MEd or CAGS in English as a Second Language (ESL)

• Articulate, discuss, and show an understanding of the cultural and language challenges of English Language Learners (ELLs) and its impact on student learning and self-efficacy.
• Identify, examine, and create learning environments that are safe, culturally- responsive and inclusive, so that ELL students can develop self-awareness, self-determination, and establish positive social skills.
• Identify, plan, and justify the use of the general and ESL curriculum for students within the classroom setting
• Identify, use, and interpret multiple sources of assessment data for making appropriate educational decisions for ELL.
• Compare, contrast, select and adapt instructional strategies that are supported by best practices and are used to improve and strengthen student learning outcomes.

Foundation Courses

• EDU5405: Foundations of ESL Education
• EDU5410: Introduction to Special Education

Professional Area Courses

• EDU5550: Language Acquisition and Literacy
• EDU5703: Advanced Developmental Reading
• EDU6679: Methods of ESL Instruction in the Content Areas
• EDU6850: Issues in Urban Education

Specialty Area Courses

• EDU6654: Classroom Assessment

Degree Only Track

• EDU6680/6681: Field Based Action Research I/II

Please reference the current catalog for all course descriptions.

General Requirements

The MEd and CAGS offer rolling admissions, accepting applications throughout the year.
General requirements are:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education, with preference given to applicants whose field of study directly aligns with the specific academic program selected.
  • For the CAGS program, candidates must additionally hold a master’s degree in a field directly aligned with the specific academic program selected.
• A GPA of 3.0 or better.
• A copy of your current license (if applicable).
• A completed and signed application.
• Official sealed transcript(s) of all previous academic work, undergraduate and graduate.
• Two (2) professional letters of recommendation, including at least one recommendation from a current supervisor.
• Personal goal statement or essay. In approximately 500 words, please respond to these questions:
  • Why are you interested in pursuing a graduate degree in education at AIC?
  • What are your career goals and how will enrolling in this program impact your educational, personal, and professional growth?
• U.S. $50 non-refundable application fee.

Note: In the event a 3.0 GPA is not held, evidence must be submitted with the application that merits further review by the School of Education’s Graduate Admissions Committee. Documented evidence includes (but is not limited to) GRE scores (if applicable), successful completion of the last 30 credits of prior undergraduate coursework (for the MEd program) or the last 15 credits of prior graduate coursework (for the CAGS program), and/or an interview with designated personnel in the program selected.

Depending on the outcome of the interview and review of all other application materials, the individual may be granted full or conditional acceptance into the program.

A $500-per-credit cost prices AIC’s Master of Education programs at a competitive value, tailored to the needs of today’s educators.

Our resources cover all associated costs and how to finance your education.

The closeness and encouragement for which AIC is known extends to the online space, sparking energizing discussions among diverse, driven educators:

• A community of leaders: Gain insights from fellow professionals who’ve spent three to more than 10 years in a school or similar environment. Many of your peers assume informal leadership roles as mentors, curriculum leaders, or committee chairs.
• Designed for working educators: Once-a-week synchronous online courses and practicum assignments completed from your location easily fit your education around your schedule. You’ll remain in your classroom while observing ways you can foster change in your school.
• Cohort learning: Benefit from regular meetings with a small, familiar group of classmates who are striving toward a similar outcome. In many cases, you’ll interact with professionals who represent districts all over Massachusetts.