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M.Ed. in TESOL – K-12

Explore New Horizons Through an M.Ed. TESOL Online

A significant number of students speak a language other than English at home in the US. These students need specialized instruction to help them acquire the English language skills needed to be successful academically. Do you have a passion for helping children from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds learn the English language?

Regent’s Master of Education in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) – K-12 is designed for individuals like you who desire to work with children who are learning ESL (English as a Second Language). Here’s your chance to hone your skills and interests while filling the critical need for ESL/ESOL teachers in Virginia’s public and private schools.

Online
30
May 12, 2025
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ADDRESS An Ever-GROWING ESL/ESOL NEED

Knowledgeable ESL/ESOL/Bilingual teachers are needed more than ever as demographics shift and a growing number of schools will need to provide instruction to English language learners (ELLs).

In Virginia and many other states, currently licensed teachers can obtain an additional endorsement in ESL by earning a passing score on the Praxis ESOL. The Regent TESOL certificate with a concentration in K-12 addresses all of the areas covered on this important assessment. For information, please consult your state department of education, as well as the Educational Testing Services website.

INCREASE YOUR EARNING POTENTIAL

Demand for qualified ESL/ESOL professionals is at record levels, and with this higher demand, there is a greater opportunity to earn a higher salary in both public and private sectors.

EXPAND YOUR CAREER PATH THROUGH AN M.ED. TESOL ONLINE

Complete the coursework at your own pace and enjoy diverse ESL/ESOL career opportunities in both domestic and international settings.

ALIGN YOURSELF WITH EXCELLENCE

Experience Regent ranked among top national universities by U.S. News & World Report for four years (2019, 2020, 2022 and 2023). Its programs have also been recognized among the top 10 online graduate education programs in Virginia for 11 years in a row (2013-2023). Regent graduates are empowered to make a difference in lives, which has led to more than 900 alumni being recognized as Teachers of the Year in Hampton Roads since 2004.

Presented from a Christian worldview, this in-demand degree is supported by award-winning faculty in Virginia Beach. Regent has been ranked by PLEXUSS as #1 among the Best TEFL, TESL, and TESOL Schools in Virginia four years in a row (2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024). Experience the difference.

Please complete the Request Information form on this page to learn more about this program.

On completing the Master of Education – TESOL – K-12 degree, you can:

  • Understand linguistics, intercultural/cross-cultural education, second language acquisition, teaching reading, and assessing student achievement.
  • Use standards-based methods for assessing language proficiency and proven strategies that engage young learners.
  • Apply skills and strategies in alignment with the WIDA (World-Class Instructional Design) and TESOL English language proficiency standards and best practices for instruction and assessment of ELLs.

Career Opportunities

  • ESL/ESOL/Bilingual Teacher and Administrator
  • EFL Teacher and Administrator
  • International School Teacher/Administrator
  • Missionary
Top10
Best Online Graduate Education Programs In Virginia for 12 Consecutive Years News & World Report, 2024
Featured Courses
EDIP 541Developmental Leadership3
Introduces a developmental leadership model focused on external skills embodied in the process of internal transformation. Requires a personal inventory of spiritual and professional maturity while equipping students with the tools necessary for growth. From that foundation, students will be expected to examine additional leadership models.
EDIP 543Technology in Education3
Increase learning and learner success by designing educational events that use instructional technology. Covers three basic areas of technology integration: planning, implementation and evaluation. Does not cover specific applications. Within this framework, various technologies and tools will be investigated for the purpose of determining which are best suited for particular instructional situations. Discusses broader issues regarding the usefulness and effectiveness of technology integration in education. The ultimate goal is to create a plan to integrate technology in your educational setting.
EDU 600Graduate Foundations for Education2
Provides the knowledge, resources, and essential skills needed for success at the graduate level. Topics include academic writing, online learning, information literacy, and advising and support services for Education.
ETSL 505Serving English Language Learners in K-12 Classrooms3
Designed to prepare teachers to provide linguistically and culturally appropriate instruction for English Language Learners (ELLs) in K-12 classrooms. The course is appropriate for prospective and current ESL teachers and general classroom teachers.
ETSL 510Linguistics3
Provides an introduction to the study and analysis of phonology (sound), morphology (word formation) and syntax (grammar) in human language. Focuses on English, but comparisons will be made to other languages.
ETSL 520Methods of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages3
Introduction to a broad array of methods for TESOL. Focuses on principles and practices of teaching and an introduction to the profession of TESOL.
ETSL 525Language Teaching Approaches & Practices3
An overview of historical and current approaches to language pedagogy, as well as current issues and perspectives pertaining to teaching adult ESL/EFL learners. Principles of integrated skill instruction and techniques for teaching speaking and listening will also be addressed. The course serves as an introduction to the field of TESOL for those pursuing the adult learning track.
ETSL 530Teaching English Language Learners Reading & Writing in the Content Areas3
Preparation for developing ESL students’ literacy skills in the content areas. Attention will also be given to grammar and the other language modes.
ETSL 545Language, Culture, & Pedagogy3
Sociolinguistic considerations and their impact on ESL/EFL service delivery.
ETSL 550Teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language to Adults3
Preparation for teaching adult ESL/EFL students in a variety of settings. Principles and techniques for teaching reading and writing are emphasized.
ETSL 555Teaching Grammar to ESL/EFL Learners3
Methodology for grammar instruction in English as a second or foreign language.
ETSL 560First & Second Language Acquisition3
Review of research findings regarding child and adult first and second language acquisition with emphasis on the second-language learner and TESOL curriculum development, including identification and analysis of cognitive, affective, socio-cultural, and educational factors.
ETSL 565Teaching ESL/EFL Speaking & Listening3
Methodology for oral language instruction in English as a second or foreign language.

