Teaching English to speakers of other languages

Master of Education

Language goes beyond words. It’s the foundation of how we communicate, form relationships and participate in society. It’s also the pathway for absorbing information in school and the workplace and reading for enjoyment.

In helping educators develop more engaging classroom and lesson plans, Mizzou Online's master of education (M Ed) in learning, teaching and curriculum program with a concentration in teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL) centers around the significance of these life experiences. Geared toward current and aspiring English as a second language (ESL)/English as a foreign language (EFL) teachers in K–12 and more settings, the program holistically explores the process of language acquisition — from the sounds and sequence of words to strengthening speaking, reading and writing skills.

This lens, coupled with a focus on pedagogy and curriculum development, equips teachers to think past grammar and sentence structure and build empowering, equitable environments that set all learners up for success. Toward this goal, they understand how to celebrate students’ diverse backgrounds, introduce contextual language usage and effectively incorporate technology into their lessons.

About the Online Master's in TESOL Program

We live in an increasingly globalized society. While many discuss this development in the context of business, this gradual shift has opened up positions for English language instructors close to home and abroad.

Opportunities include:

• K–12 schools often guide early introductions to the English language, including in ESL classrooms and as ESL learners are mainstreamed
• Adults new to living in the United States sign up for English language classes to improve their fluency and access additional career opportunities
• Overseas, learning English sets many individuals up for international careers with high-earning potential

Mizzou built the online M Ed in TESOL program around all three types of career paths. Wherever you intend to teach, its curriculum:

• Advances your knowledge and practical skills for teaching English as a second or foreign language
• Delves into the broader context of language as a communication tool
• Offers greater insight into the cultural and linguistic characteristics of English language learners
• Highlights research as a tool for developing assessments, lessons and curricula
• Benefits from the expertise and perspectives of faculty-researchers who actively contribute to the fields of applied linguistics, intercultural communication, cultural anthropology and education
• Graduates responsive scholars and practitioners prepared to help English language learners from childhood into adulthood acquire varying degrees of proficiency
• Creates a collaborative, encouraging environment for instructors from all over the world