College of Education

The Westcliff College of Education offers the Bachelor of Arts in Education (BAEd), the Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (MA TESOL), the Reimagining English as an additional Language Program (REAL), and the Doctor of Education in Leadership, Curriculum, and Instruction (EdD).

Our curriculum, whether taught via an online or on-campus platform, is comprehensive and innovative. At Westcliff University, you’ll develop your critical thinking and writing skills, conduct linguistic analyses, and learn the latest in curriculum development using up-to-the-minute educational technology. The programs provide practical experiences and assignments to prepare students for various educational settings and positions. Our education programs include a teaching practicum, interviews with current educators, and the skills needed for today’s classroom in a variety of contexts.

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Why Study TESOL?

Many Westcliff University students pursue their MA TESOL because they are passionate about education. Children and adults alike have more opportunities when they speak English well, and our TESOL graduates find tremendous personal satisfaction in teaching English as a foreign or second language.

Some TESOL students are attracted to the prospect of living and working abroad. Teaching English in another country can be exciting and fun; you will find that many of our professors have found this experience immensely rewarding.

Still, other TESOL students find that our curriculum helps them reach the students they already have. In today’s multicultural classroom, it is common for K-12 teachers to work with ELL students. When you enroll in the MA TESOL program, you will learn the methods and strategies that address the challenges of language learning and acquisition.

Our curriculum, whether taught via an online or on-campus platform, is comprehensive and innovative. At Westcliff University, you’ll develop your critical thinking and writing skills, conduct linguistic analyses, and learn the latest in curriculum development using current educational technology. Equally important, our MA TESOL program embraces diversity and recognizes the value of heritage languages and cultures.

About

Westcliff University’s College of Education is full of experienced and inspirational educators. The college consists of the Bachelor of Arts in Education (BAEd), the Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (MA TESOL), the Reimagining English as an Additional Language Program (REAL), and the Doctor of Education in Leadership, Curriculum, and Instruction (EdD). Each program has an emphasis on the practical aspects of education and teaching. Assignments are varied and readily applicable to the needs of the field.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Westcliff University College of Education is to develop and prepare skilled and informed educators, scholars, and researchers who create responsible learning communities. The college focuses on excellence, theoretical knowledge, and integrity through the application of innovative processes, effective use of technology, and fosters the development of educational leaders and policymakers.

Julie Ciancio, Ph.D., Dean, College of Education

Message from the Dean

In my many years of teaching, research, and administration, I have found Westcliff University’s programs in education and TESOL to be rewarding on both professional and personal levels.

Professionally, I take great pride in the College of Education’s curriculum, which is comprehensive, challenging, and current. Education and TESOL are disciplines that combine academic scholarship with practical, hands-on learning and application. Our professors not only have graduate degrees but have also taught in the United States and abroad. They share their experience with students, who learn so much more beyond the textbook.

Our online and hybrid programs embrace diversity and multiculturalism while recognizing the importance of helping others to become fluent in the English language. When you study in the College of Education, you enhance your understanding of both English and non-English-speaking cultures. In the Westcliff College of Education programs, you will examine content and cultures from an analytical perspective, and you will also observe the various modes of interpretation and expression in the field, while on class trips, during your practicum if you have one, and in the classroom.

On a personal level, I admire the dedication of our faculty to the learning process. The College of Education is fortunate to have professors who are passionate about bringing the most into their classrooms. When you become a part of Westcliff University, you become a part of an educational institution that is truly special.

Julie Ciancio, Ph.D.
Dean, College of Education