Bilingual Education & TESOL

The Bilingual Education/TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) concentration/program prepares scholars, practitioners, and leaders in understanding multi/bilingualism in the context of schools, families, communities and society. The Southwest borderlands situate participants in a unique position in which to critically examine issues confronting Spanish speaking and heritage language populations. A key dimension of the program includes the advancement of issues related to equity and social justice by encouraging participants to serve as advocates for bilingual children, their families and communities.

Early Childhood Education

The field of Early Childhood Education is concerned with the development and learning of children from birth through age eight. Our concentration/program focuses on early children education through a theoretical orientation which places early childhood education within broader social, historical, political, and cultural contexts. Coursework provides a context for students to critically examine early education and child care. Themes of bilingual and multicultural education and care, critical thinking, and reflective teaching are infused throughout the Early Childhood coursework. Early Childhood Education is an exciting and dynamic field in which standards for teachers are being raised and career opportunities are constantly developing.

Education and Design in Learning Technology

The Education and Design in Learning Technology concentration/program at New Mexico State University provides educators with the knowledge, skills & disposition to use technology to meet the learning needs of a diverse society.

Language, Literacy, & Culture

The Language, Literacy and Culture Program prepares educational leaders and scholars who understand in complex and diverse ways reading, language and literacy education, particularly as these relate to all issues of social justice and equity. This concentration/program emphasizes the development of critical and expansive perspectives on language and multiculturalism with a focus on the relevance of these for K-12 students from diverse ethno-linguistic backgrounds. Participants are encouraged to engage in leadership and research activities in a variety of settings at local, state and federal levels.

Multicultural Education

Multicultural education concentration/program provides advanced practical training to prepare effective professional educators, classroom teachers and school leaders, to promote meaningful outcomes in schools and communities by becoming outstanding, effective servant-leader educators and social change agents towards equity, social change and social justice. This program is for working professionals (teachers and leaders) and for students who wish to embark on the pathway toward a doctoral degree in C&I or ELA. The MA will provide students the opportunity to bridge culturally responsive practices in teaching and in leadership. The courses are offered in a sequence to build the understanding and skills needed to plan and carry out the action research project in EDUC 520. This MA will also serve as a pathway to the Doctorate in C&I (Critical Pedagogy) or in Educational Leadership & Administration (ELA).