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Childhood Education and TESOL, Master of Science in Education

The Master’s Degree Program in Childhood Education and TESOL is a unique, robust, specially designed 36 credit program intended for graduates from “non-education” programs who want to change their career path and fulfill their desire to become multiculturalist professional NY State certified TESOL teachers of English learners (PreK-12), or general classroom teachers in grades (K-6) with expertise and certification in TESOL, that is now required of all classroom teachers.

The Master’s Degree Program in Childhood Education and TESOL is a unique, robust, specially designed 36 credit program intended for graduates from “non-education” programs who want to change their career path and fulfill their desire to become multiculturalist professional NY State certified TESOL teachers of English learners (PreK-12), or general classroom teachers in grades (K-6) with expertise and certification in TESOL, that is now required of all classroom teachers.

The Dual Major “Career Change” Master’s program includes cutting-edge courses reflecting the latest exemplary research, theory and practice in the field.  You will take courses taught by award winning, experienced, and convivial faculty, working alongside local, state, and federal agencies involved with education reform and policy-making. Our faculty have also gained international stature and prestige in research, presentations, and consulting work. Valuable field experiences, mentored student teaching and a practicum at the best multilingual, multicultural New York and regional schools will connect your pedagogical knowledge to 21st Century realities in technology and instructional practices. You will be confident and ready for day one in your new career.

Online Component: Over 50% of the entire Master’s Degree Career Change program - the TESOL component – is offered ONLINE. Your advisor will help design a workable program for you if you choose this option.

New York State Teaching Certification:
Graduates, including international students with appropriate visas, will obtain the Master’s Degree in Childhood Education (K-6) and TESOL (prek-12) upon successful completion of any prerequisites, required coursework, field experiences and New York State Education Department Certification Examinations.  Your advisor and School of Education staff will help guide you throughout this process.

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Degree Type
MSEd
Area of Interest
Education
Associated Colleges or Schools
Program Location
  • Queens Campus
Required Credit Hours
36

Global Approach to Education

Although the Masters Program coursework cultivates a powerful multicultural sensibility and skills for teaching diverse students at all ages and skill levels, the program often offers the chance to take one or two TESOL courses abroad.  Discover directly another country’s lifestyle, culture and language while completing required coursework. One-week winter break (January) and two-week summer (July) courses may be offered at one of our Global Study campuses in Rome or Paris, or sites in Spain, Greece, and other countries.

International Students

International students are eligible to enroll in the program.   Students from other countries learn about the US school system and become confident teachers able to teach in American schools while completing their student teaching and TESOL practicum.  Rich clinical experiences are offered during student teaching and the TESOL practicum. 

International students with proper visas can take NY State Education Department certification exams. See FAQS for Graduate Admissions for International Students.

Intl students- TOEFL scores above 60 or an IELTS 6 or above

Bilingual Certification Option

Eligible bilingual students can also opt to complete additional coursework to obtain the NYS Bilingual Extension via individual pathway. This additional certification enables bilingual graduates, including international students, to also apply for positions as bilingual and dual language teachers in NY public schools. This additional area of expertise is also available for non-Certification track students.

Admissions

Please view the School of Education Graduate Admission Application Requirements for detailed admission information.

  1. A Bachelor's Degree
  2. Official transcripts showing a B (3.0 GPA) or better average
  3. Proficiency in English: Students who have international academic credentials must demonstrate proficiency in English at the start of the program by passing oral language, and written reading and writing proficiency tests in English administered by the University's ESL Department.  Students who do not demonstrate adequate English language proficiency will be required to take ESL course work to bring their English language proficiency up to the required level, as recommended by the ESL Director.  Such coursework will not be used to meet a program prerequisite and will not count towards meeting the credits required for the TESOL degree.
  4. Completed application
  5. Application Fee
  6. Essay/Statement of Goals
  7. Two letters of recommendation
  8. College Transcripts demonstrating an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0

Student Resources

Courses

Career Change (36 Credits)

  • EDU 3280* Digital Literacy and Learning

Select two from the following three:

  • EDU 7135*: Current Trends, Research and Assessment in Social Studies*
  • EDU 7136*: Current Trends, Research and Assessment in Science*
  • EDU 7137*: Current Trends, Research and Assessment in Mathematics*

 

  • EDU 7195**: Teaching and Learning: Childhood*
  • EDU 7115*: Childhood Associate Teaching (taken in last 6 credits of entire program)
    OR
  • EDU 7115I*: Internship (Completed at least 21 credits and have passed all NYS General Ed exams: EAS, CST*, -all test scores sent to St. John’s) *
  • EDU 9001*: Foundations of Bilingual and Second Language Education
  • EDU 9711*: Educating and Accommodating the Needs of Individuals with Exceptionalities, K-12
  • EDU 9003*: Literacy Development for First and Second Language Learners
  • EDU 9004*: Content Area Instruction for Linguistically/Culturally Diverse Learners
  • EDU 9010*: Linguistics for Teachers of English Language (ELL) and Exceptional Learners
  • EDU 9012*: Methods of Language and Academic Assessment for English Language and Exceptional Learners
  • EDU 9014*: Practicum and Seminar in TESOL
  • EDU 9015**: The Structure of the English Language

*Courses require fieldwork

**Students may select between EDU 7195 (Teaching and Learning: Childhood) and EDU 9015 (The Structure of the English Language)

All TESOL students must have 12 credits of language other than English (or the equivalent) prior to seeking TESOL Certification.  Students must take the CST in TESOL for certification.  Students should also indicate St. John's University as a recipient of scores and submit a copy of their results to their advisor to be placed in their docket.

Career Outcomes

Graduates of the Career change program obtain two NYS certifications:  to teach Childhood Education and to teach English as a New Language (TESOL) at the early childhood, childhood, middle school, and adolescent education levels.

Teachers of ESL/ENL are sought in public and private schools, at the Pre-school level up to the 12th grade.  Graduates typically obtain teaching positions in self-contained TESOL classrooms, dual language programs and many other settings. Graduates occupy positions at public schools in various settings.  Job opportunities are enhanced by our Alumni relationships; many SOE and TESOL Program alumni occupy positions as school principals. 

The program also results in unique, extensive job mobility.  Our graduates can sometimes change grade levels within the public school system and opt to teach in other states.  Graduates can also work as curriculum developers, teach at colleges, Adult Education Centers, teach English (EFL) abroad at preK to Adult levels on a full-time basis, or part-time, during summers.

Program Contact

Interested in Education, but not sure if Childhood Education and TESOL, Master of Science in Education is right for you?

Explore opportunities at St. John's with our pathway generator.