Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)

History and Philosophy

The Saint Michael’s College Applied Linguistics Department has provided graduate study in TESOL since 1962. The approach of the program is to offer theoretical and methodological training integrated with practical coursework, which will allow graduates to assume instructional and administrative roles in the field of English language teaching in the United States and abroad.

MATESOL faculty average more than fifteen years of experience per person, and students have been drawn from more than sixty countries, including the United States. Students in our programs have a variety of teaching practicum options. They may work with students in the School’s Intensive English and Academic English Programs, programs for refugees and immigrants in Burlington, ESOL programs for children in area public schools, or in an approved EFL (English as a Foreign Language) program overseas.

Specializations offered include:

Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (MATESOL) (36 credits)
MATESOL plus PreK – 12 ESL Teacher Licensure (51 credits)
MATESOL Plus PreK – 12 ESL Endorsement for Licensed Teachers (36 credits)
Peace Corps Master’s International Program (36 credits)
Graduate Certificate in TESOL (24 credits)
PreK – 12 ESL Endorsement for Licensed Teachers (18 credits)
TESOL Diploma Program (non-credit)

GOALS

To provide a solid foundation of current applied linguistics and second language acquisition theory and practices
To provide applied training in all areas of language instruction
To prepare graduates to assume professional roles or pursue continued graduate study
To prepare graduates with the inter-cultural competencies and sensitivity necessary to work with diverse international groups

Graduate TESOL Applicant Requirements

Applicants to the Graduate Programs in TESOL must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited American college or university, or its foreign university equivalent, with a minimum of a 3.0 G.P.A.
Applicants for whom English is not a native language should consult the Admission Procedures for International Students.

Graduate TESOL Admission Procedure

Applicants to graduate programs in TESOL will need to follow the procedure for admission as stated below or as found in the Application for Graduate Admission. Please note: International applicants should also follow Admission Procedures for International Students.

Complete the Application for Graduate Admission.
Obtain official transcripts of all relevant undergraduate and graduate course work. Have official transcripts sent to you in a sealed envelope and included with your application. (Please note: International applicants should have official transcripts sent directly from the institution to Saint Michael’s College at the address below. Program directors may require foreign academic credentials to be evaluated independently.)
Request two letters of recommendation from persons who are qualified to assess your academic and professional competence, and have them sent directly to Graduate Admissions at the address below or sent to you in a sealed envelope to be included with your application.
Submit a one- to two-page essay describing your educational career objectives with particular emphasis on the following: personal and career goals, relevant employment experience, why you wish to pursue a graduate TESOL qualification, and your ability and commitment to undertake graduate-level education at this time.
Include the application fee.

Please send all the above materials in one envelope to:
Saint Michael’s College
MATESOL Admission, Box 253
One Winooski Park,
Colchester, VT 05439

While Saint Michael’s College usually notifies applicants regarding the completeness of their files, it is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that all necessary materials are received.

Admission decisions are made by the program director and other key people in the program. Meeting applicant requirements and following admission procedures does not guarantee acceptance into the program. Applicants are notified of the admission decision after all requirements of the admission process have been satisfied.