Curriculum and Instruction

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Curriculum and Instruction, English as a Second Language Concentration, M.Ed.

The M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction with concentration and licensure in English as a Second Language focuses on preparing educators to meet the needs of students who are currently enrolled in U.S. public school classrooms in grades PreK-12. The program is designed specifically for teachers and those who plan to teach second language learners in multilingual classrooms within the U.S.

Careers
Requirements
Faculty
Information
Careers
Requirements
Faculty
Information

News Briefs

Alumni Profile: Erica Cuevas Flowers

In 2019, I began my teaching career as an ESL teacher at the most amazing school in Maury County: McDowell Elementary School. Excitement flooded over me as I bought my very first planner and explored Pinterest for the cutest classroom décor. However, after meeting my new English Language Learners, excitement quickly spiraled into self-doubt. I had completed many education courses and obtained some practical experience teaching children during college, but I quickly realized how unprepared I truly was.

MTSU's M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction with Concentration and Licensure in English as a Second Language program has filled the numerous gaps in my pedagogical knowledge. The program fully equipped me with the necessary tools for serving as an ESL teacher. It taught me various ESL topics, including how to prepare effective curriculum and assessments, collaboration tips with general education teachers, and how to advocate for my ELLs. The flexibility of the online program allowed me to apply the skills I gained in the evenings directly to the classroom the next day.

Currently, I am the ESL teacher for Mount Pleasant Elementary, Middle, and High Schools, in Mount Pleasant, TN. In order to serve the ELL population in my schools, communication between myself, the classroom teachers, and parents is essential. My biggest goal, in addition to teaching my students, is to assist classroom teachers on how to effectively serve the rapidly increasing ELL population in Maury County. I strive to collaborate with classroom teachers about providing proper accommodations and instructional strategies to help each English Language Learner achieve their fullest potential.

Alumni Profile: Sweety Anand

I am currently teaching at Smyrna Middle School, Smyrna TN as an ESL Math teacher. I completed my Masters in Education Curriculum and Instruction with ESL at MTSU Summer 2021. My first year of teaching was 2018-2019. The best part of teaching and going to through the program at the same time was being able to apply everything I learned at MTSU into my classroom. We learn best when we see our teachers model it. The strategies my professor used to help me complete assignments are the same ones that I am expected to use in my classroom. I am an ELL myself, the strategies I used to overcome language challenges while learning math as an undergraduate student are also a blessing. Combining what I learned from classes and what I taught myself works like magic in my classroom. I enjoy teaching every single day. I am blessed to have this unique teaching position as an ESL math teacher. In addition to my teaching — I regularly design and present Professional Development workshops focusing on strategies for effective Math and Language of Math instruction.

News Briefs

Alumni Profile: Erica Cuevas Flowers

In 2019, I began my teaching career as an ESL teacher at the most amazing school in Maury County: McDowell Elementary School. Excitement flooded over me as I bought my very first planner and explored Pinterest for the cutest classroom décor. However, after meeting my new English Language Learners, excitement quickly spiraled into self-doubt. I had completed many education courses and obtained some practical experience teaching children during college, but I quickly realized how unprepared I truly was.

MTSU's M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction with Concentration and Licensure in English as a Second Language program has filled the numerous gaps in my pedagogical knowledge. The program fully equipped me with the necessary tools for serving as an ESL teacher. It taught me various ESL topics, including how to prepare effective curriculum and assessments, collaboration tips with general education teachers, and how to advocate for my ELLs. The flexibility of the online program allowed me to apply the skills I gained in the evenings directly to the classroom the next day.

Currently, I am the ESL teacher for Mount Pleasant Elementary, Middle, and High Schools, in Mount Pleasant, TN. In order to serve the ELL population in my schools, communication between myself, the classroom teachers, and parents is essential. My biggest goal, in addition to teaching my students, is to assist classroom teachers on how to effectively serve the rapidly increasing ELL population in Maury County. I strive to collaborate with classroom teachers about providing proper accommodations and instructional strategies to help each English Language Learner achieve their fullest potential.

