TESOL for International Educators

To have another language is to possess a second soul. — Czech Proverb

The TESOL for International Educators (ITSL) Program is a 30-credit hour program leading to a Master of Science in Education Degree in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) which can be completed in one year of full time study (part-time study option also available). It is intended for the student who wishes to learn to teach English language learners abroad, or who wishes to teach outside the public school venue in the United States. International students are particularly encouraged to apply.

The Program provides students a balanced learning opportunity. Half of the courses are specific to the ITSL cohort which provides a smaller, more supportive learning environment, especially suitable for international students visiting the US. The remaining courses provide opportunities for ITSL students to attend a range of classes with other Nazareth College graduate students. Program participants get the best of both worlds.

The ITSL Program's curriculum is guided by a multi-faceted understanding of language instruction. Over-arching themes include the importance of understanding language and linguistics, language acquisition theories, and the implications of culture; while developing a wide-ranging repertoire of pedagogical skills, including the infusion of aspects of technology. Students are provided opportunities to observe local language teachers, refine their teaching and presentation techniques, and employ their skills in a supervised internship.

Required Courses

TSL 603	3.0	Linguistics and Second Language Acquisition
TSL 605	3.0	Culture and Context in TESOL and Bilingual Curriculum and Assessment
TSL 611	3.0	Principles and Practices of TESOL
ITSL 601	3.0	Pedagogy of American English Grammar
ITSL 607	3.0	Technology for Language and Culture Instruction
ITSL 612	3.0	Advanced English Language Proficiency
ITSL 635	3.0	American Language Institute Internship and Seminar
ITSL 690	3.0	Comparisons and Connections: Capstone Seminar

 

Electives (Students select 2)

BIL 640	3.0	Teaching Content Areas in Spanish Bilingual Classrooms
BIL 641	3.0	Native Language Arts and Literacy Instruction for Spanish Speakers
EDTS 523	3.0	Introduction to Educational Technology
EDU 501	3.0	Social Foundations of Education
EDU 520	3.0	Teacher-Learner Research and Inquiry
INCL 501	3.0	Introduction to Diverse Learners and Learning
LST 502	3.0	Knowledge and Culture
LST 515	3.0	The Mind in Context: Learning, Schooling and Culture
LTED 601	3.0	Foundations of Literacy
TSL 604	3.0	Foundations of Bilingual/Multicultural Education
TSL 620	3.0	Language and Literacy Development for English Language Learners

Total Credits: 30

This Program does not lead to New York State Teacher certification.

Admissions Criteria

• Completed application
• Completion of a baccalaureate degree at an accredited institution with a cumulative index of 3.0 and a B average in the major field. An applicant who does not meet these grade point average expectations must address them in his/her personal statement; please see the Personal Statement section of the admissions application form for further information.
• Official transcripts from all institutions attended
• Two letters of recommendation
• Completion of the personal-professional statement as described on the application form.
• Interview - the International TESOL program director will directly contact an applicant following review of his or her application materials to arrange an interview.
• Application fee

Additional Requirements for International Applicants:

• English Language Proficiency: Applicants applying from a foreign educational institution whose native language is not English are required to demonstrate English proficiency by one of the following methods:
  • 575 on the paper-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
  • 85 on the Internet-based test TOEFL (a minimum of 25 on the speaking portion is required)
  • 6.5 on the English Language Testing System (IELTS)
  Results of the test must be forwarded directly to Nazareth College. Applicants with lower English proficiency may be admitted on a provisional basis by enrolling in Nazareth's American Language Institute for an intensive English program. For more information on language testing:
  • TOEFL: http://www.ets.org
  • IELTS: http://www.ielts.org/
• Transcripts and Official Documents: Documents that are written in languages other than English must include certified English translation through World Education Services (WES): http://www.wes.org/
• Documentation of Financial Support: Applicants must send bank statements certifying available assets (Declaration of Finances form). The student must demonstrate a level of support not only for tuition and board, but also for actual living expenses, pocket money, books, etc. The Declaration of Finances form may be downloaded at the following link: http://www.naz.edu/dept/cie/intlstudents.cfm

Admissions Deadlines (Fall semester admission only):

April 1 for Fall semester - Applications received after the stated deadline will be processed on a space-available basis

For further information, contact the Office of Graduate Admissions at www.naz.edu/gradstudies or (585) 389-2050, toll free at (800) 860-6942 or the Office of The Department of Language, Literacy and Technology at (585) 389-2592 or gpotemp2@naz.edu.