Teaching English as a Second Language (M.ED.)

Degree Requirements

Graduate level endorsements

Students desiring an Iowa endorsement only option in TESL may complete 21 hours of special coursework.

Plus One Master Degree Option

The Plus One program in teaching English as a second language is designed to lead students seeking a bachelor’s degree in any teaching field toward achieving a master’s degree within one year of completing undergraduate programming. This is accomplished by completing 9 credits for TESL of introductory level coursework and 6 hours for TESL of introduction to graduate studies between junior and senior years of undergraduate studies and possibly remaining on campus an additional year and completing a track in the TESL master’s program. This will give teacher candidates a competitive edge in seeking employment, and will provide the opportunity for students in aggressive undergraduate programs to seek a TESL endorsement that would otherwise be difficult in the undergraduate timeframe. Teaching English as a Second Language is a significant shortage area across the United States, making programs such as this highly appealing to both students and schools.

TESL Plus One Program

Courses with a grade lower than “C-” do not count toward the degree and must be repeated

• TESL 270 - Introduction to Second Language Acquisition 3 Credit(s) with graduate portfolio
• TESL 330 - Methods of Teaching English as a Second Language with Field Experience 3 Credit(s) with graduate portfolio
• TESL 407 - Curriculum Development, Assessment, and Field Experience in ESL 3 Credit(s) with graduate portfolio
• GEDU 410 - Plus One Graduate Study and Research 3 Credit(s)
• GEDU 412 - Plus One Learning, Development and Motivation 3 Credit(s)
• GEDU 517 - Leadership in a Changing Society and Culture 3 Credit(s) (or pre-approved course)
• GECI 502 - Cognition and Instruction: Research Based Instructional Strategies 3 Credit(s)
• GECI 505 - Collaborating with Home, School and Community Partners 3 Credit(s)
• GECI 542 - Applied Linguistics 3 Credit(s)

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• GECI 558 - Practicum in Teaching English as a Second Language and Capstone Portfolio (K-6) 3 Credit(s)

• OR

• GECI 559 - Practicum in Teaching English as a Second Language and Capstone Portfolio (7-12) 3 Credit(s)

Course Delivery and Schedule:

Masters programs in Teacher Leadership, Curriculum and Instruction are offered fully online. See the Graduate Director of the specific program for details.

The Master of Education in TESL Plus One programs are offered as a continuation of the bachelor’s degree and is available at the Storm Lake campus or through hybrid coursework. Working professionals may choose to pursue the degree while maintaining full- or part-time employment through a series of structured 8-week term offerings via online course work through Graduate programs along face-to-face field components (hybrid). The program is designed to offer flexibility for students, allowing completion within 12 months Post-Baccalaureate, assuming the student maintains consistent enrollment. Typically, students enroll in one graduate course per 8-week term. The various course formats meet the 45 contact hours required per graduate course.

Admissions Requirements: Master of Education - Teacher Leadership, Curriculum and Instruction:

• Completed application packet
• Completed undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution. An official transcript denoting the degree awarded must be submitted as part of the application package
• A minimum cumulative undergraduate college grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 (on a 4.0 scale)*
• Submission of a writing sample/ autobiography (see application procedures below)
• Two letters of recommendation from specified sources (see application)
• Official transcripts from all undergraduate or graduate institutions attended
• Copy of a valid K-12 teaching certificate or license. Candidates must have appropriate access to a classroom in order to be successful in this program, due to its practical and application oriented nature. For Educational Studies Students, no license or certificate is necessary, and some courses in this program requirement interaction with K-12 students, teachers and school personnel. A background check is required of all individuals working, volunteering, or observing in any K-12 school. Therefore, a background check will be completed as needed.
• Access to minimum technology requirements
• Acceptance by the admissions committee into the program

*Applicants who cannot meet this requirement may be considered for probationary admission status and may enroll in up to nine credit hours of graduate study at BVU. These applicants will be reviewed at that time and, pending successful completion of these nine credit hours (at least a “B-” in each course), may be granted full status.

Master of Education - TESL- Plus One Program (Admission Requirements)

All potential students must apply directly to and be accepted into the program prior to enrolling. Students seeking enrollment in the Plus One option of the Master of Education in TESL must fulfill the following minimal requirements:

• Prospective students who are within 36 hours of completing a Baccalaureate degree at Buena Vista University, in a field leading to teaching licensure, may seek early admission in the Plus One program which allows students to apply up to 9 credits earned while still an undergraduate to the Master of Education Teaching English as a Second Language degree, as well as 6 hours of early graduate core work prior to achieving an undergraduate degree. If accepted, the three undergraduate courses are awarded as transfer credit toward the degree completion requirements for graduate credit upon submission of graduate portfolio demonstrations defined in graduate course syllabi. See Transfer of Undergraduate Credits for coursework eligible for transfer.
• The student must possess a 3.00 GPA in his/her undergraduate major coursework to be granted permission to take the graduate level courses while yet an undergraduate. Such early admission is provisional. See Provisional Admission Status.
• Submit official transcripts from all institutions of higher learning previously attended.
• Complete a graduate application form.
• Submit two letters of recommendation from academic personnel equipped to speak to the candidate’s preparation for graduate study.
• Submit an essay concerning applicant’s personal and professional directions related to education.
• Have access to minimum technology requirements.
• When planning to participate in the +1 option, please go to Beavernet and scroll to the Academics Tab. Then within the Academics Tab got to “Helpful Links and Forms” and fill out the “Intent to Enroll Baccalaureate Plus One.”
• Be accepted. Students will be notified in writing of the decision by the director of the Master of Education program.
• Complete the transfer of undergraduate credits contract acknowledging the requirement to submit graduate portfolio items before transfer credit is awarded on the graduate transcript.

