MA in Teaching English as a Second Language

Our Vision

The TESL Programs at Hawai‘i Pacific University offer a gathering place between East and West for students of second language teaching. The programs celebrate diversity as a resource, emphasize the importance of culture and identity in language learning and teaching, and build international connections that are relevant to the changing needs of a global society.

Our Mission

The TESL Programs at Hawai‘i Pacific University enable students to develop their philosophy, knowledge, and skills of language teaching through a spirit of inquiry and reflection. The programs provide a strong foundation through a focus on applied linguistics, pedagogy, and extensive practical experience.  Students explore traditional, current, and emerging teaching practices in the context of their personal and professional experiences and values to become global citizens and scholarly practitioners in the multifaceted world of language teaching.

 MATESL Outcomes

Students who complete the Master of Arts in Teaching English as a Second Language will be prepared to demonstrate ASK:

Attitudes of a professional.  Towards colleagues and students, MA holders will demonstrate teamwork and sensitivity.  Towards the discipline, MA holders will demonstrate a spirit of inquiry and reflection.  Towards the global community, MA holders will demonstrate cultural sensitivity and global citizenship.

Skills in spoken and written communication, in academic and pedagogic research, and in teaching including materials development and lesson planning, delivery, management, and assessment.

Knowledge of the major subfields of linguistics, the theories of second language acquisition, and the principles of language teaching methods; and be able to articulate their own philosophy of language teaching, explaining the principles on which it is based.