M.A. in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)

This program is offered online.

The M.A. in TESOL program is designed to prepare educators to meet the unique needs of English as a Second Language (ESL) learners in K-12 schools and in colleges/universities in the United States and abroad. Graduates of this master’s program will be eligible for the Michigan Department of Education’s ESL endorsement.

Why TESOL at Western Michigan University?

• Program completion leads to a Michigan ESL endorsement for teachers with initial teaching certificate.
• Provides a comprehensive program to meet the needs of culturally- and linguistically-diverse students in K-12 settings and colleges/universities based on current theory and research.
• Prepares educators to collaborate and engage in dialogue with content area and general education colleagues to better serve the academic and linguistic needs of ESL students.
• Equips educators with knowledge of effective instructional methodologies to address ESL students’ academic and linguistic needs.
• Develops educators who can analyze and modify instructional materials and assessments depending on students’ English proficiency.

Who should apply?

Teachers who:

• Are seeking to advance in their careers by obtaining a master’s degree.
• Would like to learn about second language acquisition theories and teaching methodologies.
• Are interested in becoming ESL teachers in K-12 schools and/or colleges and universities in the United States and other countries.
• Desire to teach in schools with a significant population of English learners.
• Desire to become a district ESL coach or coordinator (requires MDE ESL endorsement).
• Plan to teach in English language institutes for international students in colleges and universities.