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English to Speakers of Other Languages, B.S.

Program Highlights

CERTIFICATION IN ALL GRADES
In New York State, your ESOL certification allows you to teach PreK-Grade 12.

QUALIFIED TO TEACH ENGLISH ACROSS THE WORLD
Help students of diverse backgrounds acquire English skills.

HIGH EMPLOYMENT RATE
Due to NY’s teaching shortage, you are needed in the classroom.

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Download a guide with detailed information on costs, scholarships, and Roberts' majors and programs!

The students that I work with remind me daily of the way that God loves us and sees us each for who we are as unique, special, beloved children with individual strengths. I am blessed to have the opportunity not only to teach these students but to help them navigate the challenges of middle and high school in regards to their social and emotional lives as well as their academics.

I get to support not only my students but their entire families as I work with them to overcome language barriers as well as the social and economic barriers that they face here in America. God is working through me to love and witness to my students and their families as well as my many co-workers.

Brianna Starr ’18 (English to Speakers of Other Languages)

How Much Will I Pay?

two students standing in the sun

Total Program
Sticker Price:

$52,127


Last year

100%

of full-time freshmen students who applied 
for a scholarship received one

$25,324

average grants & scholarships package
for incoming freshman students last year

Roberts' Strategic Pillars

Online, Hybrid, and In-Person Programs In Rochester, NY

ANCHORED IN CHRISTIAN FAITH

You’ll be spiritually prepared for engagement in a diverse world.

CUSTOMIZED EDUCATIONAL PATHWAYS

Whatever your interests and circumstances, you’ll be equipped for your one-of-a-kind vocation.

READY TO
LEAD

You’ll be ready to lead, making meaningful contributions in your profession.

FLOURISHING PEOPLE & COMMUNITIES

Empowered to act in local and practical ways, you’ll make a difference in the communities where you live and work.

Courses and Requirements

View major requirements and more.

What Will I Learn?

Your career can take you all around the world.

You’ll study:
  • Approaches to teaching students of many languages in one classroom
  • Strategies to meet the needs of diverse learners
  • Aspects of different languages
  • How to manage the learning environment
  • Planning and analyzing early intervention strategies
  • How to create an inclusive and culturally-responsive classroom

Career Outlook

Here are just a few successes our graduates have achieved:

Student Teaching Placements

  • Webster Central School District (CSD)
  • Greece CSD
  • Rochester CSD
  • Pittsford CSD
  • Churchville-Chili CSD
  • Brockport CSD
  • Hilton CSD
  • Byron-Bergen CSD
  • Spencerport CSD
  • Kendall CSD
  • Penfield CSD
  • Rush-Henrietta CSD
  • Private schools and agencies such as Charles Finney, Mary Cariola Children’s Center, Hillside Children’s Center, Cornerstone Christian Academy, McQuaid, and more!

After graduating, our students have traveled to or taught in:

  • Asia
  • Africa
  • Central America
  • South America
  • Eastern Europe

Roberts’ Graduate Teacher Education Professional Programs

Frequently Asked Questions

ESOL is teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages.

When pursuing your ESOL degree at Roberts, you’ll take core education classes alongside more specific ESOL courses like Linguistics for Second Language Acquisition and Methods of Instruction and Assessment for ESOL. In the program, you’ll also get the chance to practice your new skills in fieldwork.

To become an ESOL teacher, you should first obtain a bachelor’s degree. You could get your degree in education or you could pursue a more specialized degree, such as the ESOL degree from Roberts. 

After getting your bachelor’s, you must get a certification for the area you’re aiming to teach in. In New York State this involves passing some exams. This ESOL certification in New York allows you to teach students in all grades Pre-K through Grade 12.

Some states (including New York) require you to obtain your master’s degree after a certain amount of time, as well.

According to the US Bureau of Labor (BLS), the median annual wage for ESL (English as a Second Language) teachers in 2023 was $60,560.

Naturally, the numbers will differ by school district, seniority, and content area. Your specialization in ESOL may open the door to negotiating a higher starting step.

Yes! If you come to campus for an individual visit, you can meet individually with a professor to get an overview of the major and your individual questions answered. Our Discovery Day events typically include a Faculty & Services Expo, where you can meet your future professors.

Yes! At Roberts, we’re dedicated to supporting you. Our Office of Student Financial Services is here to help you make the most of every financial aid opportunity available.

We provide financial assistance to 100% of our undergraduate students, so you can focus on following your calling with confidence.

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