Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) PK-Twelve: Undergraduate Licensure Program

Coordinator: Dr. Katya Koubek
Phone: (540) 568-6760
Email: koubekex@jmu.edu

James Madison University’s College of Education, through the Educational Foundations and Exceptionalities Department (EFEX) offers licensure preparation for PK-12 Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). This program draws on theories of linguistics, research on social and cultural variables that influence second language acquisition and the knowledge required to facilitate second language learning. The TESOL program will prepare future educators to understand and implement more equitable and effective ways of working with English Language Learners in a variety of contexts, including inclusion in content/general education  classes, sheltered-ESL classes and pullout classes.

Completion of this four-year program leads to eligibility for a Virginia teaching license for PK-12 English as a Second Language. The College of Education’s TESOL Program is interested in candidates who are committed to social justice and to creating affirming and academically challenging learning environments. Candidates must also complete a major in a liberal arts discipline closely associated with a teaching area (e.g., biology, history, mathematics, psychology, chemistry, English, etc. but not business administration, nursing, engineering, etc.).

Students considering PK-12 initial licensure in TESOL follow the process described below. Students pursuing initial licensure in other approved areas may also be admitted to the TESOL Program and simultaneously achieve initial licensure in TESOL. All teacher education admission requirements are submitted through the Education Support Center, located in Memorial Hall, room 7230. Candidates must be fully admitted into teacher education before they can register for certain designated undergraduate education courses. Teacher education candidates must maintain an overall GPA of 2.5 or better and complete general education  courses with a minimum grade of “C.” Candidates must also complete academic major content courses and TESOL course work with a minimum grade of “C.”