Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) With Specialization in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), MA

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Professor Gordon, Graduate Program Co-Director, 516-463-5170
Professor Catalano, Graduate Program Co-Director, 516-463-5956

This program with a specialization in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) is designed for certified school teachers who seek the skills, knowledge, and dispositions to integrate the teaching of the STEM curriculum to all students, but especially to students of diverse language backgrounds. Technology is defined as information technology, the integration of skills that require the use of computer applications to enhance student learning of mathematics and science as well as design technology, which encompasses the study of the technological world that inventors, engineers and other innovators have created. Both educational technology and design technology are applied to the study of elementary science and mathematics to further the development of meaningful understanding in these areas. Integration of these areas occurs within a broader understanding of the way in which society both reflects and shapes curriculum and pedagogy in schools.

This program leads to New York state initial/professional teacher certification in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). This program is intended for teachers who hold a New York state certification in an area other than TESOL. The program is designed to blend on-campus preparation with field experience in a variety of school settings, culminating in full-time practicum. Literacy education, multicultural education, meeting the needs of learners with exceptionalities and the use of technology are integrated throughout all aspects of the program. The program conforms with the National TESOL Standards and the requirements of the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards.

The program is designed to provide advanced study in curriculum for those currently holding New York state initial teacher certification. Graduate students who enter the program on a non-matriculated basis prior to making application for acceptance to the program are limited to a maximum of 12 semester hours of course work.

Admission Requirements

Applications for admission to this Master of Arts Program in the Department of Teaching, Learning and Technology are made to the Graduate Admission Office. Admission is based on a comprehensive review of multiple criteria. The department understands that any single criterion may not reliably predict a student’s potential for success in the program. Students may consider applying even if they fail to meet one of the criteria listed below but feel that other aspects of their experience might compensate.

New York State teaching certification in an area other than TESOL.
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
A minimum overall GPA of 3.0 on all undergraduate coursework.
Two letters of reference addressing the applicant’s potential to succeed in the teaching profession and in the program.
Interview with a program director.
A written personal statement of professional intent or rationale.
Twelve (12) s.h. of foreign language study or demonstrated proficiency in a second language.

Program Requirements - Semester Hours: 35

Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 in order to remain in the program. Grades of D or lower will not be counted toward the graduate degree, but will be included in determining the grade point average. Students may repeat courses to meet grade point average requirements, but the semester hours for a course are only awarded once, and both grades are factored into the overall grade point average.

STEM Component – Semester Hours: 20

STEM Specialization - Semester Hours: 12

ELED 231 - STEM Instruction in the Sciences Semester Hours: 3
ELED 232 - STEM Instruction in the Mathematics Curriculum Semester Hours: 3
CT 239 - Children’s Engineering in the STEM Classroom Semester Hours: 3
ELED 235 - Intersections of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Curriculum Design Semester Hours: 3

Culminating Thesis Course and Field Consultation - Semester Hours: 8

ELED 250A - Techniques of STEM Classroom Research Semester Hours: 3
ELED 250B - Research Into STEM Practice Semester Hours: 4
ELED 253 - STEM Field Consultation Semester Hours: 1

TESOL Component - Semester Hours: 15

Linguistics - Semester Hours: 3

CT 226 - Linguistics for Teachers of English-Language Learners Semester Hours: 3

Society and Culture - Semester Hours: 3

CT 266 - Immigrant Children in the U.S. School Semester Hours: 3

Methodological Component - Semester Hours: 6

ELED 225 - Teaching English as a Second Language in the Elementary Classroom Semester Hours: 3
(Course requires participation/observation in designated schools.)
SED 267 - Teaching English to Adolescent Speakers of Other Languages Semester Hours: 3
(Course requires participation/observation in designated schools.)

Practicum - Semester Hours: 3

CT 268 - Practicum: Teachers of Non-English Speaking Students Semester Hours: 3
or
CT 268A - Supervised Teaching Practicum: Teachers of Non-English Speaking Students Semester Hours: 1
and
CT 268B - Summer Supervised Practicum Extension: Teachers of Non-English Speaking Students Semester Hours: 2

Field Experiences Prior to Student Teaching

A minimum of 50 clock-hours of participation/observation is required prior to practicum. At least one field placement must be in a district identified as high-needs by New York State Education Department. All field experiences are incorporated into the course curricula. Placements are arranged by the Office of Field Placement. Department policy is to place prospective teachers in districts other than those in which they reside or in schools that they attended.

Participation/observation field experiences in designated schools are required in each of the following courses:

ELED 225 - Teaching English as a Second Language in the Elementary Classroom Semester Hours: 3
[25 hours in settings with English Language Learners with special-needs (grades K-6)]
SED 267 - Teaching English to Adolescent Speakers of Other Languages Semester Hours: 3
[25 hours in settings with English Language Learners in high-needs schools (grades 7-12)]

Practicum

The practicum (CT 268 ) involves 20 days of college-supervised teaching practiced by teacher candidates in the elementary and secondary level ESL classrooms. Students will qualify for admission to practicum after they have satisfied the following requirements:

Successful completion of ELED 225 and SED 267 .
A grade point average of 3.0 or higher in overall course work.

Graduation Requirements

Completion of all 35 s.h. course requirements for the Master of Arts TESOL/STEM with an overall GPA of 3.0.
Completion of the 35 s.h. course requirements in the Master of Arts TESOL/STEM with no fewer than 32 s.h. at Hofstra.
Successful completion of the capstone project.
Completion of all Educational Law Seminars.
All course work taken in satisfaction of the degree requirements must have been completed within a five-year period.

Teacher Certification Requirements

Upon successful completion of degree requirements, students will be eligible to apply for the University’s recommendation for New York state certification. Contact the School of Education Dean’s Office for information regarding any required Educational Law seminars* and other certification requirements.

*Please note, as of December 31, 2013, the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education now require a new six-hour seminar for Training in Harassment, Bullying and Discrimination Prevention and Intervention, required under the Dignity for All Students Act (DASA).

Hofstra University offers the above listed educational law seminars through the School of Education Dean’s Office. All of these seminars must be completed before the conferral of the degree and recommendation for certification.

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