Master of Arts in Teaching with Initial Licensure: K-12 ESL

MAT Program Overview

Designed for working adults, this degree program provides initial licensure leading to a master’s degree in a supportive learning environment. Faculty have K-12 experience and a commitment to helping you become a successful teacher. Learn hands-on applications in an integrated curriculum focusing on urban, multicultural issues.

Field placements are integrated throughout the program so you practice what you learn in your courses as you progress toward full-time student teaching. You will develop the skills, content, and confidence to be a highly qualified teaching professional. Graduate education classes typically meet once a week in the evening. Some daytime classes are also available. You may attend the program on a full-time or part-time basis, according to your preferred pace of study.

After successfully completing the courses listed in an individually-developed course planner, students apply for acceptance to student teaching. Upon successful completion of the license requirements, students are recommended for state licensure. Students must maintain a 3.0 overall GPA and earn a B- or higher in all licensure courses. Refer to the student handbook for program details and requirements.

There is a 7-year limit for students to complete licensure requirements, including passing student-teaching and applying for MN licensure. A student has an additional 7 years to complete the MAT degree.

State Testing Requirements

• MTLE: NES Essential Academic Skills Test (see your advisor for equivalents) 
• MTLE: Elementary K-6 or Secondary Pedagogy 5-12 (sub test 1 and sub test 2)
• MTLE: English as a Second Language K-12 (sub test 1 and sub test 2)

Pedagogy Requirements - Initial License, K-12

• GED 7801 - Introduction to Advanced Teacher Thinking
• GED 7815 - Schools and Society
• GED 7825 - Educational Psychology
• GED 7862 - Education and Cultural Diversity
• GED 7867 - Theory to Practice
• GED 7871 - Teaching Literacy in the Middle and Secondary School 5-12 (ESL licensure candidates meet this requirement through ESL content courses)
• GED 7872 - Exceptionality
• GED 7888 - English Learners in the Mainstream (ESL licensure candidates meet this requirement through ESL content courses)
• GED 7050 - Student Teaching Seminar
• GED 7896 - Student Teaching K-12

Methods Requirements - ESL

• GED 7878 - Teaching ESL and World Languages in K-12 Part I
• ESL 7776 - ESL Methods Part II

Content Requirements - ESL

ESL candidates must have one year (two semesters) of college foreign language courses or two years at the high school level. Non-native English speakers are exempt as it is assumed they learned English as a second language.

• ESL 8100 - Linguistics for Language Teachers
• ESL 8110 - Language and Society
• ESL 8120 - Pedagogical Grammar and Discourse
• ESL 8130 - Exploring Learner Language and Second Language Acquisition
• ESL 7753 - Testing & Evaluation of English Language Learners
• ESL 7770 - Critical Praxis in TESOL

Degree Completion Requirements

• GED 8400 - Research Design