Childhood Education and TESOL, MST

Graduate Program Information

The Master of Science for Teachers (MST) in Childhood Education and TESOL program prepares candidates to teach children in grades 1–6, in addition to becoming certified to teach English to Speakers of Other Languages. Students gain knowledge to successfully combine the teaching of both general education and specialized study of language development as well as differentiated instruction methods to English language learners.

Program Overview

Every MST candidate enrolled in our program is challenged to reflect on his or her prior notions about schools, classrooms, teaching, and learning. Candidates learn the theories, strategies, and methods for teaching English Learners, apply sociolinguistic knowledge contexts and language development to instruction and experience a range of fieldwork experiences under the guidance of supervisors, faculty, and mentor-teachers. Study abroad courses can be substituted for TESOL courses or core requirements with approval.

Field Experience

Students will complete 100 hours of fieldwork that follows a clinically-rich model, integrated with intensive coursework, in collaboration with partner schools.  Student teaching will be completed in childhood classrooms, as well as practicum experience in TESOL.

Certification and Career Outcomes

Graduates who pass the New York State Certification Exams will become certified to teach Childhood grades 1-6 and TESOL Education in grades Pre K-12. Career options include Childhood teachers who provide support to English Language Learners (ELL) in general education classes, or as English as a New Language (ENL) teachers who provide push-in, pull-out or stand-alone instruction for ELLs.

Prior to student teaching in Childhood students must complete:                                                            

• 100 hours of fieldwork through coursework
• Workshops on child abuse/school violence prevention (TCH 211A), anti-bullying (DASA) (TCH 211D)
• Any Course deficiencies identified at admissions.
• Take the CST in Childhood
• Additionally, Childhood candidates also have to pass the EAS for certification. 

For ESOL Certification, candidates must:                   

• Complete an additional 60 hours of fieldwork working with ELL-identified or bilingual students.
• Have 12 credits of study in a language other than English or equivalent. Deficiencies must be completed prior to recommendation for certification.
• Take and pass the CST in ESOL exam, to be completed prior to the practicum