Master of Education (M.Ed.)
Program in Foreign Language Education

Overview

The M.Ed. teacher preparation program is a full-time graduate program that begins in the Summer and may be completed in four quarters. The program includes professional courses leading to both the master’s degree and initial Ohio teacher licensure in foreign language (grades K-12). Students engage in a coherent series of interdisciplinary core courses, content-specific courses, seminars, a research and inquiry component, the internship (combined field experiences and clinical practicum), and a culminating Capstone Project focused on critical issues in foreign language education. The University faculty work closely with the Franklin County Professional Development Schools and other school-based professionals to prepare new teachers.

Application

The deadline for application is December 1 of the year preceding admission. It is expected that applicants will complete an undergraduate program of study in the target language prior to beginning the M.Ed. Native speakers of the language to be licensed are required to have 45 quarter hours of study in the target language prior to admission. Experience studying or living in a country where the target language is spoken is strongly encouraged. The application portfolio includes a resume including study/living abroad experience, a personal statement of intent explaining the applicant’s motivation to teach, transcripts, evidence of an ACTFL Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) and Written Proficiency Test (WPT) rating of Advanced Low or better, GRE scores (if the undergraduate GPA is below 3.0) and three letters of recommendation from people who can speak to the applicant’s general character and desire to become a teacher. Interested candidates may apply for the Project ASPIRE Program http://ohioaspire.org/ as a means of funding their program.

Costs

In addition to the cost of tuition and course materials, there are several other costs associated with the M.Ed. program and it’s important to budget for them. Please be aware that any of the costs listed here are subject to change without notice.

The application fee for the M.Ed. program is $40. In addition, M.Ed. interns are required to subscribe to OSU’s data collection system called TK20. The one-time cost for this subscription is $103 and is payable during the first quarter of enrollment. Once admitted to the program, interns are also required to submit an FBI and Ohio Background check. This can be done at any police department, but the OUS Campus Police department is recommended. The cost is $51. The required ACTFL OPI and WPT cost $199. You are also required to take the PRAXIS II PLT, which costs $80.

FAQs

1. Who will my advisor be?
   The faculty advisor for the Foreign Language M.Ed. is Dr. Charles Hancock. Contact him at hancock.2@osu.edu.

2. Who is my program manager?
   The program manager for the Foreign Language M.Ed. is Dr. Vickie Ellison. Contact her at ellison.27@osu.edu.

3. Will I need a TB test before beginning my internship?
   Some school districts require a TB test, others do not. Once you have received your placement, you should check with the program manager or the school district central office.

4. Where will I be placed for my internship?
   You will have two placements during your internship. The principal placement is in a secondary setting, either middle school or high school. In addition you will have a six week placement in an elementary school. Placements are made at schools across the city, so having reliable transportation is essential.

5. When will I be notified of my placements?
   This information is distributed to interns as soon as official confirmation is received from the school district. Usually this happens in the summer.

6. Can I be licensed in more than one language?
   Yes, you’ll need to have 45 quarter hours of the second language for licensure. In the case of dual licensure, the secondary placement will focus on one language and the elementary placement will focus on the other.

7. What if I’m a native speaker of the language that I want to teach?
   You will need to have 45 quarter hours of coursework in that language. It is recommended that native speakers choose grammar, linguistics, culture and literature classes in their native language.

8. What is the ACTFL Oral Proficiency Interview and the Written Proficiency Test?
   These are tests that determine your level of proficiency in the target language. This test is not available for classical languages. An alternative assessment will be given for those wishing to teach Latin or Classical Greek. The OPI and WPT are available at the Testing Center on campus. You must submit your rating with your application to the program. More information is available at https://www.languagetesting.com/download/OHbroch.pdf

9. Do I need to take the ACTFL OPI and WPT if I am a native speaker of the language I wish to teach?
   Yes, all applicants must submit an ACTFL proficiency rating of Advanced Low or better to be considered for admission.

10. Do I need to take the PRAXIS?
    Yes, You are required to take the PRAXIS II, Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT). Because you take the OPI/WPT, you do not have to the subject/content part of the PRAXIS.

11. What is the Capstone Project?
    The Capstone Project is a portfolio created during the internship. It includes an action research project that will be conducted during the field experience, a personal statement, reflections on your teaching, sample lesson plans and other examples of your work. You will have a one hour oral defense of your project at the end of the year.

Testimonials

"As a graduate of the Ohio State FSLED M.Ed. program, I feel extremely well prepared to succeed as a Spanish teacher. The foreign language pedagogy was not only intriguing, but also proved to be very applicable within the classroom. I used only Spanish when teaching kindergartners during one of my field experiences, and it was truly amazing to see them understand and use the language!

Between the coursework, Capstone Project and field experiences, the M.Ed. program was challenging. However, these challenges have helped me grow as an educator and have prepared me for life as a foreign language teacher.

After speaking with representatives from many school districts, they are confident that teachers who graduate from the Ohio State M.Ed. program will succeed in their classrooms and welcome having OSU graduates teach their community."

Dawn

"A recent graduate of the 2009-2010 Foreign and Second Language Education cohort, I am confident that the Master of Education and teacher licensure program at The Ohio State University has prepared me to be an effective professional educator. Transitioning from an unsatisfying career in the special events industry, I entered M.Ed. program with no previous education coursework. Today, however, I am certain that I could teach successfully in any classroom— urban, suburban, or rural, elementary, middle, or secondary, public, private, or charter. I entered the program as a student, but I have left the program a teacher.

The program provides a comprehensive teacher preparation experience marrying theory and practice in a seamless one-year course of study. Courses in media and technology, classroom management, methodology, issues in education, child development, and social foundations of education prepared me for my student teaching experience, which remains a highlight of the program. Through my student teaching experience I came to see myself as a teacher. Without reservation, I recommend the Ohio State M.Ed. program to anyone who desires a rewarding career as an educator."

David Brauer