English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Education

Register for an Upcoming Information Session

• 12/10/2025: ESOL and World Language Information Session — Virtual — 5:00pm - 6:00pm

Become an Advocate for Multilingual Learners

Earn Your ESOL MEd or Certificate at George Mason

In today's richly diverse classrooms, the ability to effectively teach multilingual learners is no longer a specialty but an essential component of equitable education. Educators who are prepared to bridge language, culture, and content are critical for ensuring academic success for all students. The English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Education program at George Mason's College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) is a leader in ESOL teacher preparation, empowering educators to become effective instructors, advocates, and instructional leaders.

We are committed to developing reflective practitioners through an ESOL education degree that emphasizes modern, asset-based instruction and culturally responsive pedagogy. Our programs are built for the realities of the modern educator. Whether you are pursuing an initial ESOL licensure program (PK-12), seeking an advanced master of education in curriculum and instruction (ESOL), or earning an ESOL graduate certificate online, you will find a pathway designed to meet your professional goals and make a lasting impact.

Why Choose George Mason CEHD

Flexible 100% online format. Benefit from a format designed for working educators, instructional assistants, and career changers.
Accessible & affordable tuition. Take advantage of our Virginia educator discount, making our graduate MEd and certificate programs accessible.
Clear licensure pathways. Our program is directly structured to prepare you to apply for your initial Virginia licensure or the ESOL add-on endorsement.
State-aligned curriculum. Our curriculum is fully aligned with Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) standards and prepares you for the Praxis Subject Assessment requirements for the ESL endorsement.
Learn from expert faculty. Our faculty are renowned leaders in the field, bringing current research and practical, evidence-based strategies into the online classroom.

What Sets Us Apart?

Three distinct pathways. Choose the track that matches your goals: an initial PK-12 licensure MEd, an advanced non-licensure MEd for current teachers, or a specialized 15-credit graduate certificate.
Integrated fieldwork. We integrate 15 hours of practical fieldwork into every course, ensuring you are constantly connecting theory to real-world classroom application.
Modern, asset-based pedagogy. Our program is built on a foundation of asset-based instruction, training you in culturally responsive pedagogy that celebrates and leverages student strengths.
Stackable credentials. Build your career at your own pace, applying all 15 credits from the TESOL graduate certificate directly toward a future MEd in Curriculum and Instruction.
Focus on advocacy & equity. Our curriculum goes beyond simple methodology to focus on multilingual learner education as a tool for advocacy, equity, and social change.