ESL Mission Statement



Mission

The mission of the minor in Teaching English as a Second Language is to prepare students to work effectively in promoting English language acquisition by children and adults who have not used English as their primary language. The minor will also serve to develop knowledge of cross-cultural education. The TESL minor draws heavily upon theories of linguistics, research on social and cultural variables that influence second language acquisition, and the knowledge required to facilitate second language learning.

Program Beliefs

The ESL teacher preparation program is based upon three major beliefs:

   ♦  ESL teachers need to develop theories of teaching and learning, understand the
      nature of teacher decision-making in working with non-native language speakers, 
      and develop their personal strategies for self-awareness and self-evaluation.

   ♦  ESL teachers should have proficiency at the intermediate level in at least one
      language other than English and possess a broad range of knowledge that 
      provides the cultural context for teaching students from differing cultural
      backgrounds.

   ♦  ESL teachers must be reflective decision- makers based upon professional 
      preparation  that develops critical thinking and problem-solving skills.



Course Requirements


Contact Information

Program Coordinator:
Dr. Solange Lopes-Murphy
lopesmsa@jmu.edu
 
MSC 6908

395 South High Street
Harrisonburg, VA 22807
Phone: 540-568-6193

Fax: 540-568-2829