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2015-2016 Undergraduate & Graduate Catalog

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Master of Education in Literacy Studies: Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Emphasis

For additional information about opportunities your college offers, please refer to the College of Education section in this catalog.

Mission - Teaching, leading, and learning in a democratic society.

Philosophy - Believing that schools function as social and political entities as well as for the growth of individuals, the College of Education prepares teachers and leaders a) to enhance the academic and personal potential of their students, and b) to evaluate the social and ethical implications of educational policies and practices.

Values - The College of Education values expertise to guide our practice, equity to guide our interactions, liberal education to guide our perspectives, and social responsibility to guide our commitment to democratic education. We value these ideals in our preparation of candidates, our development of faculty, and our relationships with the larger community we serve.

The program provides teachers with the theoretical, practical knowledge and skills necessary to teach non native speakers of English. The program focuses on language and cultural issues, methodologies and curriculum design. A major or minor in English, modern languages, bilingual education, or equivalents desired. Candidates from other disciplines must have an introductory course in linguistics, EDR 634 Linguistics for Teachers. Students are also encouraged to take EDR 602 (Teaching English Language Learners Across Content), which is a course for teachers in the content areas. This course addresses methods and strategies for teaching ESL students in content area classes.

Minimum Number of Hours in Program
The M.Ed. degree with emphasis in TESOL, teaching English to speakers of other languages, requires a minimum of 33 semester hours. An endorsement in English as a second language (ESL), K-8 or 6-12, requires a minimum of 24 semester hours. All applicants to the TESOL program must demonstrate experience learning a second language.

Program Location
DeVos Center, Pew Campus downtown Grand Rapids, MI

Website: www.gvsu.edu/grad/literacy

Requirements for M.Ed. in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL):

Each candidate for the M.Ed. degree must complete the following:

Social Foundations of Education Course (choose one):

One Research and Evaluation Course:

Emphasis Courses (21 credits):

Take One:

TESOL Practicum:

Capstone (Choose one):

Requirements for ESL Endorsement:

Candidates can receive K-12 endorsement by completing the 33 hour TESOL master's program, pass the Michigan Subject Area Test, and maintain a 3.0 G.P.A.

Candidates interested in the K-8 or 6-12 endorsement should take the following:


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