The Literacy Specialist and TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) MSEd is a dual degree program for certified teachers that seek to enhance their careers. With a focus on instruction and literacy development, this program is ideal for teachers with linguistically and culturally diverse classrooms. The Literacy Specialist and TESOL MSEd connects language knowledge fundamentals with attention to cultural experiences, for today’s globalized classroom.
Program Overview
The Literacy and TESOL MSEd, modeled after the current Literacy MSEd and TESOL programs, integrates contemporary theory and practice in a variety of educational areas including language and literacy development, culturally responsive teaching, digital literacies, children and adolescent literature, as well as learning strategies for children who struggle to read or write.
Field Experience
Literacy and TESOL students complete substantial fieldwork and mentored experiences that surpass state requirements. Candidates can choose from our faculty-led abroad courses in Italy or Ecuador as one of their required TESOL courses.
Certification and Career Outcomes
Graduates leave Pace with the knowledge and skills to lead and meet the changing educational needs of their communities. Some career options include:
- Pre-K-12 English to Speakers of Other Languages and Literacy B-6 or 5-12 tracks;
- Literacy/TESOL Coaches who assist teachers in developing curriculum that better serve student’s cultural differences.
Requirements
- New York State classroom teaching certificate (Initial or Professional)
- A bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited institution (official transcripts documenting degree must be submitted).
- A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or equivalent.
- Submission and review of official transcripts from ALL institutions attended.
- Completion of the application process, including a personal statement, two letters of recommendation, and, in some cases, an admission interview.
- Twelve (12) credits of study in a language other than English or equivalent. Missing credits can be taken after admissions.
| First Year | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| TESOL Courses (15 Credits): | ||
| ED 551 | Foundations of Bilingual Education | 3 |
| ED 556A | CMA:Teaching Eng Language & Literacy to Culturally & Linguistically Diverse Students (15 hours of fieldwork required) | 3 |
| ED 556B | CMA: Teaching Culturally & Linguistically Diverse Students across the Content Areas (15 hours of fieldwork required) | 3 |
| ED 557 | Linguistics and Grammar for Language Teachers (15 hours of fieldwork required) | 3 |
| ED 559 | Student Teaching or Practica for TESOL Candidates | 3 |
| Literacy Specialist Courses (12 Credits): | ||
| EDG 605 | General Assessment | 3 |
| ED 650 | Research/Theory in Developing Literacy | 3 |
| ED 677 | Literacy for Children with Special Needs | 3 |
| ED 755B | Literacy Instruction & Technological Applications for a Diverse Population of Middle Grade Students | 3 |
| Choose One Track Below | 6 | |
| CAPSTONE Requirement: | ||
| ED 690 | Teacher as Researcher | 3 |
| Credits | 36 | |
| Total Credits | 36 | |
Literacy Specialist Childhood Track (6 Credits)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ED 655A | Early Literacy Development in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Settings | 3 |
| ED 693B | Literacy Practicum II: Birth - Grade 6 | 3 |
Literacy Specialist Adolescent Track (6 Credits)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ED 757 | Adolescent Content Literacies in Culturally & Linguistically Diverse Settings (Grades 9-12) | 3 |
| ED 694B | Literacy Practicum II Grades 5-12 | 3 |
MSEd Candidates MUST:
Have prior to admission: NYS certification, EAS, Child Abuse/School Violence Prevention & DASA)
Complete prior to graduation:
- Any course deficiencies identified at admissions. TESOL requires 12 credits of study in a language other than English or equivalent.
- Take CST in ESOL exam
Passing the exams is not a requirement for degree completion.
* This is a 36 Credit Program. Candidates can choose between a Childhood or Adolescent Track