The English Language Learning in School Settings Graduate Program at the University of Michigan School of Education

How do we learn second languages?

What school and community practices support the academic participation of English language learners?

How can classroom teachers foster English learners' academic language development at all levels and in all subjects?

As a participant in the program, you will:

• Learn about the process of second language development and help language learners develop academic language proficiency
• Learn about the language demands of different subjects (language arts, social studies, history, mathematics, and science)
• Focus on language in the content area of your specialization
• Learn to design effective programs that integrate language and subject area instruction

Along with earning an MA in Education, you may also choose to earn the Michigan ESL endorsement through coursework in this program.

Courses are offered in the evenings and summer to accommodate teachers, and part time enrollment is an option.

What does it mean to become a student in this program?

It means commitment to developing curriculum, assessment, and pedagogy that enable K-12 English Language Learners to be full participants in the school community and to develop academic language proficiency.

Who might participate in this program?

• A second grade teacher who is interested in the relationship between English language learning and the learning of science
• A fifth grade teacher who has five bilingual students every year and isn't sure how best to teach them
• A ninth grade social studies teacher who would like to work with English language learners on grade-level content
• A high school math teacher who would like to know how to use language more effectively in teaching diverse students
• A language arts teacher who wants to develop better knowledge about language across the curriculum
• Anyone who wants to better understand and contribute to the academic development of English learners

English Language Learning in School Settings is designed for teachers at all levels (K-12) and in all subject areas who wish to continue their practical, intellectual, and professional development by focusing on the particular issues faced by English learners in our schools. It is especially targeted to practicing teachers who would like to expand their roles in schools by becoming leaders in the development of programs for ELLs and as resources for colleagues.

Research projects by faculty and students in the program include:

• Analyzing the language of history textbooks to identify challenges for struggling readers and to develop strategies teachers can use to help students read grade-level material
• Analyzing the writing of second language learners in school subjects to develop descriptions of the language features that teachers can most effectively address in their work with English language learners
• Analyzing discourse in mathematics classrooms to identify instructional strategies that work with diverse learners
• Improving instruction in mathematics literacy for K-5 students

This program is a collaboration between the School of Education and the English Language Institute at the University of Michigan.

Specialized courses include:

• Educational linguistics
• Second language learning
• Language analysis for second language teaching and learning
• Perspectives in second language learning and instruction
• Second language assessment
• The sociocultural context of ESL teaching

Participants will learn to analyze language to identify the challenges of the curriculum in different subject areas and to assess the development of second language learners' English language proficiency. Students will also undertake an action research project in which they analyze language in an English as a second language pedagogical context.

The program is designed to offer flexibility, with three electives selected by each student in consultation with an advisor. A required cognate from English Language Institute (ELI) courses and optional other specialized cognates will enable participants to get a rich perspective on a range of issues related to the education of English language learners.

This degree specialization is housed within the Educational Studies program, which fosters links among students and faculty in a number of specializations sharing a commitment to the integration of theory and research on teaching, learning, and educational access in P-12 settings.

Earn your Master’s Without Leaving the Job You Love

Part-Time Master’s Program for Full-time Teachers

• Evening, summer and weekend schedules allow full-time teachers to complete a Master in Arts program in 2-3 years.
• Substantial scholarships and need-based financial aid packages available.
• Each graduate student paired one-on-one with a faculty advisor.
• Programs are flexible and tailored to student needs.
• 12 nationally renowned, innovative programs to choose from:
  • Dual MA/MBA in Education and Business
  • Curriculum Development
  • Early Childhood Education
  • Educational Administration and Policy
  • Educational Foundations and Policy
  • English Education
  • English Language Learning in School Settings
  • Learning Technologies
  • Literacy, Language & Culture
  • Mathematics Education
  • Science Education
  • Social Studies Education

“I was a physics teacher before coming here... I was interested in taking more of a leadership position with the science community. The University of Michigan gives me access to top-level expertise in virtually all areas of research, education, and the sciences.”
- Jeff Nordine
Combined MA & PhD Student
Educational Administration &
Science Education

Read Lisa Hoffmans Part-time story.

English Language Learning in School Settings: People

To assist those interested in the various concentrations, here are the names of faculty members, and student ambassadors involved with the English Language Learning in School Settings specialization. If you have a general question about the program, or would like to talk to a current student about the program, please visit the English Language Learning in School Settings contact page.

