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Master’s in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)-Pre k-Grade 12 (College of Mount St. Vincent)

30 Credit Master’s TESOL (Grades PreK-12)

(Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages)

**This program is only for those already possessing NYS Certification**

New Applications being accepted for Fall 12 start!  Contact Joleen at jmurray@rockteach.org or 845-351-2090 for more details.

Admission Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university
  • Undergraduate GPA of 3.0
  • 12 Credits in a foreign/sign language/s documented on an undergraduate/graduate transcripts or equivalent credit on CLEP or NYU Proficiency Test (Not required until you are applying for the certification)
  • NYS Initial Certification in a discipline other than TESOL
  • Submission of two (2) letters of recommendation
  • Group interview with program faculty
  • Writing sample onsite

Submit The Following:

  • Graduate application form - Online
  • Application fee - (Free if completed online)
  • Two (2) letters of recommendation – Given to RTC Institute
  • Official transcripts from ALL colleges attended – Given to RTC Institute
  • Please forward a copy of the entire application to:

RTC Institute
Attn: Joleen Murray
65 Chapel Street
Garnerville, NY 10923

Contact info: Joleen Murray   jmurray@rockteach.org          845-351-2090

Course Listing/Details and Registration: CLICK HERE

Course Listing:

EDUC 504 Cross-cultural Communication (3 credits) - This course focuses on self-awareness, group dynamics, effective communication, and conflict resolution with an emphasis on cross-cultural interactions and prejudice reduction.

EDUC 507 Linguistic Analysis (3 credits) - This course examines the components of language in order to define the nature of language and the human mind. Questions regarding the origin of language will be examined. The universal nature of language will also be explored. An introduction to general linguistic notions will be presented. Foci include: syntax, phonology, morphology, language variation, pragmatics and semantics. The relationship of brain, language and cognition will also be highlighted.

EDUC 508 Structure of American English (3 credits) - This course will examine English grammar from a theoretical point of view and discuss how the different constructions that we study can be taught formally and informally in the ESL classroom. Although English-language learners have not acquired English as a first language, they have access to Universal Grammar which programs human beings to understand what is possible with all languages. Hence, the knowledge that we all possess subconsciously facilitates the learning of a second language when brought to conscious awareness. Prescriptive versus descriptive language will be examined throughout the course in light of structures to be studied and how they manifest themselves in everyday usage.

EDUC 506 Language, Cognitive Development, and Cultural Diversity (3 credits) - This course examines cognitive development and language acquisition across cultures. Through the supplemental use of various technologies, the course focuses on issues of bilingualism and dialectal difference and their relationship to language development. This course explores language diversity as it relates to classroom instruction.

EDUC 722 Teaching English as a Second Language I (3 credits) - This course provides an introduction to the theoretical foundations of second language acquisition that includes an examination of theories and research findings ad their applicability to classroom practice. Coursework also involves a review of relevant psycholinguistic and socio-linguistic research.

EDUC 725 Teaching Across the Content Areas: Methods of TESOL Grades PreK-12 (3 credits) - This course develops the skills and knowledge necessary to teach science, mathematics and social studies to English Language Learners. Students will link the teaching of language, content and development of strategic competence. Activities will require students to connect content area instruction to the New York State Learning Standards.

EDUC 605 Curriculum and Materials in TESOL (3 credits) - Curriculum and Materials in TESOL was designed to provide a general introduction to the design and role of curriculum and materials in standards-based ESL/EFL and content instruction. In its focus on curriculum, the course begins with the assessment of learners' needs and the development of appropriate curriculum based on those needs. In the design of that curriculum, sub-topics including the setting of goals and objectives, choice of syllabus type, integrating standards and content, teaching methodology and assessment will be covered. The focus on materials includes a survey of options and criteria for their evaluation. This course will feature hands-on activities, authentic materials, curricula and assessment tools.

EDUC 726 Assessment in English as a Second Language (3 credits) -  This course includes an examination of procedures and instruments, standardized and informal, used in second language instruction programs. Instruction in design and use of instruments will be addressed. The role of assessment as an integral part of instruction will also be explored.

Field Experience:

EDUC 731 Supervised Practicum in TESOL: PreK - 6 (3 credits)

EDUC 732 Supervised Practicum in TESOL: 7 - 12 (3 credits)

These courses will use a seminar format that will meet bi-monthly for a total of fourteen hours. During the seminar, students will have multiple opportunities to connect theory and practice. Drawing on their teaching experiences, they will discuss the learning processes of English Language Learners as well as their own development as teachers of English Language Learners.