Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT), concentration in Teaching English as a Second Language (TESOL)
The TESOL MAT program is a full-time cohort (team) based program starting in May and continuing through August of the following year. In addition to coursework, students complete a one-semester internship and one semester of student-teaching in designated K-12 schools. Graduates earn a Master of Arts in Teaching with a concentration in TESOL and are recommended for licensure to teach ESL in grades K-12.
Our mission is to prepare educators to work with English learners in both local and global instructional settings. Graduates from the program are prepared with professional knowledge, skills, and dispositions through ongoing critical reflections and field experiences in school and community settings.
Graduates of our programs:
- Apply their understanding of linguistic principles and knowledge of language development to their instruction;
- Become aware of the socio-cultural issues impacting language learning;
- Enhance English learners’ use of both social and academic language;
- Support students’ multilingual development;
- Integrate the teaching of language and content;
- Serve as the link between school and home to facilitate English learners’ development;
- Collaborate with other professionals to support English learners and the community;
- Advocate for English learners’ need through promoting social justice
Also, please see our program webpage here.
Example Careers:
K-12 Teacher, English Instructor in Community College/Language Institute
Designed For
Teacher candidates with an undergraduate degree (other than education) who wish to pursue a combined Masters degree in education and English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) teaching licensure for grades K-12. Take a quick Self-Assessment to see which TESOL program might be the best fit for your career goals.
Career Opportunities
Through the coursework and field experiences, teacher candidates have the opportunity to apply their learning in K-12 classrooms. Additional instructional opportunities will also be provided for those interested in working in community-based instructional settings.
Research Interests
Research interests include teacher development, appreciative education, international education, language education policy, language testing, classroom assessment, and language ideologies.
Program of Study
Total hours: 36 credit hours
Core courses:
- TED 636: Educational Psychology & Differentiated Instruction (3)
- TED 646: Introduction to Equity Education/TED 545: Diverse Learners (3)
- ERM 605: Educational Measurement & Evaluation (3)
Pedagogical Expertise: (21 hours)
- TED 523: Legal, Historical and Cultural Implications of English as a Second Language (3)
- TED 603: Literacy Instruction for English Language Learners w/practicum (3)
- TED 604: Applied Linguistics (3)
- TED 618: Teaching English as a Second Language w/practicum (3)
- TED 535: Literacy in the Content Area (3)
- TED 640: Writing Instruction/TED 619: Research and Program in Reading Education (3)
Professional Development/Leadership Courses:
- TED 650: Interaction of Classroom Management & Instruction (3)
- TED 680a: Clinical Experience in Teaching (6)
- TED 680b: Clinical Experience in Teaching (3)
Licensure Process
- Successful completion of all courses in the Program of Study and successful completion of internships and student teaching in K-12 settings
- Successful completion of assessments on TaskStream
- Acceptable scores on required PRAXIS II ESL exam and edTPA requirements
- Application for licensure through UNCG SOE Office of Student Services
Minimum Program Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree
- Documented evidence of having studied a foreign language
Application Process:
- Apply online through the UNCG Graduate School website where you can find additional information. Applications are reviewed year-round for M.Ed., PBC and Add-on licensure program, but the Graduate School has deadlines for each semester. See Application Deadlines.
- Official transcripts from every college and university you have attended are required
- Three recommendations are required from former professors and employers. These can be completed online or submitted in sealed envelopes.
- A Residency Statement is required for applicants claiming North Carolina residency.
- Applicants are required to submit a personal statement and a copy of an updated resume.
- The the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are not required. However, MAT and M.Ed. applicants must submit an academic writing sample.
- Acceptable writing samples may include:
• an edited and revised recent academic essay completed as part of the coursework in education, TESOL, language education, linguistics, or related field; OR
• an academic reflection based on the Disposition Rubric in the TESOL program. - General guidelines for academic writing samples:
• Length: 5-25 pages including references
• Citation Style: APA 6th
• Format: double spaced word document
- Acceptable writing samples may include:
