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Best Career Paths for Those with an M.Ed. in Literacy and Second Language Studies

5 minute read

You’ve decided to advance your education with an M.Ed. in Literacy and Second Language studies, but how can your choice of concentration impact your career goals? The University of Cincinnati’s Master of Education in Literacy and Second Language Studies online program is designed to take students on a journey to broaden and deepen their understanding of social, cultural, linguistic, and institutional factors that contribute to a learner’s ability to use reading, writing and speaking in their first or second language. The M.Ed. in Literacy and Second Language Studies program offers three unique concentrations that provide students with a range of career paths and opportunities for career advancement; now, which one will you choose?

PreK-16 Literacy and Learning Instruction

  This concentration is for those who want to teach reading and basic writing skills within community colleges and literacy programs. It will help advance students’ careers in reading instruction by preparing them to help students overcome reading and writing challenges. In addition, they can choose to work in public and private schools, non-profit organizations, or community-based programs, as well as if they want to work with children, adults, or something in between.

Graduates with a concentration in Pre-K Literacy and Learning instruction can pursue careers such as:
  • A literacy/reading coach
  • A reading intervention teacher or specialist
  • A reading instructor or specialist
  • A literacy and assessment curriculum specialist
  • A reading and writing center coordinator

There is no shortage of career paths and fields that would be perfect for this concentration if your goal is to help students of all ages succeed and learn skills that will make you a better educator.

PreK-12 Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Focus

  This concentration is for those who wish to gain a deeper understanding of effective methods to teach English Language Learners (ELLs), English as an additional language (EAL), and English language acquisition (ELA) in the United States. At UC (University of Cincinnati), TESOL can also be completed as a graduate certificate.

Graduates who choose this concentration can pursue careers in many different fields, including but not limited to:
  • An ESL (English as a Second Language) teacher or coordinator
  • An ESL curriculum specialist
  • A guidance counselor working with ESL students
  • A speech pathologist for ESL students
  • A textbook developer for ESL education
  • A social worker who specializes in immigrant students or families

With such a wide range of career paths to choose from, this concentration is perfect for anyone passionate about teaching English to Non-English speakers and who wishes to do so in a tactful and enriching way.

International/Adult Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) Focus

This concentration is perfect for those enthusiastic about helping adults learn English as a second language in the U.S. or abroad. This concentration provides students with the skills they need to teach English as a second language (ESL), English as a foreign language (EFL), and English language acquisition (ELA).

Graduates with a concentration in TESL can pursue careers as:
  • An ESL (English as a Second Language) instructor or teacher
  • An EFL instructor or teacher
  • A textbook developer for ESL and EFL education
  • A social worker specializing in immigrant families

What makes this specialization so special is the variety of work settings offered to students after graduation. Graduates can choose to work in colleges, intensive language program centers, English language schools or institutes, schools, colleges overseas, and community organizations. If any of these careers or career settings sound appealing, a concentration in International/Adult Teaching English as a Second Language Focus might be the right choice for you.

What’s Next?

UC Online’s M.Ed. in Literacy and Second Language Studies program allows you to choose a specialization that will prepare you for success in your desired career. Your advanced degree and knowledge will set you apart from others who did not receive this specialized training and will give you an edge when competing for opportunities. Don’t wait a moment longer, begin your educational journey today by connecting with an Enrollment Services advisor to get started. We look forward to meeting you and hearing about how we can help you achieve your educational and career goals.

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