Lesley University

What you'll study

The programme blends core theory in second language acquisition and linguistics with practical methodology for teaching English or French. Typical modules include:

• Second Language Acquisition: theories of how learners acquire a second language, stages of development and implications for instruction.
• Applied Linguistics and Grammar for Teachers: working knowledge of linguistic structure, discourse and error analysis tailored to classroom use.
• Methodology and Materials Development: lesson design, task-based learning, communicative approaches and creating culturally appropriate resources.
• Pronunciation and Phonology for Teachers: approaches to teaching pronunciation and listening skills for non-native speakers.
• Assessment and Testing: diagnostic, formative and summative assessment; designing valid classroom tests and interpreting results.
• Technology in Language Teaching: instructional technology, blended and online delivery methods, and digital resource creation.
• Classroom Management and Multicultural Education: strategies for inclusive practice and working with multilingual, multicultural learners.
• Practicum or Supervised Teaching: observed teaching practice in local schools, community programmes or online settings with faculty feedback.
• Research Methods or Capstone Project: action research or a scholarly project that connects theory to classroom practice.

Students typically follow a credit-based sequence that integrates seminars, methods workshops and a period of supervised teaching. Options may be available to focus on either English or French language pedagogy and to select electives in areas such as literacy, heritage language instruction or bilingual education.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a recognised bachelor's degree. Admissions materials commonly include academic transcripts, a personal statement outlining professional goals and language teaching experience, and a current résumé or CV. Most applicants must provide at least two references, ideally from academic or professional supervisors.

Applicants whose first language is not English will normally need to demonstrate English proficiency through recognised tests or equivalent evidence; parallel expectations apply to applicants wishing to study pedagogy in French if French is not their first language. Where relevant, some programmes may request a short interview or sample lesson as part of the selection process.

Career prospects

Graduates leave prepared for a range of roles in the language education sector. Common career paths include:

• ESL/EFL teacher in primary, secondary or adult education settings (public schools, private language schools, community programmes).
• World language teacher specifically focusing on French in K–12 or immersion contexts.
• Curriculum developer, materials writer or instructional designer for language programmes and publishers.
• Coordinator of language programmes, volunteer language projects or international education initiatives.
• Language assessment specialist, teacher trainer or professional development leader.
• Further academic study or research in applied linguistics, language education or doctoral work.

The programme’s practicum and community partnerships aim to build a professional portfolio and network that support entry into classroom and administrative roles.

Why study at Lesley University

Lesley University’s Graduate School of Education has a long-standing focus on teacher preparation and experiential learning, emphasising reflective practice and social justice in education. Students benefit from small classes, faculty who combine scholarship with classroom experience, and structured supervised teaching placements in nearby schools and community organisations.

The university’s approach supports applied professional development: coursework is designed to be immediately relevant to teaching contexts, while opportunities for practicum, action research and community engagement help students refine instructional skills and build a professional portfolio. Lesley’s networks in regional schools and adult education providers also make it practical to gain supervised teaching experience and to explore diverse career directions in language education.