Frequently Asked Questions
For 30 credit program students:
If you already hold another NYS teaching certificate, applying for your TESOL certification
is your responsibility. All applicants must pass the Content Specialty Test in ESOL
as a part of the certification process. Applications for alternate route certification
can be evaluated ONLY by the New York State Office of Teaching Initiatives. Upon completion
of the 30-credit program, you must apply directly to NYS for "Individual Evaluation
for an Additional Classroom Certificate" (Initial Certificate).
For more information regarding additional certification, please contact:
NYSED Teacher Certification Hotline: 518-473-7100 (M-F 9-4:30)
Western Suffolk BOCES: 631-549-4900
Eastern Suffolk BOCES: 631-687-3020
Nassau BOCES: 516-396-2368
MA-TESOL (30 Credits) program planner is attached here.
All MA TESOL students, regardless of the program they are in, are required to complete
100 hours of field experience. These hours are completed over the course of two semesters,
in conjunction with Methods I (LIN 524) and Methods II (LIN 529) courses as noted
below. Students will observe ENL classes and keep records of their experiences. With
the classroom teacher’s permission, as you are observing, you may also provide academic
and language learning assistance in the class. Transportation is not provided - you
are responsible for your own transportation to/from the district schools.
LIN 524 TESOL Pedagogy: Theory and Practice (Methods I)
LIN 579 Field Experience N-12
LIN 529 TESOL Pedagogy: Language & Literacy Development Through the Content Areas (Methods II)
LIN 579 Field Experience N-12
Once enrolled in LIN 524/579 or LIN 529/579, the instructor will describe the process in detail. Students are typically advised to reach out to local school districts, asking permission to observe in ENL co-taught and stand-alone classrooms. Once approved by a district, students will set up a schedule with the classroom teacher and/or administrator and record their completed hours on an official document that will be submitted to the LIN 579 instructor at the end of the semester.
In order to enter a public school and observe (field experience) or teach (student teaching), you are required to get fingerprinted. It is recommended that you complete the fingerprinting process prior to starting the semester. You only need to get fingerprinted ONCE, as it continually remains valid.
You may call MorphoTrust/IDEMIA at: 877-472-6915 to schedule an appointment, or visit http://www.nysed.gov/educator-integrity/fingerprinting for detailed instructions. A fee of approximately $102 is expected.