Program Overview

The TESOL major enables students to become knowledgeable about the theories of linguistics, research on social and cultural variables that influence language acquisition, the knowledge required to facilitate and assess language instruction in content areas, and laws governing the education of children for whom English is not their native language.

Program Details

4 Year Major BS

The TESOL major is a four-year program that leads to eligibility for a Virginia teaching license for PK-12 English as a Second Language.

• Academic experiences in the TESOL major include coursework and field experiences to assist future educators as they gain knowledge and understanding of theories of language acquisition and cultural competence, models of instruction, policies and laws, and learner characteristics as they relate to the teaching and acquisition of English as a new language.
• Students completing all requirements for the TESOL major are prepared to serve as teachers of students for whom English is not their native language.

Requirements

• Students must choose a minor based on interest and consultation with their adviser.
• A variety of minors can enhance the skills and knowledge of an ESL teacher.
• The Liberal Studies Minor is included as one of the options to ensure a solid foundation in core content-related courses.
• This minor requires certain courses within the General Education curriculum that are designed specifically to fulfill subject area competencies for Virginia teachers.
• If students choose a minor other than the Liberal Studies minor, they must select from minors that are no more than 18 credit hours.

Admission Criteria

• All teacher education admission requirements are submitted through the Education Support Center.
• Students must be fully admitted into teacher education before they can register for certain designated undergraduate education courses.
• Teacher education candidates must maintain an overall GPA of 2.5 or better in the TESOL major with a minimum grade of "C."

Goals and Objectives

Program Goals

The TESOL major enables students to become knowledgeable about the theories of linguistics, research on social and cultural variables that influence language acquisition, the knowledge required to facilitate and assess language instruction in content areas, and laws governing the education of children for whom English is not their native language.

• Specific goals of the program are aligned to Virginia Department of Education licensure requirements for Professional Studies (8VAC) as well as English as a Second Language program competencies (8VAC).

Teacher Education Candidates

Teacher education candidates in the TESOL program will acquire:

• Skills in methods of teaching English as a second language to include instruction based on the World-Class Instructional Design Assessment (WIDA) English Language Development (ELD) Standards.
• Skills in designing and administering formative or classroom-based assessments and interpreting results of both formative and summative assessments, including the WIDA Access test.
• Skills in using the results of a variety of formative assessments, including performance-based assessments of oral language and writing, to direct instruction.
• Skills in ensuring that formative assessments reflect high validity and reliability for the purposes for which they are used and are appropriate for the targeted students.
• Skills in teaching test-taking skills in preparation for standardized tests.
• Skills in the teaching of reading to include phonemic awareness; pre-reading, during-reading, and post-reading strategies; vocabulary development; and guided reading.
• Ability to structure interactive tasks that engage students in using oral language to develop reading skills.
• Ability to determine students' reading levels and design instruction for multi-level classrooms by incorporating appropriate scaffolding or language supports.
• Skills in teaching grammar and syntax in the context of writing.
• Ability to model and teach editing skills and organization of writing using predominant text structures in the content areas.
• Knowledge of the effects of sociocultural variables in the instructional setting.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• Skills in providing language and cognitive support or scaffolding based on the various stages of the second language acquisition process.
• Knowledge of another language and its structure.
• Understanding of and proficiency in grammar, usage, and mechanics and their integration in writing.
• Knowledge of both general linguistics and English linguistics.

James Madison University

---

Overview:

James Madison University (JMU) is a public research university located in Harrisonburg, Virginia. It is known for its strong academic programs, vibrant student life, and beautiful campus.

---

Services Offered:

JMU offers a wide range of services to its students, including:

Academic Support:

Libraries, career planning services, tutoring, and academic advising.

Student Life:

Housing, dining, clubs and organizations, recreational activities, and student government.

Health and Wellness:

Campus health center, counseling services, and wellness programs.

Financial Aid:

Scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs.

---

Student Life and Campus Experience:

JMU boasts a vibrant and active student body with a strong sense of community. Students can expect:

Living on Campus:

A variety of residence halls and apartment-style living options.

Clubs and Organizations:

Over 300 student organizations catering to diverse interests.

Spirit and Traditions:

Strong school spirit with numerous sporting events, concerts, and other campus traditions.

Harrisonburg:

A charming town with a thriving arts and culture scene, offering opportunities for exploration and entertainment.

---

Key Reasons to Study There:

Strong Academic Programs:

JMU offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, with particular strengths in business, education, and the arts.

Vibrant Campus Life:

A lively and engaging campus environment with numerous opportunities for student involvement and personal growth.

Beautiful Campus:

A picturesque campus with modern facilities and a welcoming atmosphere.

Affordable Education:

JMU offers a relatively affordable education compared to other universities.

---

Academic Programs:

JMU offers a wide range of academic programs, including:

Undergraduate Majors:

A diverse selection of majors across various disciplines, including business, education, engineering, health sciences, and the arts.

Graduate Programs:

Master's and doctoral programs in fields such as business, education, nursing, and public administration.

Research Opportunities:

Opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to engage in research projects with faculty mentors.

Study Abroad:

Programs to study abroad in various countries around the world.