Participants in this course examine the theories and practice of second language reading and writing acquisition. Topics include developing literate behaviors, decoding, guided reading, shared reading and writing, and the writing process. The focus of the course is to develop participants' proficiency in teaching reading and writing to students of different ages and ability levels through phonics, whole language, and integrated approaches.
This course is the culminating field-based teaching experience for teacher certification students in the MEd Language Education, TESOL. Successful completion of this class leads to NH K-12 ESOL certification. Candidates must have completed all coursework for certification before taking this course. The 9-credit internship is continuous and full-time (five days per week) during which, after a period of structured observation, the intern gradually assumes responsibility for a full range of teaching activities encountered in a school situation, thereby demonstrating the appropriate professional skills and attitudes essential for successful ESOL teaching at the K-12 levels. In the 6-credit internship, interns will maintain and improve upon the full range of teaching activities they practice every day at the elementary/ middle, or secondary level, and will supplement with additional experience at the secondary or elementary/middle level. Both internships provide an opportunity for demonstrating the appropriate professional skills, attitudes, and dispositions essential for successful teaching. The internship is conducted under the supervisory guidance of school mentors and a university supervisor. A blended seminar (online and face-to-face) complements the experience. All students are required to take the Praxis II in TESOL before completion of the class. Students must make arrangements for that testing independently and have their scores sent to the Office of Educator Preparation, the College of Graduate Studies and Professor Whiting.