second Language field.
Multicultural aspects and personal variables (i.e., background experiences, values, beliefs, gender) that affect the process of language acquisition and cultural integration.
Effective learning and communication strategies.
Curriculum design and appropriate materials/textbooks.
Current and historical aspects of assessment design and implementation, as well as their implication for various stakeholders.

Candidates will practice in their classroom:

Various standards-based instructional strategies to support effective educational practices that value individual and cultural differences.
Standards-based curriculum designed on modern teaching theories and meaningful, authentic content and language materials (i.e., experiences that model social and academic contexts by integrating all language skills – listening, speaking, reading and writing).
Multiple culturally-informed, valid, reliable, authentic, pragmatic and non-biased assessment techniques that measure learning progress and teacher/program/content effectiveness.
Technology-centered activities that promote content and language learning, following a constructivist model that allows ample language input and practice.

Candidates will reflect on:

The roles educators take in collaboration with colleagues, school administrators, paraprofessionals, parents and community members to advocate for the needs of their community of learners and their direct access to resources.
Personal growth through on-going participation in personal development activities.
Effectiveness of instructional and assessment approaches in the classroom with the view of achieving equitable education for their ELL students.
Curriculum appropriateness in compliance with national and regional standards, as well as program expectations and student diverse needs, preparedness, resources and ability.
The need to support and encourage ELL students and families in their journey of social, cultural and linguistic accommodation.

TESOL: International Education Emphasis

33 Credit Hours

Required Courses (24 credit hours)

TESL 5230 Second Language Acquisition* (3 hours)
TESL 5139 English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Methods* (3 hours)
TESL 5220 Curriculum Development in Second Language Classrooms* (3 hours)
TESL 5350 Language and Culture* (3 hours)
TESL 5030 Language History, Planning, and Policy* (3 hours)
TESL 5311 Principles and Practices of Language Testing* (3 hours)
TESL 5710 Grammar for ESL/EFL Teachers (3 hours)
TESL 5040 Practicum in ESOL* (3 hours)

*Course contains a key assessment for data collection purposes.

Electives (9 credit hours)

TESL 5730 Materials Development in Language Classrooms (3 hour)
TESL 5740 English for Academic Purposes (3 hours)
TESL 5750 Special Institute in TESL (3 hours)
TESL 5760 English for Specific Purposes (3 hours)
TESL 5200 Independent Study (3 hours)
TESL 6250 Thesis (3-12 hours)
and TESL 6900 University Thesis Requirements (0 hours)

Students completing the MA in TESOL with an emphasis in International Education may qualify to earn a graduate certificate in teaching english as a foreign language (TEFL). To gain the certificate, MA students must pay a second graduation fee.

The TEFL certificate is designed for students interested in teaching outside of the United States in both adult and K-12 settings. Students seeking this graduate certificate must have earned a recognized baccalaureate degree and meet the admission and acceptance criteria, as outlined in the graduate program’s Academic Policies. Students may receive the Webster University TEFL certificate by completing a minimum of 21 credit hours.

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Founded in 1915, Webster University is committed to ensuring high-quality learning experiences that transform students for global citizenship and individual excellence. In 2014, Webster Athens joined our network to bring the best of American education with the only fully owned and controlled (academically and financially) accredited campus of a U.S. university in Greece.