University of San Diego
2013 - 2015
Master of Education - TESOL, Literacy & Culture
Master's students in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), Literacy and Culture develop a scholarly and practical approach to teaching English to speakers of other languages. The program focused on culture, linguistics, second language acquisition, and methodology of teaching English as a second, foreign and international language, and a sound understanding of the complexities of working with linguistically and culturally diverse populations within the United States and in international contexts. This program included :::
- Over 150 hours of observation, teaching experiences, and research practice in TESOL classrooms. These 150 hours have been essential in my development as an educator. Being able to observe other instructors' methods and practice provided a context in which I could develop my own teaching philosophy.
- 30 unit program that is designed to develop a scholarly and practical approach to second language instruction.
- 15 units of coursework required to earn the TESOL certificate from USD.
- The creation of critical understanding of theory and practice. The combination between theory and practice has been an essential part of my time at USD. Being able to learn about a theory and then apply it within a classroom has led to a deeper understanding of the literature we have been taught. Additionally, being able to address questions that arise within the classroom in class (with the support of literature, professors, and peers) has been an amazing learning opportunity. I have grown exponentially because of the balance between theory and practice.
- The development of researched-based and culturally responsive teaching practices that can create progress toward closing the achievement gap and systems that perpetuate educational inequity. Educational inequity and the closing of the achievement gap are two things that I have very passionate about and something that my Action Research Project tried to address. I hope to be able to continue researching and teaching new, innovative ways to address these two issues in the future.
- Opportunities for development as change agents and teacher-scholars at local, national and/or international levels. This is what really drew me to USD. The support and encouragement that I have received to truly be a "change agent" within the global community of education is astounding and something that I strive toward every day.