The MA in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL, formerly the MA in Teaching English as a Second Language) degree is designed to prepare educators to teach the English language to English Language Learners (ELLs) in K-12 classrooms in the U.S., as well as students in countries where English is not a primary language.
Teachers will acquire knowledge about theory and concepts in second language acquisition and be equipped with methodological skills to teach English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL). Informed by constructivist approaches to teaching and learning, teachers will develop the abilities to design curriculum and assessments that meet specific standards for different learning situations in countries and cultures around the world.
The coursework in the MA in TESOL program meets the standards defined by Specialized Professional Associations (SPA) and is nationally recognized by the Council for the Accreditation of Education Preparation (CAEP) for Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) to prepare teachers to teach English as a Second or Foreign Language (ESL or EFL).
“Our goal is to be more mindful of equity by reducing the program costs associated with textbooks, and to include more readings reflective of the diversity of the teachers we seek to recruit into the program and reflective of the diversity of the language learners they will encounter in their classrooms.”
Professor and director of the GELT Institute
Global opportunities
Webster University's worldwide context allows interaction with learners from around the world through online education and/or study at one of the university's many international campuses.
Choose from one of the three areas of emphasis
This emphasis will qualify you to teach and support English learners in K-12 public schools in Missouri. It includes Missouri ELL Certification and requires that you already have initial teaching certification for public schools in Missouri.
This emphasis will prepare you to teach English in community colleges and universities in the United States and be ready to advance your career internationally in countries where English is not a primary language. It allows candidates to also receive their TEFL Certificate, which is highly valued in the international market.
This emphasis is internationally recognized and granted by Webster University. It will qualify you to teach English as a foreign language (TEFL). It also includes the TEFL Certificate, which is highly valued in the international market.
This emphasis is currently offered at Webster’s campuses in Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Athens.
“Being a tutor with SLC was one of the most rewarding opportunities of my life. This experience helped me deepen my passion for teaching.”
MA in TESL, '21, Fulbright Scholar
Student Literacy Corps in St. LouisGet Started on Your Program
Take the next step toward earning your degree. We are here to help.
Explore
Learn more about our academic programs and our main campus and locations.
Engage
Connect with our admissions counselors and academic advisors.
Apply
Apply to Webster and take the next steps for financial aid and scholarships.