As social structures change alongside a changing world economy, educators interested in pursuing new positions and experiences in their chosen fields can get a career boost from earning an online master’s degree in English as a Second Language (ESL). Here are three benefits to earning the degree.
1. Increased job opportunities to support the growing number of ELLs
According to The Center for Immigration Studies, “A new analysis of government data from December, 2015 indicates that more than 61 million immigrants and their American-born children under age 18 now live in the United States.” In addition to children who migrate with their families, many children are born in the United States to American citizens or legal immigrants whose home language is not English.
There are also millions of refugees worldwide. The Migration Policy Institute reports that the United States resettled 84,994 refugees in fiscal year 2016. And according to Bridging Refugee Youth & Children’s Services, about 35 to 40 percent of those refugees are children.
These statistics are evidence that English language learners of all ages and ethnicities currently live in the United States. There is an ongoing need for well-educated ESL-certified teachers. Experienced educators who would like to make a change in their educational career may find that earning an online master’s degree in ESL qualifies them for new and rewarding job opportunities.
2. Ability to add value to the community
Immigrants to the United States and their children often live in communities in which English is spoken only in public settings. For new immigrants or those who have not yet learned to speak English, an ESL teacher can be a godsend. By earning an online master’s degree in ESL, a dedicated educator can not only provide English instruction but also serve as a go-between to families in need of assistance.
Lamar University’s Master of Education in Teacher Leadership with a Specialization in ESL online degree program includes classes designed to provide professional development for teachers in the areas of community relations and school law. Teachers who earn this degree can gain the knowledge to advocate for the rights of student English Language Learners (ELLs) and help neighborhoods grow strong as these students interact with community members and businesses.
3. Access to positions in educational leadership and curriculum development
When experienced teachers earn an online master’s degree in ESL, they prepare to become leaders in their schools and districts. After studying school law issues, these leaders can help districts comply with federal and state statutes and stay accountable for providing appropriate education to ELLs. Graduates can also get involved in ESL curriculum development. During the program, graduate students study effective techniques for teaching ESL classes and meeting the needs of diverse learners. Classes also include research regarding appropriate curriculum and assessments for ESL education.
According to Dennis Van Roekel, former president of the National Education Association, “English language learners are the fastest-growing student population group in our schools. Providing them with high-quality services and programs is an important investment in America’s future.” When teachers earn an online master’s degree in ESL from Lamar University, they are prepared “with the motivational, management and assessment skills to help English language learners succeed in the classroom and beyond. It [the program] is designed to meet the requirements for adding an additional ESL specialization.” For teachers who want to enhance their future in education, this degree may be just the right fit.
Learn more about Lamar University’s M.Ed. in Teacher Leadership with a Specialization in ESL online.
Sources:
NEA: English Language Learners Face Unique Challenges
Migration Policy Institute: Refugees and Asylees in the United States
