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Education

English as a Second Language (5-12)

License-only program for Initial teacher license (5-12): on-campus program

Make a difference in the lives of English language learners.

Today’s student bodies are linguistically diverse, with English language learners in three out of every four classrooms. With a license in English as a Second Language, you'll prepare to teach effectively in multilingual middle and high school classrooms. You’ll also increase your marketability, gaining an edge as a culturally competent teacher who can put learning and language into context.

In this program, you’ll explore culturally-responsive teaching and your own cultural identity. You’ll take courses in linguistics and language acquisition, as well as activity-based courses that meet national TESOL standards. Study literacy and literature as well as content areas in the context of teaching ELLs. How to distinguish learning disabilities from language differences. And through self-reflection and examination of multiple perspectives, you'll emerge as an effective and compassionate educator. 

Apply what you've learned by immersing yourself in a student teaching opportunity. Throughout every step of your experience, you’ll receive personalized attention and feedback from faculty who are experienced practitioners, members of professional literacy organizations, and are engaged in important work at the intersection of policy and practice.

At the end of your program, you’ll be prepared for a rewarding career in the 21st century classroom. Come study with dedicated faculty at the place that educates more teachers than anyone else in New England. You'll benefit from the reputation of a school with exceptional programs in Massachusetts, where school principals prefer to hire Lesley graduates and believe they're the most prepared for the classroom. (Source: Radius Global Market Research, 2017)

Graduate Program Inquiry Form

Program Structure

Full-time or part-time on-campus or off-campus program

24 Credits
Gain Skills and Expertise
Our English as a Second Language license-only program prepares you to:
$86,755
Average salary for teachers in Massachusetts (2021-2022), according to the National Education Association.
#1
Superintendents and other hiring managers across Massachusetts prefer to hire Lesley graduates, reporting that they are best prepared to enter the classroom on day one. (Source: Radius Global Market Research)
Top Schools
Massachusetts ranks as the best state to be a teacher, with some of the highest performing schools and best salaries in the country, according to US News.
faculty laura schall-leckrone
Reading & Literacy
Laura Schall-Leckrone
Laura was a bilingual teacher, a Spanish teacher, and K–12 curriculum director in urban and suburban settings before becoming a professor. Her current work focuses on preparing teachers to teach linguistically diverse youth, and she is engaged in research with high school history teachers aimed at teaching bilingual learners skills of civic engagement. She publishes and presents frequently on ESL and TESOL subjects.
The degree employers are looking for.
Lesley graduates go on to rewarding careers in public and private schools, charter schools, and beyond. That's because our programs are ranked #1 for preparing teachers with the skills Massachusetts employers are seeking, including:
Important Licensure Information

All Lesley University educator licensure programs comply with current Massachusetts educational requirements, as specified. In addition, Massachusetts participates in the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC) Interstate Agreement, which makes it possible for an educator to have their Massachusetts license/s recognized across the United States. Depending on your professional goals, where you reside or plan to teach, and the licensure structures that exist within that state, there are diverse pathways to licensure that may be relevant. In accordance with Lesley University’s institutional participation in SARA (State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement) and with federal regulations, Lesley University strongly encourages prospective applicants who intend to pursue licensure in a state other than Massachusetts review the Lesley University Licensure and Credentialing page for more information.

Faculty

Total approximate cost for this license-only program. Tuition and fees are for the 2023–2024 academic year.
English as a Second Language (5-12)
  • Tuition
    Online Tuition: $750/credit x 18
    $13,500
    On-Campus Tuition: $925/credit x 6
    $5,550
  • Fees
    Field Experience Fee
    $850
    Map ePortfolio Fee
    $200
    Comprehensive Fee
    $600
  • Total
Estimated Cost

All graduate students are reviewed for merit scholarships through the admissions process and are awarded at the time of acceptance. Other forms of financial aid are also available. Review all graduate tuition and fees, and what they cover. Tuition and fees are subject to change each year, effective in the Summer term.

  • Tuition
    Online Tuition: $562.50/credit x 18
    $10,125
    On-Campus Tuition: $693.75/credit x 6
    $4,163
  • Fees
    Field Experience Fee
    $850
    MAP ePortfolio Fee
    $200
    Comprehensive Fee
    $600
  • Total
Estimated Cost

All graduate students are reviewed for merit scholarships through the admissions process and are awarded at the time of acceptance. Other forms of financial aid are also available. Review all graduate tuition and fees, and what they cover. Tuition and fees are subject to change each year, effective in the Summer term.

  • Tuition
    Online Tuition: $750/credit x 18
    $13,500
    Off-Campus Tuition: $750/credit x 6
    $4,500
  • Fees
    Field Experience Fee
    $850
    MAP ePortfolio Fee
    $200
    Comprehensive Fee
    $600
  • Total
Estimated Cost

All graduate students are reviewed for merit scholarships through the admissions process and are awarded at the time of acceptance. Other forms of financial aid are also available. Review all graduate tuition and fees, and what they cover. Tuition and fees are subject to change each year, effective in the Summer term.

Apply Now

Ready to get started? We're here to make the application process as smooth as possible. Just answer a few quick questions, and get your customized application requirements.

Your degree is an investment, and we're committed to ensuring its value. That's why we offer the best teacher education in Massachusetts at competitive tuition rates.
We'll help ensure your degree is as affordable as possible. Use our step-by-step guide to apply for federal and university funding. Scholarships, grants, Work-Study, and loans. It’s all right here.

Next steps to apply

Ready to get started? We're here to make the application process as smooth as possible. Just answer a few quick questions, and get your customized application requirements.