Alumni Profile: Sweety Anand

I am currently teaching at Smyrna Middle School, Smyrna TN as an ESL Math teacher. I completed my Masters in Education Curriculum and Instruction with ESL at MTSU Summer 2021. My first year of teaching was 2018-2019. The best part of teaching and going to through the program at the same time was being able to apply everything I learned at MTSU into my classroom. We learn best when we see our teachers model it. The strategies my professor used to help me complete assignments are the same ones that I am expected to use in my classroom. I am an ELL myself, the strategies I used to overcome language challenges while learning math as an undergraduate student are also a blessing. Combining what I learned from classes and what I taught myself works like magic in my classroom. I enjoy teaching every single day. I am blessed to have this unique teaching position as an ESL math teacher. In addition to my teaching — I regularly design and present Professional Development workshops focusing on strategies for effective Math and Language of Math instruction.

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CAREERS

The M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction with Concentration and Licensure in ESL offers preparation to candidates to teach in public schools, private schools, and faith-based learning environments. The program also seeks to prepare teachers to work with early learners who are also second language learners in preschool settings, nursery school settings, and early learning classrooms. Candidates who successfully complete the program meet requirements for the Pre-K through 12th grade professional license in ESL.

In addition to teaching in public, private, faith-based, and preschool classrooms, the program enables graduates to pursue the following careers:

  • Adjunct professor
  • Curriculum writer for PreK-12
  • ESL curriculum design for PreK-12
  • ESL instructional consultant
  • ESL instructor
  • Faith-based ESL coordinator
  • Faith-based ESL teacher (missionary)
  • Lead teacher in ESL
  • PreK ESL coordinator

Employers of MTSU Alumni include, but are not limited to, the following:

Public Schools - Tennessee

  • Bedford County Schools
  • Cannon County Schools
  • Coffee County Schools
  • Dekalb County School District
  • Franklin County Schools
  • Franklin Special Schools District
  • Giles County Schools
  • Hamilton County Schools
  • Knox County Schools
  • Lawrence County School District
  • Lebanon School District
  • Lincoln County Schools
  • Marshall County School District
  • Maury County School District
  • Memphis School District
  • Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools
  • Moore County Schools
  • Murfreesboro City Schools
  • Robertson County School District
  • Rutherford County School District
  • Shelby County Schools
  • Smith County School District
  • Tullahoma School District
  • Warren County Schools
  • Williamson County School
  • Wilson County School District

Public Schools — Outside of Tennessee

  • Boston Public Schools
  • New York City Department of Education

Private Schools

  • Franklin Road Academy
  • The Webb School 

Other

  • Cumberland University
  • ELS Nashville
  • Grand Valley State University
  • International English Institute
  • Middle Tennessee State University
  • Motlow State Community College
  • Nashville State Community College
  • Tennessee Foreign Language Institute
  • Tennessee Technological University
  • Tennessee State University

REQUIREMENTS

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FACULTY

INFORMATION

MTSU Resources

Professional Resources

Research Resources

Online Resources

Professional Advocacy Resources

Add-On Endt

Add-On Endorsement in English as a Second Language – PreK-12th grade

Middle Tennessee State University offers the Add-on Endorsement in English as a Second Language, which is specifically designed to prepare initially-licensed teachers to work with English learners in public school classrooms.

Program FAQs for Teachers, Administrators, and Undergraduates

What are the program requirements?

The Add-On Endorsement in ESL is an ONLINE program. All classes are delivered online through the Desire@Learn course management system. Requirements include successful completion of 12 hours of prescribed graduate classes, successful completion of the PRAXIS II / ESL Specialty Area Exam and the application for licensure (submitted to the Office of Professional Lab Experiences).

Which classes should I take?

The following classes are required for the Add-On Endorsement in ESL

  • SPSE 6820 – Language, Culture, Theory & Practice
  • SPSE 6830 – Assessment & Evaluation of ELs
  • SPSE 6712 –  Fieldwork & Professional Collaboration in the ESL Classroom
  • YOED 6020 – Literacy & Content Instruction for ELs

How do I enroll in classes?

