English as Second Language PreK-12 (MEd)
Credential: Master of Education
Certification: PA ESL Program Specialist Certification (PreK-12) **
** To be recommended for certification, students must hold a Pennsylvania Instructional I or II (any area).
** Graduate students not holding a PA certification will not be eligible for PA ESL Program Specialist certification. If they desire to enter the program to earn the degree only without certification, they will need to complete an additional 3 credits in ELL, unless waived by the Program Coordinator.
Introduction
The Master of Education: English as a Second Language seeks to train students from a philosophical basis which reflects a biblical worldview to serve as teachers of English as a Second Language in public and private schools. In order to earn the MEd, each student must complete the professional courses and field placement for a total of 39 credits in the program. Additionally, students must show competencies in Bible and Theology by completing four 1-credit Biblical and Theological Foundation courses or through a transcript evaluation. In order to be eligible for a PA ESL Program Specialist Certification, the student must hold a current PA Instructional I or II certification in any area.
The MEd: English as a Second Language is an online program with a weekly synchronous session on zoom. Students can complete the program in 2 ½ years taking classes during the fall, spring, and summer. Students will need to complete 60 hours of field placement in ESL. The field placement coordinator will aid students in locating appropriate field placements.
Location: Global Online
Program Core Competencies
1 - The teacher candidate will demonstrate the ability to integrate knowledge of content, pedagogy, resources and learners to design coherent learning experiences that are aligned with outcomes and that reach all learners.
2 - The teacher candidate will demonstrate the ability to implement safe, equitable, learning-focused environments developed through appropriate rapport between student and teacher, responsiveness to the needs and cultures of all learners, and effective classroom management techniques in an organized physical environment.
3 - The teacher candidate will demonstrate effective instructional practices as characterized by
a) clear verbal, nonverbal, and media communication
b) reflective and responsive teaching using multiple instructional strategies
c) implementation of a variety of assessment measures
d) engagement of students in higher level thinking and learning,
4 - The teacher candidate will demonstrate professionalism by
a) adhering to ethical, institutional and legal guidelines
b) maintaining accurate records
c) seeking opportunities to grow professionally
d) reflecting on his/her own practice
e) collaborating with colleagues, parents, and the community
5 - The teacher candidate will integrate a biblical worldview. The teacher candidate will demonstrate a biblical worldview in his/her personal and professional life.
English as a Second Language (MEd) Curricular Structure/Degree Requirements
Advanced Standing
Bible & Theology Foundation courses are required unless the student has entered the program with advanced standing. Advanced Standing is granted to those students who have completed 30 hours or more of undergraduate Bible and theology courses. Students with less than 30 hours may receive partial Advanced Standing credit proportionate to undergraduate or graduate Bible and theology studies completed. Students’ official transcripts will be evaluated during the admissions process.
Bible & Theology Foundation
| BTC 503 | Foundations for Integration | 3 |
| BTC 504 | Perspectives on Integration | 3 |
Professional Core
| EDU 519 | Foundations & Framework for Learning | 3 |
| EDU 526 | Diagnostic Reading Assessment | 3 |
| EDU 529 | Collaborative Team Approach | 3 |
| EDU 550 | Socio-Cultural Perspectives on Education | 3 |
| EDU 560 | Teacher's Life and Work | 3 |
| EDU 598 | Seminar in Action Research | 3 |
| EDU 599 | Project in Action Research | 3 |
| ESL 500 | Culture and Communication | 3 |
| ESL 515 | Language and Literacy Development for the English Learner | 3 |
| ESL 517 | Language Foundations for Teachers | 3 |
| ESL 520 | Instruction and Assessment for the English Learner | 3 |
| ESL 610 | ESL Internship & Seminar | 3 |
Electives
Open Elective
Students may choose any course at the 500+ level with the following prefixes: EDU, ESL, SPE.
Application, Admission, Retention, and Graduation
Admission Requirements
Admissions to MEd English as a Second Language
1.
Official transcript of a Bachelor’s degree in Education or its equivalent
2.
A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better as documented on an official transcript from the undergraduate accredited institution *
3.
A valid Pennsylvania certificate at a minimum level of Instructional I in any area.**
4.
Recent (within 1 year of admissions) Child Abuse, Criminal Record, and Fingerprinting Clearances
5.
Two references from individuals who can speak of the candidate’s abilities in the classroom
6.
Completed MEd application form and submission of required application credentials
https://www.lbc.edu/capital/admissions/
7.
Personal interview with the Program Director
Application Deadlines:
•
August 1 for Fall Semester start
•
December 1 for Spring semester start
•
April 1 for summer semester start
*Graduate students with a GPA lower than 3.0 may be admitted to the program under provisional status with Program Coordinator approval. In provisional admittance status, the student must maintain a 3.0 in the first 12 credits of the program in order to be fully admitted into the program.
