An immense state with few densely populated areas, Alaska is a challenging place to locate a Master of Arts program in TESOL in a traditional on-campus format. However, for people interested in related curricular areas of rural education, native language education, ESL endorsements, and international or cross-cultural education preparation, Alaska has a variety of study options, largely offered online or in hybrid on-campus and distance learning modes.
ESL Teacher Certification
The Alaska Department of Education and Early Development (EED) administers all policy regarding state licensure for educators in its K-12 public schools. EED’s Teacher Certification Web page outlines the licenses issued for classroom educators:
- Initial Teacher Certificate
- Second Initial Teacher Certificate
- Professional Teacher Certificate
- Master Teacher Certificate
- Retired (Lifetime) Certificate
Alternative Certification Options
EED issues the Type M Limited Certificate to people who have subject-matter expertise but no bachelor or graduate degree in the following subject areas:
- Alaska Native language
- Alaska Native culture
- Military Science
- Vocation/Technical courses
According to EED and the online Alaska Teacher Placement service, this is one of only a few nontraditional routes to state certification. The state does not issue emergency credentials.
Master’s in TESOL Programs
University of Alaska Anchorage offers a Master of Education in Teaching and Learning. This graduate education track allows students to pursue a concentration in either English for Speakers of Other Languages, or Literacy. University of Alaska Fairbanks offers a Master of Arts in Applied Linguistics. This course of study allows students to specialize in second language acquisition and teaching (SLATE). It also offers a Master of Arts in Rural Development. This interdisciplinary degree, offered through the Department of Native Studies and Rural Development, focuses on cross-cultural studies and can incorporate a Peace Corps Master’s International Program.
