Students walking on campus



The Master of Education in Teaching English as a Second language (M.Ed. in TESOL) is a 34-credit program designed to prepare students and professionals to teach English as a Second Language in a wide range of educational contexts, both in the U.S. and abroad. 


The program has two tracks:

  • with Pennsylvania ESL Program Specialist (PK-12) Certification.​​​ The certification track is for teachers who hold a PA instructional I or II or valid out-of-state ESL certificate and seek to obtain the ESL Program Specialist Certification.
  • without PA certification. This track is for the individuals who seek to teach ESL in higher education institutions, non public educational agencies, and abroad. 

 

Program highlights: 

  • online and blended programs
  • $516/credit tuition rate, aligned with the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) institutions
  • tuition deferment and payment plans
  • rolling admissions
  • Act 48 credits

The program is approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education and the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

TESOL Program Mission

Guided by the Alvernia University’s principles of rigor, care and inclusiveness, we strive to prepare educators who have the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to effectively and ethically teach English learning students. We aim to develop reflective practitioners committed to ongoing professional development who serve as agents of change in their educational contexts in order to empower diverse families and communities.

    The program is approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education and the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.


    The program starts on Aug. 21 & Oct. 12 in 2023; Jan. 16, Mar. 7, May 13 & July 8 in 2024.


      Read more about:


      Questions? Contact:

      Kelly Burr, M.Ed.

      Director, Graduate Enrollment

      610.796.8296 (phone),  610.796.8367 (fax)

      kelly.burr@alvernia.edu

       

      Elena Lawrick, Ph.D.

      Director, TESOL Programs

      610.796.8268

      elena.lawrick@alvernia.edu

      English as a Second Language Program
      What teachers say about our Program
      Teachers describe the program as “immeasurably valuable, engaging, real, supportive, challenging, excellent, organized effectively.” Teachers say that "the program stimulated their growth as intellectuals and educators of diverse students"
      Elana Lawrick at Reading High School
      Joining Knowledge, Love and ESL
      Through a partnership with Reading School District, Dr. Elena Lawrick - director of the TESOL & Educational Leadership Programs - works to certify educators to teach English as a second language (ESL).