UAB offers three options for pursuing a Master of Arts in Education (MAE) for the teaching of English as a Second Language (ESL): a traditional MAE with Class A certification for teaching ESL in grades N-12; an alternative MAE with Class A certification for teaching ESL in grades N-12; and a non-certification MAE for teaching ESL (or EFL) to adult learners.
| Traditional MAE/ESL | Alternative MAE/ESL | |
| Non-certification MAE/ESL | Non-certification MAE/EFL | |
UAB provides courses for preparing teachers to pursue ESL certification through the ALSDE's new Certification By Test (CBT) route.
| ESL Certification via the Certification by Test (CBT) route | |
UAB's ESL courses can also serve teachers in renewing or reinstating their certifications in other teaching fields such as elementary, early childhood, secondary, and/or special education.
| Certification Renewal | |
UAB also provides opportunities to teachers who already have an MAE/ESL (and Class A certification) for pursuing an Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) degree and/or Class AA certification in the teaching field of their Class B teacher certification with a focus on ESL.
| Ed.S. in Elementary/Early Childhood | Ed.S. in a Single Teaching Field | |
| Class AA in Elementary/Early Childhood | Class AA in a Single Teaching Field | |
Master of Arts in Education (MAE) with Class A Certification for Teaching ESL(N-12):
-
Traditional MAE/ESL: Teachers with an ALSDE Class B
certification in another
teaching
field (elementary, secondary, or special education) must complete the MAE/ESL
with Class A certification in order to become certified to
teach ESL in grades K-12.
Planning Guide | Advising Form | Course Map | Internship
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Alternative MAE/ESL: This alternative MAE is
also called the Alternative Master's Program (AMP), the
Alternative Teacher Education Program (ATEP), and the
Fifth-year Program. Prospective ESL teachers with a bachelor's
degree in English or a foreign language (or the 32/19 equivalency of
coursework) must complete the Alternative MAE with Class A ESL
certification in order to become certified to teach ESL in K-12.
Planning Guide | Advising Form | Course Map | Field Experiences | Student Teaching
Master of Arts in Education (MAE) for Non-K12 ESL/EFL Teaching (NET):
-
Non-Certification MAE/ESL:
Although certification is usually not required for teaching adult
ELLs, most employers require a completed master's
degree in ESL Education or in TESOL. UAB’s non-certification MAE program
entails a 300-hour practicum with adult ELLs. Completers receive a
master’s degree, but they do not receive K-12 teacher certification.
This degree will also qualify graduates to teach English as a Foreign
Language at most language institutes overseas.
Planning Guide | Advising Form | Course Map | Practicum -
Non-Certification MAE/EFL:
International Students whose first language is not English will
follow this course plan for an MAE in EFL (English as a Foreign
Language). The MAE/EFL has been tailored to include language
development courses in oral and written communication for a two-year
course of study. This MAE also entails a 300-hour practicum with
adult ELLs.
Information Flyer
ESL Certification through the Certification by Test (CBT) route:
-
Certification by Test (CBT):
UAB courses prepare teachers for the ESOL Praxis. Prior to
enrolling, prospective CBT candidates should consult with UAB's ESL
program coordinator regarding courses that may also apply towards an
advanced degree in elementary or secondary education. For more
information about the CBT (also called the Additional Teaching Field
Approach), teachers should consult the ALSDE
website.
Information about the CBT | ALSDE's CBT application
Certification Renewal (in other teaching fields):
- Certification Renewal: By taking EESL 610, EESL 613, EESL 620 and/or EESL 630, many teachers have successfully renewed their certification in elementary/early childhood education, secondary education, and/or special education. Moreover, the same courses that are taken for certification renewal can also serve towards an MAE in ESL. NOTE: Teachers with lapsed certification should consult the ALSDE (http://www.alsde.edu).
Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) or Class AA in Elementary or Early Childhood Education:
-
Ed.S. in Elementary or Early Childhood Education:
Teachers with Class B
certification in elementary
and/or early childhood education and also an MAE/ESL with Class A
certification in ESL may pursue a 33-hour Ed.S. in elementary or
early childhood education through a program that includes several
courses with an ESL focus.
- Class AA Certification in Elementary or Early Childhood Education: Teachers with Class B Certification in elementary and/or early childhood education may pursue Class AA Certification in the teaching field of their Class B certificate through a program that includes several courses with an ESL focus.
Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) in Elementary or Secondary Education:
-
Ed.S. in a Single Teaching Field: Teachers
with Class B Certification in a single teaching field (math,
science, language arts, social studies) and also an
MAE/ESL with Class A certification in ESL may pursue a 34-hour Ed.S.
in the teaching field of their Class B certificate through a program
that includes several courses with an ESL focus.
- Class AA Certification in a Single Teaching Field: Teachers with Class B certification in a single teaching field (math, science, language arts, social studies) may pursue Class AA Certification in the teaching field of their Class B certificate through a program that includes several courses with an ESL focus.