2024-25 Semester Check-In Deadlines

All students are expected to check-in for the semester two weeks before the session start date. Students should apply, be accepted, enroll in their first courses, and confirm a plan to pay for their courses prior to this date.

SessionSemester Check-InSession Start Date
Session AFriday, August 9Monday, August 19
Session MFriday, September 6Monday, September 16
Session BFriday, October 11Monday, October 21
Session CWednesday, January 8Monday, January 13
Session TFriday, January 31Monday, February 10
Session DFriday, March 7Monday, March 17
Session EFriday, May 2Monday, May 12
Session FFriday, June 13Monday, June 23

Admissions Requirements

Step 1: Apply to Regent University

Submit your application using the Regent University Online Application.

Note: If you are unable to complete our application due to a disability, please contact our Admissions Office at 757.352.4990 or admissions@regent.edu and an admissions representative will provide reasonable accommodations to assist you in completing the application.

Step 2: Submit Your Unofficial Transcripts

Submit your unofficial transcripts to regent.edu/items.

Upon submitting your application, you will receive an email requesting authorization for Regent University to obtain your official transcripts from your U.S. degree-granting institution. International transcripts must be evaluated by a NACES, AACRAO or NAFSA approved agency.

Step 3: Submit Your Government-Issued ID

To ensure academic integrity, Regent University requires a copy of a government-issued ID. Please submit a scanned copy or photograph of it to regent.edu/items.


Please feel free to contact the Office of Admissions at 757.352.4990 or admissions@regent.edu should you have any further questions about the application process.

Note: All items submitted as part of the application process become the property of Regent University and cannot be returned.

PART-TIME STUDENTS

DegreeTuition Cost Per Credit HourAverage Credit Hours Per SemesterAverage Tuition Per Semester
Master of Education (M.Ed.)$5656$3,390
Educational Specialist (Ed.S.)$8006$4,800
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)$8003$2,400
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)$8003$2,400

Full-Time Students

DegreeTuition Cost Per Credit HourAverage Credit Hours Per SemesterAverage Tuition Per Semester
Master of Education (M.Ed.)$5659$5,085
Educational Specialist (Ed.S.)$8009$7,200
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)$8006$4,800
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)$8006$4,800

Student Fees Per Semester

University Services Fee (On-Campus Students)$850 (Fall & Spring)
$700 (Summer)
University Services Fee (Online Students)$700

Military Admissions & Aid » | Cost of Attendance »

Part-Time Students

DegreeTuition Cost Per Credit HourAverage Credit Hours Per SemesterAverage Tuition Per Semester
Master of Education (M.Ed.)$5656$3,390
Educational Specialist (Ed.S.)$8006$4,800
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)$8003$2,400
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)$8003$2,400

Full-Time Students

DegreeTuition Cost Per Credit HourAverage Credit Hours Per SemesterAverage Tuition Per Semester
Master of Education (M.Ed.)$5659$5,085
Educational Specialist (Ed.S.)$8009$7,200
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)$8006$4,800
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)$8006$4,800

Student Fees Per Semester

University Services Fee (On-Campus Students)$850 (Fall & Spring)
$700 (Summer)
University Services Fee (Online Students)$700

Military Admissions & Aid » | Cost of Attendance »

*Rates are subject to change at any time.

“Regent University taught me how to be a servant leader when it comes to reaching children. I've learned to not just teach students, but to serve them according to what they need.”
Anthony Swann, M.Ed. in Educational Leadership, 2014 5th Grade Teacher, Rocky Mount Elementary
“I was eager to fulfill a lifelong dream and make a career change to education. Regent's Career Switcher program allowed me to complete most of the training while still on active duty. I was hired immediately upon my retirement from the Air Force.”
Joe Sexton, M.Ed., 2012 Career Switcher
“I looked at other institutions, but I understood the importance of a Christ-centered focus, and I wanted that to be a part of my graduate experience.”
Cheryl C. Askew, Ed.D., 2012 Principal, Landstown High School
“Just four years after receiving my degree from Regent, I had the honor of being named one of the nation's top educators. My Regent professors honed my focus on leadership, quality and innovation in education, which I use in my classroom every day.”
Lakeshia Ames, M. Ed., 2008 Educational Leadership
“A great teacher learns how to love and care for the students. At Regent this isn't only taught as our responsibility to others but it is modeled. The caring instructors seek to grow leaders with a Christian worldview and a heart to serve others.”
Wilbur Chapman, M.Ed., 2011 TESOL