Dedicated, compassionate teachers of English as a second language (ESL) are critical to the success of students in Puerto Rico and beyond. Learn how to teach ESL, and you’ll empower English learners to succeed in the classroom, their careers and daily life.
Modality
Teaching English as a Second Language Program Overview
The Teaching English as a Second Language Master of Education degree is based on nationally recognized research-based models for teaching students in grades PreK-6, 5-12 and adult levels.
Graduates may request recertification from the Department of Education of Puerto Rico if they already possess certifications in other areas and are qualified to teach English as a second language in public and private schools.
Based in Puerto Rico, classes and coursework are on-campus and online.
Teaching ESL Program Highlights and Learning Outcomes
Take the next step toward a rewarding career working with English language learners. The Teaching English as a Second Language Master’s degree prepares you for this fast-growing field in a flexible, affordable graduate format that’s perfect for adult learners.
Teachers of English as a second language create learning environments that empower English learners to succeed in the classroom, in their careers, and in day-to-day life. Dedicated, compassionate ESL teachers are critical to the success of these students in Puerto Rico and elsewhere in the United States.
When you complete this master’s degree, you’ll:
- Understand what it means to acquire a language
- Be aware of the cultural factors that affect your academic achievements
- Grasp current theories, research, and best practices for English literacy
- Use research-based methodology to help English language learners master the language
- Know how to use Sheltered English Instruction (SEI) strategies
- Be ready to plan a curriculum, teach effectively, manage your classroom, and promote equality
Choose Cambridge College for Your Master of Teaching English as a Second Language
- Career-focused learning: This program is designed for educators who want to get to know their students and help them learn. Learning is personalized through independent projects that prepare you to be informed, compassionate and committed English as a second language teachers.
- Language: Classroom instruction is in Spanish and coursework is in Spanish and English.
- Experienced faculty: Our faculty are professionals with extensive knowledge of language acquisition and the cultural factors that affect learning. They are also experienced in using best practices in the classroom.
- Flexible, hybrid course options: Four classes per term are taught on-campus, typically on weekends; the rest of the classwork is completed online (asynchronously). This allows you to earn your master’s degree while balancing work and family time.
- Great location: Our classroom location in Puerto Rico is close to public transportation and provides year-round free parking for students.
- Exceptional value: Cambridge College is one of the most affordable four-year private nonprofit colleges in the United States, offering lower tuition and greater value for your education.
English as a Second Language Tuition Information
*See curriculum sheet for a breakdown of credits and credit ranges.
Course List
Classes for the Master’s degree in Teaching English as a Second Language include:
- Sheltered Instruction and Assessment
- Second Language Acquisition and Culture
- Technology for Linguistically Diverse Classrooms
Prospective graduate degree students for programs in the School of Education & Counseling must satisfy the following requirements plus any program-specific requirements your program may have.
- Complete and sign the online application.
- Pay the application fee. Pay your $50 ($100 for international students) application fee by the term start date.
- Send official transcripts. Maildirectly to Cambridge College in a sealed, unopened envelope. Learn How to Send Transcripts. Required degrees must be from accredited colleges or universities.
- Master's and most graduate certificate programs require an earned bachelor's degree.
- Post-master's certificates and CAGS require an earned master's degree.
- International transcripts must be translated and evaluated by an approved agency. See all international student requirements
- Send your résumé and work experience. Send your resume that details your education and work experience, including how they pertain to your career goals. If your SEC program has a work experience requirement, it will be listed in the Program-Specific Requirements section below.
- Submit your personal statement. Write a 500-word, typed, double-spaced essay describing your professional experience, goals and objectives for graduate study. How do you expect your graduate studies to enhance your future career?
- Include two professional recommendations (not required for fully online programs). These should address your professional character and ability to perform graduate work. Download Applicant Recommendation Form
- Interview (required for some programs). If your program requires an interview, it will be listed in the Program-Specific Requirements section below.
- Satisfy Health Insurance & Immunization requirements. (Massachusetts only). These are required only for graduate students taking six or more credits per term in Massachusetts through on-campus or hybrid classes. Health insurance may be waived.
Teacher Licensure Program Requirements
In addition to the requirements listed above, our Teacher Licensure Programs have these additional requirements:
- Earned bachelor's degree with 3.0 or higher GPA.
- MA Educator Documentation from the Massachusetts Dept. of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) website. Keep copies of all documents submitted and, upon admission, post in your electronic portfolio:
- Massachusetts Educator Personnel ID (MEPID number)
- MTEL Communication & Literacy Test, successfully completed.
Required if completed:
- Massachusetts preliminary license, if held
- Sheltered English Instruction requirement
- Fingerprinting and Criminal Offender Record Information
Applicants who do not initially meet all requirements (e.g. GPA of 3.0 or MTEL) for admission into their chosen licensure program must enroll in the corresponding non-licensure degree option. Students who achieve a 3.0 GPA upon completion of the first three SEC courses, pass the MTELs, and now meet all requirements, may request a change of program.
Disclosures: For all Licensure Programs
- Licensure requirements are subject to change per Massachusetts regulations. All Cambridge College licensure programs are based on current regulations.
- All candidates admitted for licensure programs must successfully complete the program in its entirety.
- All requirements at the time of program completion must be finalized prior to seeking Massachusetts endorsement for licensure purposes.
- If you have any licensure questions, please speak to your program chair.
Program-Specific Admission Requirements
Careers in Teaching English as a Second Language
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for adult basic and secondary education and ESL teachers was $58,590 in May 2022.* In Puerto Rico, the annual mean salary was $34,470.**
English learners are a growing group of students in the United States. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, approximately 10.3 percent of all public school students in the United States are English language learners.
$58,590
Median annual wage for ESL teachers in the United States*
$34,470
Mean annual salary for ESL teachers in the Puerto Rico**
*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Adult Basic and Secondary Education and ESL Teachers, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/adult-literacy-and-ged-teachers.htm (visited November 20, 2023).
**Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and English as a Second Language Instructors https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes253011.htm#st (visited November 20, 2023).
Jobs Teaching English as a Second Language
Our graduates are teachers of English as a second language in schools, higher education, professional settings and more. As an ESL teacher, you could pursue a fulfilling career as a:
- English language teacher
- Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) instructor
- English tutor
- Interpreter and translator