English as a Second Language
The English as a Second Language Program prepares educators to effectively teach and advocate for multilingual learners in diverse educational settings. Grounded in research, theory, and field-based practice, the program equips candidates with the knowledge and skills needed to design inclusive, culturally responsive, and academically rigorous learning environments for English learners.
Mount Mary University’s ESL program offers various pathways, with both major and minor options designed to support students’ diverse academic and career goals. The ESL minor must be paired with a primary teaching license. Through a blend of coursework and hands-on clinical experiences, students develop expertise in language development, instructional design, assessment practices, literacy instruction, and leadership.
Post-baccalaureate students meet the same program requirements as undergraduates but may take some coursework at the graduate level which can lead to the Master of Arts in Education.
English as a Second Language
The English as a Second Language Program prepares educators to effectively teach and advocate for multilingual learners in diverse educational settings. Grounded in research, theory, and field-based practice, the program equips candidates with the knowledge and skills needed to design inclusive, culturally responsive, and academically rigorous learning environments for English learners.
Mount Mary University’s ESL program offers various pathways, with both major and minor options designed to support students’ diverse academic and career goals. The ESL minor must be paired with a primary teaching license. Through a blend of coursework and hands-on clinical experiences, students develop expertise in language development, instructional design, assessment practices, literacy instruction, and leadership.
Post-baccalaureate students meet the same program requirements as undergraduates but may take some coursework at the graduate level which can lead to the Master of Arts in Education.
Graduates of the ESL Program will:
- Apply knowledge of the impact of dynamic academic, personal, familial, cultural, social, and sociopolitical contexts on the education and language acquisition of English Language Learners
- Demonstrate deep understanding of language structure and second language development to help English Language Learners (ELLs) acquire academic language and literacies specific to various content areas.
- Design and implement effective, responsive, evidence-based ESL instruction within supportive learning environments.
- Use assessment data to inform and differentiate instruction that promotes English language and content learning.
- Support literacy development across languages.
- Advocate for equitable policies and practices for multilingual learners.
- Communicate and collaborate effectively with families, educators, and community stakeholders.
- Engage in self-assessment and reflection, pursuing continuous professional development, and honing their teaching practice.
This program prepares educators to meet the linguistic, academic, and social-emotional needs of multilingual learners while fostering inclusive and equitable educational environments.
English as a Second Language Courses
- ENG 225 Linguistics
- EDU 332 Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment for ESL + Clinical Experience
- EDU 335 Second Language Acquisition
- EDU 375 Literacy and Multilingual Learners (fieldwork)
- EDU 385 Leadership and Advocacy for Multilingual Learners
Foundational Education Courses
- PSY 214 Developmental Psychology
- EDU 210 Foundations of Education (job shadow)
- EDU 245 Culturally Competent Teaching in a Diverse Society
- EDU 300 Teaching Literacy in Elementary and Middle School Classrooms (fieldwork)
- EDU 312 Teaching and Learning + Clinical Experience
- EDU 401 Student Teaching Seminar
- EDU 405 Exceptional Learners
- EDU 411 Teaching Literacy in Early Childhood Classrooms (fieldwork)
- EDU 456 Relationships with Families
Clinical Course
- EDU 210 Foundations of Education (job shadow)
- EDU 300 Teaching Literacy in Elementary and Middle School Classrooms (fieldwork)
- EDU 312P Clinical in Teaching and Learning
- EDU 332P Clinical in Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment for
- EDU 375 Literacy and Multilingual Learners (fieldwork)
- EDU 411 Teaching Literacy in Early Childhood Classrooms (fieldwork)
- EDU 497A Student Teaching in ESL
Debra Dosemagen, Ph.D.
Professor, Department Chair and Graduate Program Director
Phone: (414) 930-3160
Email: dosemagd@mtmary.edu
Expertise: Mathematics education, teacher research
Vanessa Varela, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Phone: (414) 930-3105
Email: varelav@mtmary.edu
Expertise: Second Language Acquisition and Social Justice, Multilingual Learners, Multicultural Children's Literature
Heather Holst, Ed.D.
Assistant Professor
Phone: (414) 930-3199
Email: holsth@mtmary.edu
Special Education, Elementary Education, Educational Assessment
One of the most rewarding parts of working with multilingual learners is witnessing the moment when students begin to see themselves as capable, confident communicators in more than one language. I value building strong relationships with students and families, honoring their cultures and experiences, and creating learning opportunities where they can thrive both academically and socially. Supporting students as they grow in independence and pride in who they are is what makes this work so meaningful to me.
4th Grade Teacher
One of the most rewarding parts of working with multilingual learners is witnessing the moment when students begin to see themselves as capable, confident communicators in more than one language. I value building strong relationships with students and families, honoring their cultures and experiences, and creating learning opportunities where they can thrive both academically and socially. Supporting students as they grow in independence and pride in who they are is what makes this work so meaningful to me.
4th Grade Teacher
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