Our Approach
Multilingual learners are an incredible asset to our communities. Teachers of English as a Second Language (ESL) is a high need licensure area identified by the MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and our ESL licensure candidates have positive impacts on their students right away. CES prepares educators who lift up the strengths of these learners by enhancing cultural understanding and culturally sustaining practices in their schools. We have trained thousands of in-service and aspiring Teachers of English as a Second Language. Our experienced instructors work in the field and bring evidence based practices and empathy into their courses.
We offer a proven track record in ESL teacher preparation through:
- Coursework that prepares you to teach and elevates your teaching practice
- Convenient hybrid-online course format
- Instructors who are supportive and knowledgable
English as a Second Language (ESL) Initial Licenses (PreK-6) (5-12)
Prepares candidates for:
- Teacher of English as a Second Language (PreK-6) Initial License
- Teacher of English as a Second Language (5-12) Initial License
Candidates may come from either inside or outside the field of public education.
Prerequisites
- A Bachelors Degree
- Evidence of knowledge or study of a language other than English
Program Requirements
Enrollees of the Teacher of English as a Second Language Program will:
- Meet the MA Test for Educator Licensure (MTEL) and application requirements, including prerequisites.
- Complete required courses: Curriculum and Assessment for Teachers; Language Development and Literacy; Theory and Practice of Acquiring a Second Language; (PreK-6 only) Literacy Learning for Younger Children; (5-12 only) Literacy Learning for Pre-Adolescents and Adolescents; Reflective Practicum Seminar; Theory and Practice in Fostering Literacy in a New Language; and Theory and Practice in Sheltering Instruction. For more information about these courses, visit our Course Catalog.
- Complete the Practicum.
Passing scores on the Communication and Literacy MTELs are required with application. Endorsement in the Licensure Program is contingent upon successful completion of all the MTELs.
MTEL Requirements
- Communication and Literacy Skills Test
- English Learners Language Test (taken upon completion of all or part of the program)
A 300-hour Supervised Practicum in the role of the license sought is required. Click here to learn more about the Practicum.
Graduate Credit
All courses may be taken for graduate credit. For those interested in obtaining a graduate degree, graduate credits may be applied toward a M.Ed. – Curriculum & Teaching or a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies (CAGS), through CES’ partnership with Fitchburg State University. Graduate credit registration forms are available at the first session of each course. For more information about the Graduate Options available, click here.
Liza Manchester
Liza Manchester joined CES Licensure Programs in 2016. She is the point of contact for inquiries about the Licensure program as well as coordinates admissions, advising, and the practicum semester for all teacher licensure candidates. Liza hosts regular online information sessions about CES Teacher Licensure Programs. Prior to CES, Liza worked in community-based organizations and higher education in Rhode Island and Massachusetts.
Position: Candidate Advising and Practicum Manager
Email: lmanchester@collaborative.org
Phone: (413) 239-2398