To enroll in classes you must first apply as a non-degree seeking / licensure only student to MTSU Graduate Studies. All that is needed is your application and application fee.

What is the cost of the program and is there any financial assistance available?

Please visit the tuition website for more information regarding tuition and fees. Please contact the MTSU Financial Aid Office to inquire about any funding that you may qualify for.

When are the classes offered and how long will it take to complete the endorsement?

Classes for the Add-On Endorsement in ESL are offered in Fall and Spring semesters. We are willing to work with schools and systems include additional offerings for possible cohorts. Please contact Dr. Craig at [email protected] for more information. See prescribed list of courses by viewing the Add-On Endorsement flyer.

Can I apply to the program as an undergraduate?

If you are currently enrolled in a teacher preparation program at the undergraduate level AND if you are in your last semester (Residency II), then you may apply to MTSU Graduate Studies as a non-degree seeking / licensure only student. Once you are admitted to Graduate Studies—you may begin taking classes. However, your initial license requirements must be met and the application submitted to the Tennessee Department of Education BEFORE you can submit your Add-On Endorsement application. This means that once you graduate with you B.S.—you may begin taking graduate classes but cannot submit the endorsement paperwork until you have completed all requirements and until you receive your Initial License.

Cont. Improv.

Vision of English as a Second Language Teacher Preparation Programs

MTSU’s Masters with Concentration in ESL and Add-On Endorsement in English as a Second Language programs seek to prepare candidates who are have the skills, knowledge and dispositions that enable them to create welcoming, safe, and secure learning environments that encourage language acquisition, language use, literacy, and academic success within the today’s linguistically and culturally diverse classrooms.

Mission

The program mission seeks to prepare knowledgeable professional educators who have the ability to meet the needs of second language learners including immigrant children, children of immigrants, refugees, asylum seekers, and lifelong English learners.  In addition, the program’s mission is to equip a new teaching force with the skills and abilities needed to rise to the challenges posed by multilingual classrooms and to serve as advocates and community partners to assist English learners in becoming successful and productive members of our society.  The program endeavors to support the mission and values of the College of Education and the university in continuing to serve as leaders in the preparation of educators across the state and nation.

The mission encompasses the following key elements that are critically important to professional educators of second language learners:

  • Engage in practitioner-based action research with the goal of improving practice for English learners as well as all learners in public school classrooms;
  • Apply skills, knowledge, and dispositions needed to serve as advocates for English learners, their families, the community in which they live, building relationships that lead to community literacy, and in creating and providing learning environments conducive to language learning and literacy development;
  • Embrace opportunities for professional collaboration with practitioners, administrators, and school leaders with the goal of meeting the needs of English learners;
  • Serve as leaders in helping to build appreciation for culturally and linguistic diversity in our classrooms;
  • Seek out partnerships that support English learners and their families beyond the PreK-12 learning environment.

The program supports the mission of the College of Education with student-centered learning environments through:

  • Excellence in teaching,
  • Applied practitioner-based classroom research,
  • Creative endeavors,
  • Meaningful advisement,
  • Mentorship from practitioners, and
  • Field-based collaboration.

Goals

The ESL program goals include:

  • Providing a graduate program that meets the needs of practicing teachers and the growing number of English learners in schools across the state;
  • Establishing strong partnerships and collaborative field-based practices with public schools in order to keep deliver up-to-date content, support, and mentoring that reflects today’s classrooms;
  • Engaging candidates in relevant coursework that includes a well-rounded blend of theory, application, practice, and self-reflection;
  • Delivering a dynamic overall program that enables candidates to build skills, knowledge, and dispositions needed to be able to realize self-efficacy, promote literacy, and become lifelong advocates for second language learners.

