Teaching English Language Learners (Grades K–12)
You have probably already encountered students in your classroom for whom English is a second language. The growing population of K–12 English-language learners (ELLs) in the United States presents new opportunities for schools and teachers to discover and embrace the cultural and linguistic diversity that all students bring to the classroom.
Walden’s Master of Science in Education with a specialization in Teaching English Language Learners offers you the opportunity to explore strategies that can help you meet the unique needs of ELL students in your classroom. Informed by Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) standards, this specialization can help you create K–12 learning environments that are welcoming to and effective for all students.
With this specialization, you can:
- Discover strategies to identify, interpret, and assess the language proficiencies of English-language learners in the K–12 classroom.
- Learn how to adapt your current instruction techniques and course materials for these students.
- Explore ways to enhance collaboration between the families of ELL students and school staff members.
- Design learning environments that meet the needs of culturally and linguistically diverse students.
Completion Requirements
- 30 total semester credit hours
- ePortfolio
Estimated time to completion is 20 months. Time to completion may vary by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. For a personalized estimate of your time to completion, call an enrollment advisor at 1-866-492-5336.
This program’s courses are delivered online in a prescribed sequence. For more details, click the Course Descriptions link below.
Core Courses
| Course Code | Course Title | Credits |
| EDUC 6610 | Teacher as Professional | 3 |
| EDUC 6640 | Designing Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment | 3 |
| EDUC 6732 | Differentiated Instruction | 3 |
| EDUC 6733 | Action Research for Educators | 3 |
| EDUC 6657 | Creating an Effective Classroom Learning Environment | 3 |
| EDUC 6647 | Dynamic Teacher Leadership | 3 |
Specialization Courses
| Course Code | Course Title | Credits |
| EDUC 6726 | Understanding the English Language Learner | 3 |
| EDUC 6727 | Strategies for Teaching English as a Second Language | 3 |
| EDUC 6728 | Strategies for Teaching Content to English Language Learners | 3 |
| EDUC 6729 | Assessment and the English Language Learner | 3 |
NCATE Accreditation
The Richard W. Riley College of Education and Leadership is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), the standard of excellence in professional preK–12 education.
Learn More
Earning a Master’s Makes a Difference
A recent study confirms that master's degrees are associated with improved student performance.
Learn More
Imagine Yourself at Walden
Discover why Walden’s M.S.Ed. is the first choice for educators nationwide
Preview Walden's M.S.Ed. Video.
