M.Ed. TESOL Concentration

According to the Virginia Department of Education, the drop-out rate for English language learners (ELL) was 25% in Virginia in 2020. In comparison, the drop-out rate for non-ELL students was only 3.22%. Through this fully online program, you can learn the essential skills, knowledge and experience to support multilingual learners.

Program highlights

• Courses in second language acquisition, assessment, and applied linguistics
• Applied research opportunities in collaboration with MERC’s English Learner Research and Evaluation team
• Implement an action research project during externship
• Collaborative three-credit internship to practice coaching skills
• Opportunities for international partnership engagement, placement, networking and experience

Current Virginia Teachers Interested in English Language Learners (ELL)

For those who already hold a Virginia teaching license, this program provides the knowledge needed for the TESOL Praxis exam, which is required in order to add an ESL endorsement to your teaching license. The program is designed for those wishing to develop their skills in working with multilingual learners in a variety of contexts including general education and content area classrooms, outside-of-school programs, and other settings.

Future TESOL/English Language Educators

The TESOL K-12 and Adult concentrations support professionals internationally who would like to learn and apply the critical skills to support English Language and Multi-language learners around the globe. From virtual tutoring to private international schools, the skill sets and pedagogy in this program help you prepare for roles with a diversity of educational settings.

Please note: This is not a Virginia initial licensure program.