Dedicated, compassionate teachers of English as a second language (ESL) are critical to the success of students in Puerto Rico and beyond. Learn how to teach ESL, and you’ll empower English learners to succeed in the classroom, their careers and daily life.
Modality
Teaching English as a Second Language Program Overview
The Teaching English as a Second Language Master of Education degree is based on nationally recognized research-based models for teaching students in grades PreK-6, 5-12 and adult levels.
Graduates may request recertification from the Department of Education of Puerto Rico if they already possess certifications in other areas and are qualified to teach English as a second language in public and private schools.
Based in Puerto Rico, classes and coursework are on-campus and online.
Teaching ESL Program Highlights and Learning Outcomes
Take the next step toward a rewarding career working with English language learners. The Teaching English as a Second Language Master’s degree prepares you for this fast-growing field in a flexible, affordable graduate format that’s perfect for adult learners.
Teachers of English as a second language create learning environments that empower English learners to succeed in the classroom, in their careers, and in day-to-day life. Dedicated, compassionate ESL teachers are critical to the success of these students in Puerto Rico and elsewhere in the United States.
When you complete this master’s degree, you’ll:
- Understand what it means to acquire a language
- Be aware of the cultural factors that affect your academic achievements
- Grasp current theories, research, and best practices for English literacy
- Use research-based methodology to help English language learners master the language
- Know how to use Sheltered English Instruction (SEI) strategies
- Be ready to plan a curriculum, teach effectively, manage your classroom, and promote equality
Choose Cambridge College at Bay Path University for Your Master of Teaching English as a Second Language
- Career-focused learning: This program is designed for educators who want to get to know their students and help them learn. Learning is personalized through independent projects that prepare you to be informed, compassionate and committed English as a second language teachers.
- Language: Classroom instruction is in Spanish and coursework is in Spanish and English.
- Experienced faculty: Our faculty are professionals with extensive knowledge of language acquisition and the cultural factors that affect learning. They are also experienced in using best practices in the classroom.
- Flexible, hybrid course options: Four classes per term are taught on-campus, typically on weekends; the rest of the classwork is completed online (asynchronously). This allows you to earn your master’s degree while balancing work and family time.
- Great location: Our classroom location in Puerto Rico is close to public transportation and provides year-round free parking for students.
- Exceptional value: Cambridge College at Bay Path University is one of the most affordable four-year private nonprofit colleges in the United States, offering lower tuition and greater value for your education.
English as a Second Language Tuition Information
*See curriculum sheet for a breakdown of credits and credit ranges.
Course List
Classes for the Master’s degree in Teaching English as a Second Language include:
- Sheltered Instruction and Assessment
- Second Language Acquisition and Culture
- Technology for Linguistically Diverse Classrooms
Curriculum for Specialization in Teaching English as a Second Language, MEd
Careers in Teaching English as a Second Language
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for adult basic and secondary education and ESL teachers was $58,590 in May 2022.* In Puerto Rico, the annual mean salary was $34,470.**
English learners are a growing group of students in the United States. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, approximately 10.3 percent of all public school students in the United States are English language learners.
$58,590
Median annual wage for ESL teachers in the United States*
$34,470
Mean annual salary for ESL teachers in the Puerto Rico**
*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Adult Basic and Secondary Education and ESL Teachers, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/adult-literacy-and-ged-teachers.htm (visited November 20, 2023).
**Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and English as a Second Language Instructors https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes253011.htm#st (visited November 20, 2023).
Jobs Teaching English as a Second Language
Our graduates are teachers of English as a second language in schools, higher education, professional settings and more. As an ESL teacher, you could pursue a fulfilling career as a:
- English language teacher
- Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) instructor
- English tutor
- Interpreter and translator