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 EFL program in Morocco.

Specializations offered include:

Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (MATESOL)
MATESOL plus PreK – 12 ESL Teacher Licensure
ESL Endorsement Program for Licensed Teachers
The Peace Corps Master’s International Program
The Graduate Certificate in TESOL
The Diploma Program in TESOL (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 national 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 the 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 three 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
Graduate Admission, Box 286
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.

The Peace Corps Master’s International Program

The Applied Linguistics Department offers a master’s degree in TESOL in conjunction with the Peace Corps Master’s International Program. This option allows students who wish to serve in Peace Corps English Language Programs an opportunity to earn eight credits of MATESOL coursework during their Peace Corps service.

Prospective students must meet all admission requirements and be accepted by both the Peace Corps and by Saint Michael’s MATESOL Program.
Before entering the Peace Corps, students complete at least two semesters of course work at Saint Michael’s that include all the required courses for the master’s except for the teaching practicum (GSL 688 Practicum II).
Students then are eligible to begin their Peace Corps service as teachers of English and teacher-trainers in a variety of locations around the world.
Eight credits can be earned tuition-free during the volunteer’s period of Peace Corps service:
Practicum II – Classroom Teaching (4 credits). The Applied Linguistics Department Peace Corps Program advisor will work with students and the Peace Corps regional staff to set up procedures for monitoring, evaluating, and providing feedback on the students’ teaching, lesson planning, and materials development.
Reflective Portfolio of Peace Corps Experience (4 credits). Under the supervision of a faculty member, students will compile an in-depth reflective study of a selected aspect of his or her experience living and working as a Peace Corps volunteer in a developing country. Possible topic areas would include cultural adjustment, language learning, and language teaching.