Curriculum and Instruction, ESL and Bilingual Endorsements (MA)

The program is designed to prepare graduates to work with culturally and linguistically diverse students in the PK-12 classroom. Coursework is oriented toward building competencies in praxis and pedagogy for teaching emergent bilingual learners as supported by research and theories. It aims to extend both theoretical and practical knowledge about teaching and learning English in order to meet the needs of teachers in diverse contexts and their students.

The curriculum prepares educators to be effective in improving student learning and development in their content area as well as the acquisition of English as an additional language. It is designed to help teachers:

• develop a multicultural perspective that fosters inclusive pedagogies
• understand the cultural, linguistic, and sociopolitical milieu and their contextual basis on the education and language acquisition of emergent bilingual learners
• demonstrate knowledge about the communicative and academic processes for language acquisition
• apply linguistically and culturally responsive strategies and equitable assessments within their pedagogy
• adopt a professional identity that is characterized by self-reflection, knowledge, skills, and leadership to effectively advocate for multilingual learners

Program Requirements for the Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction with ESL and Bilingual endorsements

• Personal statement of 300-500 words describing your interest in the program, prior experience in ESL, bilingual education, or related field, and professional goals for pursuing the ESL or Bilingual endorsement
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• Valid teaching license (or pursuing one)
• Completion of 18 credit hours for ESL endorsement and 21 credit hours for the Bilingual endorsement
• Master’s Capstone experience