Values

The program is aligned with the Core Values outlines by TESOL—a professional international organization dedicated to advancing the quality of English language teaching through professional development, research, standards, and advocacy.  The program holds the following core values adapted from TESOL Core Values (2017):

  • Professionalism demonstrated by excellence in standards, research, and practice that improve learning outcomes, learning environments, and opportunities for second language learners;
  • Respect for diversity, gender, religious diversity, multilingualism, multiculturalism, and individuals’ language and civil rights
  • Integrity guided by ethically sound actions
  • Commitment to life-long learning and advocacy for second language learners 

ESL Leadership Advisory Team

  • Brandi Harvey, ESL Teacher Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools
  • Brandy Klaers, ESL Teacher Sumner County Schools
  • Suzi Lilley, ESL Teacher Loudon County Schools
  • Collin Olson, ESL Teacher Rutherford County Schools
  • Rebecca Zanolini, Director Office of Global Learning Lipscomb University

How MTSU Maintains Its Standards in the M.Ed. C&I ESL and Add-On Endorsement in ESL Programs

Triangulation of Ongoing Improvement Data Collection and Analysis Cycle

Target Fall Data Sets Spring Data Sets Summer Data Sets
Course Effectiveness and Relevancy Feedback for Ongoing Improvement
  • Course Evaluation for Ongoing Improvement Anonymous Survey
  • Anonymous Feedback Forum
  • Comments, Questions, and Communication with Students
  • Alumni Surveys
  • Course Evaluation for Ongoing Improvement Anonymous Survey
  • Anonymous Feedback Forum
  • Comments, Questions, and Communication  with Students
  • Alumni Surveys
  • Course Evaluation for Ongoing Improvement Anonymous Survey
  • Anonymous Feedback Forum
  • Comments, Questions, and Communication with Students
  • Alumni Surveys
Effectiveness of Field Experiences
  • Mentor Feedback Survey
  • Candidate Feedback Survey
  • Candidate Portfolio
  • Discussions with Mentors to prepare for upcoming Fall Semester
Evaluation of Candidates by Mentors in Fieldwork Class
  • Evaluation of Candidate Survey completed by Mentor
Effectiveness of Mentor and Mentoring
  • Evaluation of Mentor Survey completed by Candidate
Meeting School System Needs
  • ESL Coordinator Survey
  • Questions and Comments Gathered as a Result of Onsite Recruitment and Presentation
  • ESL Coordinator Survey
  • Questions and Comments Gathered as a Result of Onsite Recruitment and Presentation
  • Discussions with ESL Coordinators to prepare for upcoming academic year

Use of Data to Inform the Continuous Improvement Process

Ongoing Data Collection Fall, Spring, Summer > Ongoing Data Analysis at the End of Each Semester > May-June Tasks and Action Plans > August Tasks, Revisions to Coursework > Implementation of Action Plans

  • End of Each Semester:  The program director conducts a thorough analysis of all qualitative data and completes a comparison of program data, program goals, alignment, and results from candidate assessments in order to identify any gaps, weaknesses, and/or revisions to coursework needed.
  • End of Each Semester: The program director also conducts a systematic analysis of qualitative data using the constant comparative framework in order to identify patterns and themes that may inform the continuous improvement process.
  • May-June: The program director conducts a comparative analysis of the program goals, targets, and student assessment results.  An Action Plan for each target area not met is designed and implemented.  If available—alumni data are evaluated, compared, and integrated into revisions to curriculum.
  • July-August: Revisions and adjustments are completed based on data analyses and results.  The implementation of Action Plans begins with the start of the new academic year and the process continues in a cyclical manner.

Fieldwork Materials

Candidates for licensure must complete fieldwork related to assignments in each of the ESL Concentration courses.  In addition, to meet the requirement for field-based experience—all candidates complete SPSE 6712: Fieldwork and Professional Collaboration in ESL Classrooms.  This course is required for the following programs and meets the requirement for Residency I for Initial Licensure.

  • M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction with Concentration and Add-On Endorsement in ESL PreK-12
  • M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction with Concentration and Initial License in ESL PreK-12
  • Add-On Endorsement in ESL PreK-12

Fieldwork Materials For Mentors

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