Non-Certification Masters in ESL Education

 

At UAB, students can pursue a Master of Arts in Education (MAE) for working with adult language learners in non-K12 settings. Through this non-certification MAE, students learn to teach English as a Second Language (ESL) at language institutes and cultural centers, both in the United States and abroad. This non-certification MAE/ESL is available to students throughout Alabama via a blended approach that combines online support with a variety of delivery formats:

 

	3 courses implemented in site-based professional learning communities;
	3 courses taught during summer modules at UAB (a week plus a day);
	2 courses delivered online or in a blended fashion;
	1 course scheduled either weekly or on weekends;
	1 course based on shadowing an ESL teacher; and
	1 course structured around the practicum.

 

UAB’s learner-centered model for pursuing a non-certification MAE in ESL embodies a three-fold purpose. Its first purpose is to train educators in meeting the needs of Alabama’s growing population of adult English language learners (ELLs). Its second purpose is to deliver instruction through a standards-based, inquiry-focused approach. And, its third purpose is to ensure that quality education is available to ESL teachers of adult ELLs anywhere in the state.

By completing UAB’s non-certification MAE in ESL, graduates will obtain a master’s degree; however, they will not receive K-12 teacher certification. Although teacher certification is usually not required for teaching ESL to adult ELLs, most employers do require a completed master's degree in either ESL education or TESOL (teaching English to speakers of other languages). This non-certification MAE also qualifies graduates to teach English as a Foreign Language (EFL) at most language institutes overseas.

 

If you wish to work more effectively with adult ELLs or to obtain an MAE for teaching ELLs in language institutes here and/or abroad, you have come to the right place! Please visit our ESL website at www.ed.uab.edu/esl/, and then call or send us an email. We look forward to hearing from you and to helping you reach your goal.

 

Susan Spezzini, Ph.D., Assistant Professor

Program Coordinator—ESL Teacher Education

spezzini@uab.edu  205-934-8357