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 15 years of experience per person, and students have been drawn from more than 60 countries, including the United States. Students in our programs have a variety of teaching practicum options. They may work with students in the College’s Intensive English and Academic English Programs, programs for refugees and immigrants in Burlington, ELL 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 OnCampus + OnLine (36 credits)
MATESOL + Pre-K-12 ELL Endorsement for Licensed Teachers (36 credits)
Peace Corps Master’s International Program (36 credits)
MATESOL + Pre-K-12 ELL Teacher Licensure (46 credits)
Graduate Certificate in TESOL (24 credits) (non-degree)
TEFL/TESOL Certificate
Pre-K-12 ELL Endorsement for Licensed Teachers (18 credits)

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

A Bachelor’s Degree with a grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0 from an accredited American college or university, or its equivalent from a foreign university.
Office transcript(s) of all undergraduate and graduate work, mailed in the original sealed envelope from the issuing institution.
Two reference forms accompanied by letters of recommendation with original signatures, at least one of which should be an academic reference. (ELL Licensure applicants only: Must have one academic or employer reference–whichever is most relevant–and one from a person who has observed your work with children/adolescents in a professional setting.)
A résumé.
A one to two page essay describing your educational career objectives with particular emphasis on the following: personal and professional goals, relevant employment experience, why you wish to study at Saint Michael’s College, and your ability and commitment to undertake graduate-level education at this time.

In addition to the aforementioned, international applicants must also:
Submit an official TOEFL or other approved English language proficiency test score report (for those whom English is not a native language). The minimum score for admissions is 550 pBT
Submit an original letter of financial support.
Complete the International Applicant section of the Graduate Admission Application (for those for whom English is not a native language), I 20 forms cannot be issued without completion of this form and the supporting financial documentation.

Please note that Saint Michael’s Master’s Programs do not require the Graduate Record Exam (GRE).

Graduate TESOL Admission Procedure

Applicants can apply on-line via CollegeNet for the graduate programs in TESOL. The system allows applicants to work on their applications at their own pace and save their work to come back to at a later time. Applicants can submit essays, references, and résumés electronically, and check on the status of their application.

Reference forms are required. We recommend that applicants request references electronically through CollegeNet. However, if an applicant requires a paper reference form, one can be printed from the on-line application system. If using a printed form, evaluators should return the completed form to the applicant in a sealed envelope which then should be forwarded 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.