Faculty: To view a faculty member's research interests, click on their name (links open up a new window).

Elizabeth Axelson, Instructor, ESL Endorsement Program

Joanne Carlisle, Professor, School of Education

Judith Dyer, Instructor, ESL Endorsement Program

Diane Larsen-Freeman, Professor, School of Education; Professor, Linguistics; Director, English Language Institute

Carolyn Madden, Coordinator, ESL Endorsement Program

Melinda Matice, Instructor, ESL Endorsement Program

Mary J. Schleppegrell, Professor, School of Education

Catherine Reischl, Clinical Assistant Professor and ELMAC Coordinator, School of Education

English Language Learning in School Settings: Admissions Information

Want to apply to our program? Read the steps below to learn everything you need to know to apply.

1. Do you have any questions you would like answered before you apply? If so, view the School of Education Frequently Asked Questions or contact the English Language Learning in School Settings program.

2. Fill out a Rackham program inquiry form to get you into our system, so we can inform you of the latest recruiting events and other admissions updates. You can fill out a program inquiry form by clicking here (be sure to close the new window to return to this page).

3. Application Process: You will need to complete an application to the Horace H. Rackham Graduate School, which is the overall administrative unit for graduate programs. It is mandatory that you use the Rackham Web application to apply to our programs.

You also need to send us a statement of purpose, official transcripts from every institution you have attended, three letters of recommendation, and your GRE scores. International students should also send in their TOEFL scores.

We created an application checklist for your use in keeping track of where and when you sent application materials. We recommend that you download and print up an application checklist.

Application Checklist (Adobe PDF)

Fee waivers are available through the Rackham Graduate School for prospective students who qualify for Specialized Fee Waiver Groups. Please check Rackham's fee waiver Web page to see if you are eligible for one of these groups.

Note: The Office of Student Services matches documents to an application using the name appearing on the Rackham application. If the name on your documents, i.e., transcript, letter of recommendation, etc., is different from the name appearing on your application, please be sure to indicate all former last names or other first names on the Rackham application. Contact the Office of Student Services if you have information about your name that you did not include on the Rackham application.

4. Application Deadlines:

For the latest deadline, please see our deadlines page. Please submit all materials by the application deadline.

5. We hope you will get acquainted with us through our web materials, e-mail correspondence, and when possible, a personal visit. Be sure to check out the University of Michigan Web site, the Rackham Graduate School Web site, and the rest of the resources in this program site along with the School of Education Web site. In addition, you may want to view the SOE Bulletin.

There are opportunities through both the School of Education and the Rackham Graduate School for merit and need based fellowships. To find out more, we encourage you to review the Graduate Financial Aid Resource Guide. The Office of Fellowships and Recruitment is the contact for the Rackham Graduate School (734-764-8119).

We are delighted to learn of your interest in the University of Michigan and this program. We encourage you to visit the campus to discuss your interests with faculty and students. Visits are most helpful if made prior to or during the application process. In addition to arranging individual campus visits, you are encouraged to attend the annual Graduate Information Day. This is a great opportunity for you to meet with School of Education faculty and staff, some of our current students, and other prospective students. We wish you the best of luck in pursuing your graduate studies and encourage you to contact us (above) if you have any questions about the University of Michigan or your program.

Still have questions? If so, please visit the School of Education Frequently Asked Questions, or contact the Office of Student Services.

Questions about the status of your application? Check your application data and status online, via Wolverine Access. Please allow 7 days after submitting your application before checking your web application status on Wolverine Access. To do this you will need to use a login ID and password, and confirm some personal data before viewing your application:

For applicants who are current students or employees

1. Log into Wolverine Access using your existing UMICH uniqname login and click "New and Prospective Student Business."

"For applicants who are new to the University you will need to create a secure login using a UM Friend Account and then log into Wolverine Access at https://friend.weblogin.umich.edu/

1. Create a Friend Account by clicking on the following link: Create a Friend Account.

NOTE: If you have questions about creating a UM Friend Account you may go to http://www.itd.umich.edu/itcsdocs/s4316

2. Log into Wolverine Access at https://wolverineaccess.umich.edu/ and click "New and Prospective Student Business."

If you have any further questions, contact the Office of Student Services at (734) 764-7563 or ed.grad.appl@umich.edu.