English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Education
Bridge cultural gaps by teaching English to speakers of other languages. Empower individuals with essential communication skills, fostering personal and professional growth worldwide.
Empower Students Through Language
Have a positive influence on diverse learners and become a leader in language education. GSE’s ESOL education program is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge to teach English as a new language across early childhood, childhood and secondary U.S. educational systems.
Points of Distinction
Stand out with experience in cutting-edge research and evaluation projects, alongside hands-on field experiences. You’ll collaborate with local schools' bilingual and second language programs to gain insights and make a tangible impact in diverse educational settings.
Immerse yourself in advanced coursework and research to become a leader in the field of language education. You’ll study bilingualism and first and second language acquisition, equipping you with a comprehensive understanding of language development.
Delve into second language literacy, adolescent literacy practices and the interplay of language, literacy and culture. Explore children's and young adult literature while mastering classroom reading and second language assessment to become a versatile educator.
What is initial/professional certification? If you are seeking a master’s degree from UB and an institutional recommendation for initial and professional teacher certificates issued by the New York State Education Department, you should consider the initial/professional track. An initial teacher certificate allows you to begin teaching in public schools within New York State. The initial/professional track is typically a two-year course of study.
Prerequisite
To be eligible for this program, you must have majored in or completed 30 credit hours in one of the following areas:
› English
› Languages other than English
› Linguistics
› A speech-related field
Program Overview
| Academic credential granted | Master of Education (EdM) |
|---|---|
| Certification option | Successful completion of program leads to an institutional recommendation for NYS Initial and Professional Certification in English for Speakers of Other Languages Education |
| Grade levels | K to 12 |
| Credits required for completion | 54 |
| Time to completion | 4 to 5 full-time semesters |
| Course delivery | On campus |
| Career opportunities | English for speakers of other languages teacher |
| Experiential contact hours |
|
| Application deadline | Priority Deadlines Summer: Feb. 1, then rolling until April 15 Fall: Feb. 1, then rolling until July 15 |
Program Requirements
As we work to integrate curricular program changes, please email the Office of Educator Preparation (ubedprep@buffalo.edu) or contact an advisor (716-645-2461) to confirm requirements.
Standardized Testing No Longer Required
Beginning with the spring 2022 semester, the GRE/MAT is no longer required for application to this program. If you still plan to take the GRE/MAT exam, you can send your scores through the testing agency, and they will automatically be added to your application; however, they are not required for admission consideration to this program.
You must have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution.
Submit your completed online application, which includes:
- Application fee: A $50 non-refundable application fee, submitted electronically through UB’s ePayment system.
- Contact information for two individuals who will each be asked to provide an electronic recommendation letter.
- Unofficial transcripts from all colleges attended. (UB transcripts are automatically submitted for current UB students and alumni.)
- Personal statements: Please upload as two separate documents on your application.
- Statement one: Please outline your reasons for applying to UB’s teacher education program. Include a discussion of one or two pivotal experiences that have brought you to the profession of teaching, your professional objectives (both long- and short-term), and how the graduate program is aligned with your goals. (250 to 300 words)
- Statement two: In Multiplication is for White People: Raising Expectations for Other People’s Children (2013), Lisa Delpit wrote: “We can educate all children if we truly want to. To do so, we must first stop attempting to quantify their capacity. We must be convinced of their inherent capability, humanity, and spiritual character ... we must learn who our children are — their lived cultures; their interests; and their intellectual, political, and historical legacies.”
Discuss how these ideas resonate with your personal or prior experiences. Then explain how they align with your personal and professional values, especially when it comes to engaging with diverse communities and student populations. (400 to 500 words)
- Applicants to the master’s degree program (professional certification) must have applied for, or received, New York State initial teacher certification in the matching certification area. If the application for teacher certification is in process, proof of such application must be submitted. If you are already certified, a copy of your proof of teacher certification is required.
Former/Birth Name: Please provide us with your former/birth name if you have one. When requesting transcripts, please ask the sending institution to indicate your current name and former/birth name.
Admissions Decision: The admissions decision will be communicated to you as soon as review is complete. The decision is based on a number of factors and is the result of a thorough and deliberate process. All decisions are final and cannot be appealed.
Dignity for All Students Act Requirement
The New York State Education Department (NYSED) Dignity for All Students Act (DASA) requires that all students applying for certification as of December 31, 2013 have 6 hours of coursework or training on the social patterns of harassment, bullying and discrimination. As mandated by NYSED six clock hours of training in harassment, bullying, and discrimination prevention and intervention. This workshop is available through the University at Buffalo as well as other NYSED-approved providers. If you have already completed a workshop through a NYSED-approved provider, you must submit proof of completion when you apply.
Students with Disabilities Requirement
The New York State Education Department requires three semester hours of study in the area of students with disabilities for those who are entering the teacher education programs. If you have not yet fulfilled this requirement, you may take our students with disabilities course (LAI 574).
In-State Residency Tuition
To qualify for the in-state residency tuition rate, you must provide residency documentation indicating you have lived in New York State (NYS) 12 months before your semester start date.
If accepted, you will need to upload three documents to qualify for the in-state tuition rate. See Required Documents for Residency Application for more information.
International Applicant Additional Requirements
- Official original proof of your degree
- A course-by-course transcript evaluation by a NACES member organization
- A copy of your passport biographical page
- Official test scores—dated within two years of submitting your application—for either the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) or PTE (Pearson Test of English) Academic.
- TOEFL minimum score is 250 for computer-based test, 600 for paper-based test and 96 for internet-based test
- IELTS minimum score is 7.0 overall
- PTE minimum score is 55 overall
- Financial documentation: International graduate applicants must document their ability to pay for all costs incurred while studying in the U.S.
- An official bank statement
All financial forms and supporting documentation with required signatures must be uploaded with your application and dated within one year of your intended enrollment date.
Graduates of this program go on to become:
- English for speakers of other languages teachers