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English as a Second Language: M.T. - Master of Teaching

This part-time, online program of study allows you to earn licensure with endorsement in English as a Second Language (PreK-12).

At a Glance

Program Results

M.T. - Master of Teaching

—English as a Second Language

Initial licensure in Virginia with an endorsement in English as a Second Language preK-12.

 

Best Suited To

  • Paraprofessionals who want to earn their professional teaching licenses
  • Teachers with a provisional license who need to convert to a professional license and want to earn a master's degree while doing so
  • Recent college graduates who have determined that working in an ESL setting is the right career move

Program Type

  • Part Time

Location

  • Online

Application Deadline

Spring entry: December 1

Summer entry:

  • February 1 (early notification deadline)
  • May 1 (final deadline)

Fall entry:

  • March 1 (early notification deadline)
  • July 15 (final deadline)

About This Program

Our programs reflect the depth of our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion as we work together with our students toward actualizing a more just society. By drawing upon the expertise of experienced educators and community partners, we prepare teacher candidates to honor and grow the assets and resources that students bring to classrooms and schools. We lead with integrity, committed to student, family, and community success and well-being. We are equity-oriented teacher educators, collaborators, and innovators.

  • This program is ideal for working professionals seeking a flexible licensure program. All coursework is in an online, asynchronous format. 
  • Candidates typically take 1-2 courses per semester but will work with an advisor to develop an individual plan of study to meet their needs.
  • The Teacher Education office will work with candidates to identify school placement experiences that fit their needs. Candidates who are already working in schools may be able to meet the program requirements in their place of employment. 
  • In accordance with Virginia regulations, candidates may have the option to substitute one year of teaching on a provisional license in lieu of student teaching. 
  • The M.T. program is an initial licensure program. Teachers who already hold a professional license and wish to add an English as a Second Language endorsement can do so through one of our other offerings:

Program Overview

Admission Requirements

Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores are NOT required as part of the application process. International students must submit TOEFL or IELTS scores. Scores must not be more than 2 years old. Applicants who have or will have earned an undergraduate degree from an institution where English is the primary language of instruction do not need to provide TOEFL or IELTS scores. 
 

Additional admission requirements that apply specifically to this program are listed below:

Applicants must possess an undergraduate degree prior to matriculation. Applicants are expected to have a minimum GPA of 2.7 with a 3.0 GPA in the major, though applicants not meeting this requirement will be considered. Faculty review applications holistically and will consider academic record, goals, relevant experience, and letters of recommendation.

Applicants must demonstrate knowledge of another language and its structure. Proficiency can be demonstrated through college-level coursework, Praxis testing, or other measures.

Students may apply to the program prior to completing the language requirement. Reach out to the contact at the bottom of this page with questions about these requirements and to request a transcript review. 
 

Visit our Graduate Admission page for the full admission process.

Information for Current UVA Undergraduates
If you are a current UVA undergraduate, view our Information for Current UVA Undergraduates page for info on admission into this program.

Graduate Admission

Application for admission is made to the School of Education and Human Development Office of Admission & Enrollment. For more information about the graduate admission process, please visit our Graduate Admission page.

Graduate Admission

Coursework

To learn more about specific courses taken as part of the completion of this degree, visit the Graduate Record website. These webpages represent the official repository for academic program requirements.

Students typically take 1-2 courses per semester but will work with an advisor to develop an individual plan of study to meet their needs.

Required coursework:

  • EDLF 5160: Lifespan Development
  • EDIS 5000: Exceptional Learner
  • EDIS 5025: Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
  • EDIS 5041: Behavior Management
  • EDIS 5175: Issues in K-12 Education
  • EDIS 5270: Teaching Reading and Writing to ELs 
  • EDIS 5422: Cross Cultural Education for Diverse Learners
  • EDIS 5423: English Linguistics
  • EDIS 5424: Second Language Acquisition
  • EDIS 5428: ESL Methods
  • EDIS 5470: ESL Assessment and Curriculum Design

Students may transfer up to six credits to the M.T. program. 
 

English as a Second Language Course Descriptions

Information on courses that are part of the M.T. in English as a Second Language curriculum can be found on the UVA Graduate Record website.

Curriculum

Field Experience

The Teacher Education office will work with candidates to identify clinical experience placements that fit their needs. Candidates who are already working in schools may be able to meet the program requirements in their place of employment. 

Practicum: While enrolled in the ESL Methods course, students take a 1-credit practicum: EDIS 5868: Clinical Experience in ESL Education. The practicum is an opportunity for students to connect theory to practice while receiving targeted feedback from clinical coaches.  

Student Teaching: During the final semester of the program, students who are not teaching on a provisional license in their area of endorsement will enroll in a student teaching course: 

  • EDIS 5870: Seminar: Teaching in Diverse Contexts
  • EDIS 5888: Teaching Internship - ESL

In this full-time, semester-long internship, the intern works closely with a mentor teacher and their team, gradually assuming all classroom duties. In accordance with the Virginia regulations, candidates may have the option to substitute one year of teaching on a provisional license in lieu of student teaching. 
 

Professional Assessments and Statutory Requirements

Students must take the following professional assessment:

  • Praxis English to Speakers of Other Languages (5362)

Students will be required to complete statutory requirements, such as dyslexia awareness training and hands-on training in First Aid, CPR, and AED.
 

Additional Program Details

In 2025, the UVA School of Education and Human Development is ranked #9 for best online graduate education program in the country.

Information Sessions

All Admission Events

The school hosts a variety of admission events including information sessions and open houses for prospective students as they explore our degree program offerings. View upcoming opportunities to engage with faculty and staff.

How to Become a Teacher Virtual Information Session

  • - EDT
  • Virtual
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Program Faculty

All Program Faculty
Chris Chang-Bacon

Chris Chang-Bacon

  • Assistant Professor
April Salerno

April Salerno

  • Associate Professor of Education, General Faculty

Contact Us

Reach out to us with questions about the requirements for this program and to request a transcript review. 

Disclosures

As a member of the State Authorizations Reciprocity Agreement (SARA), the University of Virginia (UVA) is authorized to provide curriculum in a distance learning environment to students located in all states in the United States except for California. (34 CFR 668.43(a)(6)& 34 CFR 668.72(n)). Although California does not participate in SARA, it allows students to enroll in out-of-state programs.

Upon completion of the Master of Teaching program at the UVA School of Education and Human Development, graduates may be eligible for initial professional licensure in another U.S. state by applying to the licensing board or agency in that state.

Please visit the University’s state authorization web pages to make an informed decision regarding which states’ educational requirements for initial licensure are met by this program. (668.43(a)(5) (v)(A) - (C))

Enrolled students who change their current (or mailing) address to a state other than Virginia should update this information immediately in the Student Information System as it may impact their ability to complete internship, practicum, or clinical hours, use Title IV funds, or meet licensure or certification requirements in the new state. (34 CFR 668.402).