Teacher of English as a Second Language

The English as a second language (ESL) teacher preparation program is based on the philosophy that proficiency in English is essential to prosper in American society.

To help students whose first language is not English, it is important to understand and respect their native language and culture. In our program, you become skilled in teaching English and learn to be comfortable reading, writing, and conversing in a foreign language.

Teachers change lives. This is especially true of graduates from our ESL teacher program.

Initial teaching licenses earned at Elms College qualify candidates to begin teaching in Massachusetts and more than 40 states, islands, and territories, including all of the New England states and New York.

Bachelor of Arts Degree

Major in Teacher of English as a Second Language (PreK-6)

Initial License in Teacher of English as a Second Language (PreK-6)

(Minimum at Elms College: 18 credits)

Major Requirements (51 credits)

EDU 100 Introduction to Schooling and Education (3 credits)
PSY 214 Children's Learning and Development (3 credits)
EDU 319 Students with Special Needs (3 credits)
EDU 307 Current Approaches to Reading and Language Arts (3 credits)
EDU 447 Bilingualism and Applied Linguistics (3 credits)
EDU 352 Issues in ESL/Bilingualism (3 credits)
EDU 308 Beginning Reading and Writing (3 credits)
EDU 311 Writing Workshop (3 credits)
EDU 436 Social Studies Methods (3 credits)
EDU 385 Inquiry-based Science Methods (3 credits)
EDU 304 Methods of Teaching Mathematics (3 credits)
EDU 355 Methods in ESL (3 credits)
SOC 316 Racial and Ethnic Groups (3 credits) OR SPA 412 Hispanic Cultures in the U.S. (3 credits)
EDU 360 Seminar in Professional Education (3 credits)
EDU 452A Teacher of ESL (PreK-6) Initial Practicum (9 credits)

Note: In addition to the courses for ESL listed above, intermediate college-level proficiency in a language other than English is required. At Elms College, this proficiency means completion of SPA 201-202.

Bachelor of Arts Degree

Major in Teacher of English as a Second Language (Grades 5-12)

Initial License in Teacher of English as a Second Language (Grades 5-12)

(Minimum at Elms College: 18 credits)

Major Requirements (48 credits)

EDU 100 Introduction to Schooling and Education (3 credits)
PSY 214 Children's Learning and Development (3 credits)
EDU 319 Students with Special Needs (3 credits)
EDU 352 Issues in ESL/Bilingualism (3 credits)
EDU 447 Bilingualism and Applied Linguistics (3 credits)
EDU 307 Current Approaches to Reading and Language Arts (3 credits)
EDU 308 Beginning Reading and Writing (3 credits)
EDU 311 Writing Workshop (3 credits)
EDU 333 Middle School Curriculum and Instruction (3 credits)
EDU 330 Secondary Curriculum (3 credits)
EDU 355 Methods in Teaching ESL (3 credits)
SOC 316 Racial and Ethnic Groups (3 credits) OR SPA 412 Hispanic Cultures in the U.S. (3 credits)
EDU 360 Seminar in Professional Education (3 credits)
EDU 453A Teacher of ESL, Grades 5-12, Initial Practicum (9 credits)

Note: In addition to the courses for ESL listed above, intermediate college-level proficiency in a language other than English is required. At Elms College, this proficiency means completion of SPA 201-202.