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

The outlined field experience for EDDN 635 Curriculum Development and Classroom Management in the Technology Era is AI-resistant because it involves components that require direct human interaction, practical observation, and context-specific reflection that cannot be adequately replicated or performed by AI. Here’s a detailed breakdown of why this field experience ensures the authenticity of candidates’ engagement:

1. Dual Observational Role
   Classroom Observation: Observing educators working with English Language Learners (ELLs) or bilingual students requires attention to the nuances of teaching strategies, classroom dynamics, and student interactions.
   Library Observation: Observing how technology supports literacy development in a library setting involves recognizing non-verbal interactions, how students engage with resources, and the librarian’s role—all tasks requiring human presence and contextual understanding.
2. Interviews with ICT Specialists and Educators
   Conducting interviews demands human interaction skills, including the ability to ask follow-up questions, interpret verbal and non-verbal cues, and build rapport with interviewees.
   The responses gained from interviews are context-dependent and tied to the unique policies, practices, and challenges of the specific school or district, further grounding the experience in local realities.
3. Reflection and Synthesis
   Reflection Paper: Writing a paper based on observations and interviews requires critical thinking, personal insights, and the ability to synthesize information from varied experiences. This process is inherently human and tied to individual perspectives.
   Multimedia Presentation: Creating a presentation involves selecting and interpreting data, integrating visuals, and crafting a narrative that demonstrates deep understanding. These tasks necessitate creativity and critical analysis unique to the candidate.
4. Time Log and Deliverables
   Keeping a time log and taking observation notes are tasks tied to the candidate’s direct presence and engagement in specific activities. AI cannot generate authentic records of these experiences.
   The requirement for notes, interviews, and multimedia outputs ensures that the candidate participates actively and generates original content based on their unique experiences.
5. Practical, Contextual Learning
   Observing technology use in real classrooms and libraries exposes candidates to the complex, real-world application of digital tools. This type of learning requires adaptability, contextual awareness, and the ability to assess practical challenge.
6. TESOL and Digital Education Principles
   The experience aligns with principles of TESOL and digital education, emphasizing the strategic integration of technology to meet linguistic and academic needs. Candidates must demonstrate their ability to observe, analyze, and apply these principles in a practical, context-specific manner.
   
   The EDDN 635 field experience is rooted in direct, human-centric engagement with educators, students, and environments. It emphasizes real-world interaction, critical reflection, and contextualized learning—all elements that demand active participation and cannot be substituted with AI tools. The requirement for personalized insights and tangible deliverables ensures that candidates engage meaningfully, fostering skills and knowledge essential for their professional growth in TESOL and digital education.

Ivelisse Martinez has a bachelor’s degree in Education from Brooklyn College and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in TESOL at Touro University. She is passionate about empowering young learners, particularly those learning English as a second language. Inspired by her own teachers as a child, she sees a reflection of herself in many of her students, understanding firsthand the challenges and joys of learning a new language. As a former ELL, her goal is to inspire and support the next generation of learners on their educational journey.

Teaching is a way of giving back the inspiration and support you once received, guiding others to see their potential and know that every challenge is a stepping stone toward success.

Ivelisse Martinez, Touro University TESOL Candidate