Academics
This program comprises online coursework, two three-week summer sessions on SIT’s campus in Vermont, an Interim-Year Teaching Practicum, and an Independent Professional Project (thesis), for a total of 34 credits.
Core Coursework (22 credits)
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- Approaches to Teaching Second Languages – 3 credits
- Language Analysis for Lesson Planning – 3 credits
- Intercultural Communication for Language Teachers – 3 credits
- Teaching the Four Skills – 3 credits
- Second-Language Acquisition – 3 credits
- Curriculum Design and Assessment – 3 credits
- Sandanona Conference Presentation – 1 credit
- English Applied Linguistics – 3 credits
- Interim-Year Teaching Practicum (6 credits)
The Interim-Year Teaching Practicum takes place in your classroom in the academic year following the initial summer session. An integral part of the program, the practicum is best described as an eight-month seminar through which you develop a reflective practice where you are teaching. An SIT faculty member will travel to your classroom to engage with you in a one-on-one format. This intensive period of mentorship is designed to support you in your professional development as a teacher by offering you reflective and interactive feedback. It is a meaningful, collaborative time to examine your work and to act purposefully to improve your effectiveness as a teacher. You are encouraged to build the skills and awareness for describing what happens in your classroom, separating observation from judgment, finding valid explanations for what happens, and devising informed and workable solutions to enhance your learning and improve your teaching. You will continue with your coursework online throughout the practicum period.
- Independent Professional Project (6 credits)
The Independent Professional Project, or thesis, is the final component of this program. In addition to being a significant personal achievement, the project should be of interest and value to others in the profession and of publishable quality.
Projects may take a variety of formats, allowing you to focus on a topic that will benefit you in your development as a second-language teacher:
- An academic research paper
- A classroom-based action research project
- A materials development project
Review past Independent Professional Projects completed by students in our MA in TESOL programs.
2018 Residency
The 2018 program begins on June 1, 2018, with online coursework. The on-campus session will be held on our Vermont campus from July 23 to August 10, 2018 for new students (returning students should arrive on July 22).
Degree Requirements
This is a two-year program. You must complete the program, including the Independent Professional Project (thesis), within the two-year timeframe. If this deadline is missed you may petition for an extension.