Application Procedures: Master of Education - Teacher Leadership, Curriculum & Instruction

The process for successful completion of the application packet is as follows:

1. Complete the application form (available through the “Apply” link at bvu.edu/grad), including written responses (please limit responses to approximately 250-300 words each) to the following questions:

• Why are you applying to this program at this time?
• How do you plan to contribute to this program? What do you expect to take from it?
• How will you support your own success in this program? That is, what steps will you take to ensure your success in this academically rigorous endeavor?

Candidates are advised that these written responses ought to reflect both depth and breadth of understanding and/or interest in the program. These statements are considered by the admissions committee as a writing sample indicative of the candidate’s command of the English language, ability to engage in graduate level writing both mechanical and conceptual/ analytical, and the applicant’s readiness for graduate study.

2. Obtain two letters with supportive endorsement or recommendation. Recommenders’ information will be submitted during completion of the online application and the recommender will receive the request electronically. The letters must come from:

• Your current supervisor and either
• A professional peer, or
• A person of your choice who has direct knowledge of your professional experience.

3. Request official transcripts to be forwarded to the BVU Graduate Programs Office. If you are a graduate of Buena Vista University, we can access those documents for you.
4. Submit copy of a valid K-12 teaching certificate or license to the BVU Graduate Programs Office. For Iowa licensed teachers, BVU staff will download a copy from the Iowa Board of Educational Examiner’s website.

Upon receiving ALL application materials, an admissions packet is compiled by the BVU Graduate Programs Office. The completed admissions packet is submitted to the Program Director for review. The result of the decision is communicated to the applicant in writing. Students must confirm acceptance to BVU Online in response to the acceptance notification.

Masters of Education - Plus One TESL Program (Admissions Procedures)

Complete the Intent to Enroll form on Beavernet while enrolled as an undergraduate student.
To be fully admitted to the master’s degree program:
Apply online at bvu.edu/grad.

1. Complete the application form, including an autobiographical essay.
2. Obtain 2 letters of recommendation from academic and professional personnel able to comment on applicant’s graduate-study readiness and career goals. Recommenders’ information will be submitted during completion of the online application and the recommender will receive the request electronically.
3. Request official transcripts be forwarded to the Graduate Programs Office.

Admissions Timelines: Master of Education - Teacher Leadership, Curriculum & Instruction

Because most of the offerings are online, there is no specific timeline. However, because classes may fill up, it’s best to apply well in advance of one’s target starting date.

Master of Education- Plus One Program (Application Timeline)

A new cycle for the Plus One program begins Terms 1, 3 and 5 each year. Applicants are encouraged to submit the Intent to Enroll form available through Beavernet. The Program Director will review the Intent to Enroll form and transcripts, and notice regarding the admission decision will be emailed.

Admissions Decision: Master of Education

All students are admitted to the program on a provisional status. For the Master of Education, students must complete their first nine credits with a grade of B- or higher. Students successfully completing this requirement will be granted full candidacy in the program. Students admitted on a provisional status who do not earn a minimum grade of “B-” or better in all course work while on provisional status will be reviewed by the Graduate Council and may be dismissed from the program. The provisional status agreement is communicated to the applicant in writing.

Master of Education-TESL Plus One Programs Provisional Admission Status

Students who apply for full admission status and who are deficient in one or more of the requirements for full admission may be granted provisional status. Deficiencies must be removed after 6 credit hours of graduate coursework taken at Buena Vista University to continue in the program. Students will be informed in writing of the decision if provisional status is granted.

Special Admissions Status

Students may be allowed to take up to 9 graduate-level courses from BVU without seeking a master’s degree or graduate endorsement. Candidates must be granted special permission to enroll in courses under these circumstances by the director of the specific graduate program. Permission will only be granted if there is course space available, with full admission candidates given first priority for registration in these courses. Students must complete an application form specifically for non-degree, non-endorsement, and non-certification status in the courses. After 9 credits, students will not be allowed to continue enrollment until full admission is sought and gained. At that time, courses previously taken may be transferred into full master’s degrees or endorsement programs, with permission of the current graduate program director.

Admissions Appeal

Students may appeal a negative admission decision. A formal letter of appeal must be written to the Executive Director of Graduate Programs outlining the concerns regarding the admissions decision. The case is forwarded to the appeals panel comprised of the Provost, the Vice President for Enrollment Services, and the Dean of the School of the graduate program. The student may request an interview with the panel. After review of the evidence provided by the applicant, the panel makes a second ruling with regard to admission.