** Graduate students not holding a PA certification will not be eligible for PA ESL Program Specialist certification. If they desire to enter the program to earn the degree only without certification, they will need to complete 3 credits in ELL, unless waived by the Program Coordinator.
Current LBC undergraduate students, already admitted into Teacher Certification Studies, who wish to apply will go through the admissions process the semester following their completion of 45 credits. Applications for these students must be completed and submitted by April 19 (Fall start) and November 11 (Spring start).
Students wishing to take courses solely for personal enrichment or Act 48 credits are classified as nonmatriculating students. Permission for enrollment in courses is based on completion of the Nonmatriculating Application and the adequacy of class space. If at a later time the student wishes to be admitted into the program, that student will need to go through the formal application process. Granting credit for courses taken while a nonmatriculating student is not automatic. The Program Coordinator will evaluate course work and grant or not grant credit on an individual basis.
Upon review of application materials, prospective students will be contacted by the Admissions Office regarding their admission.
Retention
Retention in MEd English as a Second Language
1. Minimum Cumulative GPA = 3.0
The criteria for retention are reviewed at the conclusion of each semester. Should the GPA fall below a 3.0 during the first three courses, the student is considered on probation for any certification. The student must meet with the Global Student Success Coach to determine a plan to raise the GPA to the minimum level. Further matriculation for the degree alone may also be in jeopardy.
If at the completion of the 4th course, the student has not raised the GPA, then the student will receive notice of academic dismissal. The student has the right to appeal through writing to the Registrar. The appeal will be considered by the appeals committee. If the appeal is denied, the student may appeal to the Provost.
Eligibility to enter Field Placement in ESL 520 Instruction & Assessment for the English Learner
1. Successful formal admission and retention in the ESL Program Specialist Certification
2. Minimum Cumulative GPA = 3.0
3. Renewed Child Abuse, Criminal Record, and Fingerprinting Clearances (within 6 months)
4. TB test (within 6 months)
5. Proof of Liability Insurance
6. Completion of all ESL 500, ESL 515, and ESL 517
7. In good standing with Lancaster Bible College
Exit Criteria - Eligibility to be Recommended for Certification
1. Completion of all program requirements and field placement requirements
2. Minimum Cumulative GPA = 3.0
3. Minimum of basic on evaluation form from supervisor and cooperating teacher
4. Submitted application to TIMS for PA teacher certification.
5. The recommendation of the LBC Certification Officer
Program Completion
The program must be completed in a maximum of five years. If a student wishes to temporarily withdraw from a program, the student must notify the Program Director in writing. If a student needs an extension to continue the program after the five years, a written request must be submitted to the advisor and Program Director.
Academic Advising
Students will be assigned a Global Student Success Coach to monitor student progress and to provide encouragement through their studies. Success Coaches are available for video conference and email meetings. Students will receive and have access to the Handbook for policies and procedures. Additionally, the handbook contains advisement sheets. The Program Director will monitor student progress each semester and alert the student and Success Coach regarding any deficiencies to be addressed and criteria not being met. Prior to field placement, the Program Director will audit the student’s file to ensure completion of necessary requirements for graduation and certification.
Continuous Enrollment
Even though students are part-time, continuous enrollment is expected. It is understood that extenuating circumstances occur which may prevent a student from enrolling in a given semester. However, this should be viewed as the exception in order to complete the program. Should a student not enroll for six months, he/she will be placed on non-student status and will need to reapply.
Program Director
Dr. Robin Bronkema, PhD
Growing up, Dr. Bronkema thought most children enjoyed playing school as much as she did, but it turns our that favorite pastime was a reflection of the love of teaching the Lord had placed in her. She went on to become a teacher in public schools in PA and CT, and then supervised student teachers at a liberal arts college for several years. Discovering that her passion for education and serving the Lord could be combined in Christian Education, she moved into administrative roles in a Christian K-12 school. Those experiences gave birth to her doctoral research, which focused on the leadership development of female Christian school leaders. With a heart for college-age students, she is now thrilled to bring all of those experiences to bear here at LBC.
Outside of campus life, she enjoys long walks with her dog, tennis, and street hockey with her husband and three children, meals with friends, and a strong cup of Earl Grey tea.
PhD in Organizational Leadership, Eastern University
EdM in Human Development and Psychology, Harvard University Graduate School of Education
BA in Psychology and Linguistics, Swarthmore College
Faculty
Certification Officer, Field Placement Coordinator
Robert Dodson, EdD
Resident Faculty
Robin Bronkema, PhD
Robert Dodson, EdD
Julia Hershey, EdD
Stacey Martin, EdD
Adjunct Faculty
Angela Becker, EdD
M. Raluca Snyder, EdD