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 sign a waiver indicating that they understand they are not eligible for PA ESL Program Specialist certification.

Location: Online

Program Director: Robin Bronkema, PhD

Program Mission Statement: 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.

Program Learning Outcomes: As a result of this program, students will

1. 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. 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. Demonstrate effective instructional practices 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. 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. Integrate a biblical worldview. The teacher candidate will demonstrate a biblical worldview in his/her personal and professional life.

To be eligible for PA certification, field placement must be completed in person in Pennsylvania.

Curricular Structure and Degree Requirements

Curricular Structure	Credits
Biblical and Theological Foundations Course	3
Professional Core Courses	21
Program Courses	18
Program Total	42

 

Biblical & Theological Foundation Course (3 credits)

This chart outlines how prior college-level credits in Bible and theology, as represented on a transcript, apply to the Biblical and Theological Foundations course requirement.

15 or less credits of Bible and theology	BTC 503 Foundations for Integration
16-29 credits of Bible and theology	BTC 504 Perspectives on Integration
30 or more credits of Bible and theology	Requirement satisfied

Professional Core Courses (21 credits)

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

Program Courses (18 credits)

Students may choose any graduate level course with the prefix EDU, ESL, or SPE for the elective course.

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
	Elective	3

Admission, Retention, and Graduation

Admission Requirements

Admission into a master's degree program is consistent with the general admissions policy and practice of LBC | Capital. Admission criteria is located in the Admissions Information section of the catalog. 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.

Students wishing to take courses solely for personal enrichment or Act 48 credits are classified as non-degree students. Permission for enrollment in courses is based on completion of the Non-degree 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. Credit for courses taken while a non-degree student is not automatically applied to the degree program. The Program Coordinator will evaluate course work and count or not count credit on an individual basis.

Transfer Credits

Transfer credit is awarded in accordance with the general transfer policy in the Academic Policies and Procedures section of the catalog. Transfer credits are reviewed and approved by the Program Director. This program has the following program specific transfer credit information.

Graduate Program	Program Credits	# of Transfer Credits	Min. Grade of Transfer Credits
Curriculum & Instruction	36 cr.	9 graduate credits	B

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. 

Retention

Academic progress in this program is monitored after each term. The Academic Probation policy and Academic Dismissal policy found in this catalog are applied to all LBC | Capital students. Students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. 

Eligibility to enter Field Placement in ESL 520 Instruction & Assessment for the English Learner

1. Successful formal admission and retention in the MEd in ESL program
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

Graduation Requirements

Exit or graduation criteria:

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 mentor teacher

Eligibility to be Recommended for Certification

1. Submitted application to TIMS for PA teacher certification
2. 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.

Faculty

Program Director: 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: 

Robin Bronkema, PhD
Robert Dodson, EdD
Julia Hershey, EdD
Stacey Martin, EdD