Multilingual education for working professionals MEd
This program is designed for practicing English as a second language (ESL) or world/classical language teachers who wish to earn a Minnesota teaching license in ESL or a world/classical language or for non-licensed district staff with bachelor’s degrees, including paraprofessionals, educational assistants, substitute/reserve teachers, and teachers on a district waiver. This part-time program allows you to continue employment with your current temporary license while enrolled in your courses. The license to teach in Minnesota is highly transferable to other states and our candidates are sought after by local school districts.
Quote from Yangyang Liu
I felt very supported by the faculty in this program. They were great about communicating the projects and finding ways to serve the needs of working professionals.
About the program
Master of education
This program includes two components: teaching licensure to be an ESL or world language teacher in Minnesota and a Master of Education degree.
Combining an MEd with your teaching license offers the following advantages:
- Teachers with a master's degree are regarded as experts in their field, making you a more competitive job candidate with an MEd.
- Teachers who have a master's degree will see a roughly $7,000 annual salary increase [Teacher.org ]
- Though the salary increase with a master's degree will vary by district and state, Minnesota teachers are on the higher end of the pays cale.
- Once a teacher is employed, there is much more mobility that comes with a master's degree. Teachers with advanced degrees can be promoted to school administration positions and can become mentors to other teachers based upon their graduate training.
Related programs
Already licensed to teach another subject? You can pursue an additional teaching license in English as a second language or an additional licensure in a classical/world language.
Interested in teaching at an immersion school? See our elementary education license for dual language and immersion programs.
Timeline
Evening, online, and summer courses are available to complete the licensure coursework on a part-time basis while teaching. Enrollment is offered for the fall, spring, and summer. In addition to the required courses, students also need to complete 100 hours of classroom observation at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. After completing 100 hours of classroom observation, you will have a 12-week, full-time continuous student teaching experience as required by the state of Minnesota.
While it usually takes two years for working professional students to complete the licensure study, it may vary according to how many courses students can take per term.
Curriculum
You can earn a license in more than one second language area, including ESL, world language, and classical language. The coursework will cover core teaching practices including leading discussion, assessments, technology in education, supporting linguistically diverse students, and developing skills to meet the needs of all learners.
View the curriculum in the course catalog under Requirements > Program Sub-Plan Requirements > Second Language Education for working professionals.
How to apply
Application deadline and instructions
Priority deadline to apply:
- July 1 for fall enrollment
- November 1 for spring enrollment
- December 15 for summer enrollment
A bachelor's degree and 2.80 GPA is required. You must either be currently employed as a FLES or secondary language teacher in a non-immersion K-12 public school OR you need a strong recommendation from a practicing secondary language teacher.
To ensure you have the required prerequisites to enter the program, please get your transcript pre-checked by the academic adviser, Michelle McElroy before applying.
All international students are required to send in an official transcript for review. We accept any NACES course-by-course evaluation. The evaluation needs to be sent to the following address:
125 Peik Hall
159 Pillsbury Drive SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455
Request information
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