Eastern University Launches Online M. Ed. in Multicultural Education Program with ESL/TESOL

ST. DAVIDS, Pa., May 24 /PRNewswire/ -- On March 10, 2010, Eastern University's Loeb School of Education received approval from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education to launch an Online M. Ed. in Multicultural Education for students who want to work with individuals of different language backgrounds.  The first cohort-based Online M. Ed. in Multicultural Education for students interested in English as a second language (ESL) and teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL) will begin Fall 2010. The ESL/TESOL courses (15 credits) will be offered first as an option for ESL certification or TESOL concentration to find a teaching job before finishing the program, or students can choose to continue to complete the last 15 credits to obtain a master's degree. 

"The Eastern University cohort-based Online M. Ed. in Multicultural Education with ESL/TESOL provides students with a thorough understanding of ESL teaching methods and develops practical teaching ability," said Monir Atta-Alla, Director of the Online M. Ed. in Multicultural Education program. "Students can complete the master's degree (30 credits) in five consecutive semesters.  Graduates may choose to apply for teaching jobs in the United States and internationally."

The cohort-based Online M. Ed. in Multicultural Education with ESL/TESOL is committed to preparing professionals to work effectively with people from all cultural backgrounds, and to provide English instruction to English learners in the United States and the world.  The ESL track is offered for students who are planning to teach ESL in Pennsylvania public schools.  Educators can add ESL certification to their existing Pennsylvania teaching certification in elementary education, reading, English, or foreign languages.  The entire program will be delivered through online instruction except for field experience that will be completed on ground under the supervision of a qualified supervisor.  Additionally, students will be able to complete ESL certification in the first three semesters, which will be counted toward the M. Ed.

"We are excited about offering the online program to those who have a passion to teach English to speakers of other languages in the United States and the world. Students from diverse cultural and language backgrounds will work and learn from each other," said Heewon Chang, Chair of Graduate Education.  "To make this real-life cultural exchange possible, students are expected to take two courses each semester and stay with their cohort throughout the program."

Students who are interested in teaching English to children and adults of other languages locally and globally can choose the TESOL track.  This entire program is delivered through online instruction and students will be able to complete the TESOL coursework in the first three semesters, which will be counted toward the M. Ed. coursework.  Additionally, students can participate in an optional four-week summer language enhancement program on the Philadelphia college campus of Eastern University in St. Davids, PA.

Upon completion of the program, graduates will be able to demonstrate comprehension of the complexity of cultural and linguistic diversity and its implications for student achievement; apply curricula, methodologies, and evaluation strategies best suited for students of diverse cultural and language backgrounds; reflect critically on their own assumptions and practices as a basis for personal transformation and vision creation that will benefit the student community; instruct English effectively to speakers of other languages; and demonstrate leadership skills that promote educational equity for a diverse population.

About Eastern University:

Eastern University is a Christian university of the arts and sciences located at 1300 Eagle Road, St. Davids, PA.  Eastern enrolls approximately 4,000 students and integrates its core values of faith, reason and justice into all of its undergraduate, graduate, professional, urban, Seminary and international programs.  Visit www.eastern.edu

SOURCE Eastern University