Master of Science in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages Online

This course equips teachers with a sound knowledge base in multicultural education. It provides both definition and rationale. Through readings, class discussions, blackboard participation and written assignments students will explore and analyze the impact that such issues as equity, ethnicity, sociocultural and linguistic background, ability, gender and race have on student learning. Students will develop perspectives on diversity and a frame of reference for providing equitable opportunities for all students to learn and succeed in schools and society. While this course focuses more on developing dispositions and understandings needed to effectively work with diverse populations, applications to the classroom will be made when appropriate. By the conclusion of the course students will be able to articulate a personal philosophy of multicultural education that demonstrates a thoughtful consideration of the historical and social development of this field. Fieldwork required.

This course examines cognitive development and language acquisition across cultures. Through the supplemental use of various technologies, the course focuses on issues of bilingualism and dialectal difference and their relationship to language development. The course explores language diversity as it relates to classroom instruction. Fieldwork required.

This course examines the components of language in order to define the nature of language and its connection to the mind. Questions regarding the origin of language will be examined. The universal nature of language will also be explored. An introduction to general linguistic notions will be presented in this course. Foci include phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, pragmatics, and language variations across time and space. Fieldwork required.

An introduction to general linguistic notions will be presented in this course. Foci include: syntax, phonology, morphology, language variation, pragmatics and semantics. The relationship of brain, language, and cognition will also be highlighted.

Curriculum and Materials in TESOL is designed to provide a general introduction to the design and role of curriculum and materials in standards-based ESL/EFL and content instruction. In its focus on curriculum, the course begins with the assessment of learners’ needs and the development of appropriate curriculum based on those needs. Fieldwork required.

This course will present an overview of the nature of the second language acquisition process with emphasis on teaching and learning. Areas that will be addressed include: second language acquisition, sociolinguistic and psycholinguistic factors in learning a second language, second language proficiency, characteristics of L2 learners, ESL programs, instructional approaches and strategies, and instructional resources for ESL teachers. Fieldwork required.

This course develops the skills and knowledge necessary to teach science, mathematics and social studies to English Language Learners. Students will link the teaching of language, content and development of strategic competence. Activities will require students to connect content area instruction to the New York State Learning Standards. Fieldwork required.

This course includes an examination of procedures and instruments, standardized and classroom-based, used in literacy, language proficiency, and content-area assessments. Instruction in design and use of instruments and rubrics will be addressed. In addition, analysis and interpretation of assessment results will be explored to make informed instructional decisions.

Each student teaching requires the completion of the equivalent of 10 school days for second teaching certificate seekers (20 school days for first teaching certificate seekers) in a supervised school setting together with seminar meetings. The seminar meetings for each student teaching will consist of meetings totaling fourteen hours. During the seminar, students will have multiple opportunities to connect theory and practice. Drawing on their teaching experiences, they will discuss the learning processes of English Language Learners as well as their own development as teachers of English Language Learners.

Student teaching requires teaching students learning English as a New Language (ENL) for one semester under the supervision and mentorship of cooperating teachers and teacher education faculty. Faculty observe and confer with student teachers individually. In addition, student teachers and faculty meet each week in a coordinating seminar to review field experiences, synthesize current practice with prior learning and to prepare for employment and further professional study. Prospective student teachers plan for field placements during the registration period prior to student teaching. Supervised teaching hours.

Teaching Literacy in the Inclusive Elementary Classroom examines reading and language arts instruction as part of the total communication process. As a language-based course of study students actively participate in the learning process by reading, writing, speaking and listening. Class work and assignments reflect this language-based perspective, provide opportunities for student inquiry and emphasize the development of competencies that are necessary to teach reading and language arts in inclusive elementary school settings. This course develops the pre-service teacher’s ability to carry out the specific teaching functions and to achieve the professional standards as prescribed by the New York State Education Department, International Reading Association, National Council of Teachers of English and Next Generation English Language Arts Standards. Students completing this course will understand the concepts of literacy instruction and the integration of reading, writing, speaking and listening for learning within the classroom. Pre-service teachers learn techniques of informal assessment and lesson planning. Instructional modifications for students with language and learning differences are presented and applied. Additionally, students will examine their own literacy practices and develop a deeper understanding of what it is to be a literate individual in the 21st century. Fieldwork required.

This course is designed to help candidates instruct students with learning and behavior problems (including autism spectrum disorders, speech and language impairments, learning disabilities, intellectual disabilities, emotional disturbance/ behavioral disorders, and ADHD) using research- or evidenced-based practices to address both curricular/instructional and social behavioral challenges in the least restrictive environment. Applied behavior analytic tactics, techniques, methods, and procedures covered in this course are derived from the concepts and principles of behavior taught in EDUC 527. Candidates will learn how to individualize and accurately implement fundamental elements of behavior change and specific behavior change procedures in order to facilitate students’ access to the general education curriculum. Fieldwork required.