Detailed Information
Program of Study
English has become the language of global communications in business, politics, and education, and the demand for ESL professionals is greater than ever before. The New School’s MA in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (MATESOL) Program provides the training students need to advance their careers in this evolving field. The program, which includes discussions led by renowned TESOL scholars, provides a solid grounding in linguistics with hands-on, practical training in a professional concentration. While academically rigorous, the online format allows students to fit course work into their lives and careers.
Students who would like to experience traditional face-to-face classes can take up to four classes (up to 12 credits) on site in New York City during the eight-week summer program. With this option, students can expedite their studies, enjoy the vibrancy of the city, and experience a traditional, face-to-face classroom. For non-native speakers of English, this is an opportunity to be completely immersed in English for up to eight weeks.
Students must earn 30 credits in order to complete the degree. The first 15 credits come from core courses in language learning, language analysis, and the use of English in the world. The remaining 15 credits come from one of two concentrations. The Teaching concentration gives ESL and EFL teachers at all levels the most practical training available to develop a student-centered, content-based teaching approach. The Curriculum Development concentration is designed for teachers of ESOL to advance to positions involving curriculum development, educational materials design, and program management. Each concentration requires completion of 9 credits in core courses and 6 credits in electives.
Research Facilities
The Raymond Fogelman Library, the main library at the New School, contains a large collection of social science materials. Matriculated students also have access to the Elmer Bobst Library at New York University and the Cooper Union Library. All students in degree programs also have access to the Academic Computing Center, with Windows workstations and printers, and the University Computing Center, with Macintosh and Windows workstations, laser printers, and plug-in stations for laptops.
Financial Aid
The New School provides of scholarships and fellowships for degree students based on need, merit, or a combination of the two. These funds, ranging from several hundred dollars to full tuition, are primarily scholarships applied toward a student’s tuition costs. Other scholarships may be available from external agencies and organizations. Under the Federal Stafford Loan program graduate students can borrow up to $8500 annually in subsidized loans or $20,500 in unsubsidized loans; other loans may be available from private lenders. Some students seek part-time employment, either off-campus or through Federal Work Study.
Cost of Study
In 2008–09, graduate tuition was $1076 per credit. Other expenses per semester included a University services fee of $100, a Divisional Fee of $80, a health services fee of $420, and a health insurance fee of $1667.
Living and Housing Costs
For the Summer Intensive Program, affordable housing is available in university residence halls. Students must apply separately for university housing. For more information, students should e-mail summerhousing@newschool.edu. The University Housing Office maintains a comprehensive resource center with apartment listings. University-run apartments and residence halls are also available. The cost of housing, food, transportation, books, and living expenses averages $17,000 annually. For more information, students should go online to http://www.newschool.edu/studentservices.
Student Group
Approximately 20 students enroll in the program each year, representing countries around the world. Some students have prior teaching experience, while others are just beginning their careers in language education.
Student Outcomes
Graduates of the program can go on to teach languages in universities, schools, or private businesses. Some alumni have prepared and developed new ways to teach as directors of curriculum development, while others are working with NGOs, governments, and large international corporations.
Location
The New School’s location in New York City gives students access to an abundance of resources. Students are encouraged to take advantage of the city’s many museums, performance venues, and other cultural institutions, which are only a walk or a subway ride away. An extension of the classroom, the city also offers excellent professional and networking opportunities, and some classes require that students work with outside businesses to complete assignments–giving them unparalleled real-world experience. Internships and apprenticeships with leading New York City companies and organizations in every field are also available, and many students have moved on from internships to successful careers with those companies and organizations upon graduation.
The University and The School
The New School pioneered the idea of lifelong university-level education for adults. It was created for teachers and students from different backgrounds who were willing to take risks for their intellectual and political beliefs. The New School for General Studies was founded in 1919 as a center for discussion and instruction for mature men and women. Over the years, it has grown into a major urban university that enrolls more than 9,400 degree students and 13,000 continuing education students annually, comprising a diversity of ages, aspirations, and social backgrounds. Many talented teachers and professionals choose the school as a place to introduce new courses and explore new ideas. The New School is accredited by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. A privately supported institution, The New School is chartered as a university by the Regents of the State of New York.
Applying
Prospective students must submit a completed and signed application form, official transcripts from all universities previously attended, a statement of purpose explaining the reasons for enrolling, a current resume or curriculum vitae, two academic or professional letters of recommendation, and a nonrefundable $50 application fee. Applicants for the Curriculum Development program must also submit a lesson plan and a philosophy of teaching essay. The deadline to apply is March 15 for fall admission or October 15 for spring admission.
The Faculty and Their Research
- Beverly Burkett, M.A.T., School for International Training. Teaching and learning in bilingual and multilingual contexts and the development of isiXhosa in educational contexts.
- Michael H. Carrier, M.A., (Applied Linguistics), Essex; M.A. (Modern and Medieval Languages), Cambridge. Business English and computers in language learning.
- Steve Cornwell, Ed.D., Temple. Online education, curriculum design, gender awareness in language education, world Englishes and their related issues, qualitative research methodologies.
- John Fanselow, Ph.D. (TESOL), Columbia Teachers College. Teacher training, particularly on classroom observation.
- Jeremy Harmer, M.A. (Applied Linguistics), Reading (UK). Teaching methodology.
- Anne Katz, Ph.D. (Language, Literacy and Culture), Stanford. Curriculum development and learner assessment.
- Carol Lethaby, M.A. (TESOL), London Institute of Education. Distance teacher education.
- Lesley Painter-Farrell, DELTA, CELTA, Cambridge. Teaching younger learners, teaching using new trends and language development courses.
- Radmila Popovic, Ph.D., Belgrade. Linguistics, second language acquisition, and critical pedagogy.
- Scott Thornbury, M.A.T.E.F.L., Reading (UK). International teacher language training; current series editor of the Cambridge Handbooks for Teachers series.
- Elka Todeva, Ph.D., Sofia (Bulgaria). Applied linguistics, specialization in fossilization, language acquisition and learning, discourse, authentic teaching and assessment, brain-friendly learning, and reflective practices.
- Deryn Verity, Ph.D. (Linguistics), Delaware. Teacher training.
Correspondence and Information
The New School
Office of Admission
72 Fifth Avenue, Third Floor
New York, New York 10011
Telephone:
212-229-5630
800-862-5039 (toll-free)
Fax:
212-989-3887
Email:
nsadmissions@newschool.edu
elsc@newschool.edu (general MATESOL questions)
