Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages

New York is a state that speaks many languages. We need teachers who can find the common ground.

The MS in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Program helps NYS-certified PreK-12 teachers more effectively teach and communicate with a diverse student population.

Academically rigorous and practice-intensive, the 33-credit program includes 5-15 hours of fieldwork embedded in each course and at least 10 days or 50 hours of supervised student teaching experience. Candidates that complete all coursework, fieldwork, and student teaching requirements are eligible for recommendation for ESL certification.

What You’ll Learn

Each course tackles a distinct aspect of teaching English Language Learners, from curriculum development in a multicultural context to general and special education student assessment to sociolinguistics and second language acquisition. We explore the impact of cultural and language diversity on individual learning and community development.

Our goal is to train teachers to create effective, responsive learning environments where all students can thrive.

Online courses are available, and students can transfer up to twelve credits from previous graduate-level study toward our requirements. Students pursuing an Advanced Certificate in TESOL may apply their credits toward the Master’s degree. Completion of the program makes you eligible for New York State certification as a TESOL teacher for PreK-12.

If you have questions about our admissions requirements, certification guidelines, or transfer credits, feel free to contact us.

Ariana Vargas is a Mexican-Peruvian American who grew up in a predominantly Hispanic community, where she observed firsthand the challenges faced by students learning English as a new language. Despite these challenges, she found the experience deeply rewarding. Now, as a teacher in that same community, she is passionate about her work and finds joy in every moment of teaching.

Touro University has given me the tools and resources to not only be a good educator but be one that is always ready to learn. Ariana Vargas, Touro University TESOL Candidate

Touro University TESOL candidate Ariana Vargas’ Video on using WIDA in her teaching