English as a Second Language (MAT)
Bridge cultures and open worlds.
Mary Baldwin University’s MAT in English as a Second Language prepares future teachers to support English learners through culturally responsive instruction. Designed for individuals with a bachelor’s degree seeking initial teaching licensure, the program combines coursework in language acquisition, literacy development, and cross-cultural communication with real-world field experiences and student teaching. Graduates are equipped to teach English to multilingual learners in grades PK-12.
- Time to Completion2 years
- FormatOnline
- Degree(s)Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)
Next steps
Why Pursue an English as a Second Language MAT at Mary Baldwin?
As classrooms become increasingly diverse, the need for qualified, compassionate ESL educators has never been greater. At MBU, we prepare teachers who understand how language and culture shape learning—and who are committed to creating equitable, empowering learning environments for English learners.
View our Teacher Education accreditation report.
Flexibility & Convenience
With all courses available online, you can complete coursework on your schedule and student-teach in any accredited classroom. Some of our students complete the entire program in just two years, while others choose to pursue the MAT part-time, balancing it with their careers and home life. We’re here to make a career in teaching work for you!
MAT students don’t need to be Virginia residents to seek licensure—they can complete practicums and student-teaching in any accredited school. However, all activities, competencies, and Standards of Learning that are addressed in each experience must apply to Commonwealth of Virginia guidelines.
Next steps
Teacher Education Program
Students accepted to the MAT program are automatically enrolled in MBU’s Teacher Education Program (TEP). Upon completion of their degree program and TEP requirements, MAT students will be prepared to obtain an initial teaching license by Commonwealth of Virginia standards.
Although you can never be 100% prepared for your first day of teaching, I felt as though MBU gave me the experience I needed to feel confident and ready.
Janell Chavis BA ’19, MAT ’20, kindergarten teacher in Richmond
Courses and Curriculum
The MAT in English as a Second Language at MBU provides the fundamentals of linguistics and language acquisition—in addition to classroom and instructional management—through a mixture of academic coursework and hands-on experience.
This course is devoted to improving literacy among elementary grade students with and without disabilities, and a later section focuses on reading components for adolescent learners. Students will develop a thorough understanding of the complex nature of language acquisition, reading, and literacy—aligned with the Virginia English Standards of Learning. Related to language acquisition development, students will learn about phonetics, semantics, syntax, morphology, phonology, and pragmatics. Students will also learn about the stages of writing, writing strategies, conventions to support composing, written expression, usage, and mechanics. Word Study, and focus on spelling stages, is an integral part of this course.
This course provides teacher education students with an overview of the development of language in the context of culture and historical concepts. The historical development and structure of language (English and other languages) is reviewed. Students will understand the basic principles and methodologies of linguistic science, while learning to discuss language issues in an informed way with linguists and non-linguists. The course will address basic foundations of linguistics in order to prepare teachers who may be working with ESL students, or who may be teaching language arts/literacy/English in the K-12 classroom.
Our Faculty
Our program’s faculty is made up of passionate educators eager to share their insights and expertise. With their one-on-one support, you’ll graduate ready to tackle any challenges you face with confidence and competence.
Outstanding Outcomes and Opportunities
MBU’s reputation for producing exceptionally qualified teachers means that an MAT from MBU translates into a career.
MBU is committed to training teachers for every student, no matter their financial or geographic situation. That’s why an average of 92% of Teacher Program graduates are in one of Virginia’s Top Ten Critical Shortage Areas.
Next steps
Cost & Financial Aid
A great education is worth it. Our mission is to help you level up and bring your aspirations to life.
Some applicants to the MAT program are eligible for the Kitty Green and Hobart Jones Scholarship for Inquiry Teaching and Cooperative Learning, a scholarship for MAT students who are looking to change careers after five years outside the field of education, display a passion for inquiry-based and cooperative learning in public schools, intend to teach in PK-8 grades, and demonstrate financial need.