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

Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages

The Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) program is designed to enable students to complete the TESOL non-licensure minor or the TESOL PK-12 licensure. Both programs prepare students to work effectively in promoting English language acquisition of children and adults who are not native English speakers. These programs also promote development of skills in cross-cultural competence and draw heavily upon theories of linguistics, research on social and cultural variables that influence second language acquisition, and the knowledge required to facilitate second language learning.

Candidates currently enrolled in initial teaching licensure programs may be able to complete the TESOL requirements in conjunction with completing their other preparation program. With careful planning, dual licensure is possible. Candidates interested in dual licensure should consult with the TESOL coordinator and the other program area adviser for more information.

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

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.”

Recommended Schedule for TESOL

Professional Education Courses

PSYC 160. Life Span Human Development 3.00
EDUC 300. Foundations of American Education 3.00
EDUC 310. Teaching in a Diverse Society 3.00
EDUC 370. Instructional Technology 3.00
READ 366. Early Literacy Development and Acquisition 3.00
TESL 384. Practicum in Literacy Development 1.00 (corequisite READ 366 )

Total: 16 Credit Hours

Additional Information

It is strongly recommended that Professional Education Courses be taken prior to the TESOL Core Requirements.For students obtaining licensure in other areas, many of the professional education courses will be the same.In most cases, student teaching can be combined with other licensure areas and completed in one semester.

TESOL Core Requirements

ENG 308. Introduction to Linguistics 3.00
TESL 426. Concepts in First and Second Language Acquisition 3.00 (Prerequisite for other TESOL courses, except ENG 308 ).
TESL 382. Practicum in TESOL First/2nd Language Acquisition 1.00 (Prerequisite for other TESOL courses, except ENG 308 . corequisite TESL 426 ).
TESL 428. Assessment for Curriculum Development in English as a Second Language 3.00
READ 435. Literacy Development and Instruction for English Language Learners 3.00
TESL 383. Practicum in TESOL Literacy Development 1.00 (corequisite READ 435 )
TESL 470. Instructional Strategies for Teaching English as a Second Language 3.00
TESL 381. Practicum in TESOL Instructional Strategies 3.00
TESL 480. Student Teaching/Internship 6.00 - 12.00 (One eight-week block preK-6, one eight-week block 6-12)
TESL 482. Field Work in Professional Development, Partnership and Advocacy Seminar 1 Credit Hour
Modern Foreign Language or Proficiency at Intermediate Level 0-12 Credit Hour(s)

Total: 33-45 Credit Hours

Student Teaching

Candidates must apply to student teach one year prior to their student teaching semester. At that time, students must be fully accepted into teacher education, be admitted unconditionally to graduate school and have a 3.0 graduate GPA.