Interdisciplinary Studies (English as a Second Language Education, PreK-12)

HomeBachelors ProgramsInterdisciplinary Studies (English as a Second Language Education, PreK-12)

Program Overview

The English as a Second Language Education degree introduces students to the fundamentals of teaching in English as a Second Language (ESL) classrooms at all levels in public and Christian schools. In addition to the Arts & Sciences Core, the Bible & Theology Major, and the Interdisciplinary Studies (ESL Education Grades PreK-12) Major, this program includes general education courses and professional studies in early childhood development, child psychology, educational philosophy, and specialized teaching methodologies.

Students receive instruction in lesson preparation and presentation for English Language Learners, classroom management, integration of a biblical worldview and application of biblical knowledge to the teaching profession, development and implementation of curriculum, and current trends in education. They develop their own philosophy of education based on these insights, and they demonstrate their skills and knowledge through an electronic portfolio using the InTASC (Interstate Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium) Standards. Field experiences expose students to the full range of ESL education in Tennessee, including public and private schools.

Visit our Undergraduate Education Degrees page to learn more about requirements for entrance to the Templar School of Education, field experiences, and licensure!

Every undergraduate student pursuing a four-year degree at Johnson earns a double major – a major in Bible and Theology and a major of their choice, like English as a Second Language Education. Click here to learn more about the Bible and Theology major.

Core Classes

Interdisciplinary Studies

American History Elective-choose one:

Fine Arts Elective-choose one:

Introduction to Teaching: Elementary Education

This course gives students an initial experience teaching in an elementary school setting. Students study principles of education with an emphasis on aiding struggling readers, assessment, and lesson planning. They implement these principles as they engage in a one-to-one tutoring session with an at-risk child. The course is made possible through a partnership between Mooreland Heights Elementary School and Johnson University.

Introduction to Teaching II

As a continuation of Introduction to Teaching, this course moves students from a broader view of teaching an introductory lesson plan to an in-depth look at a Learning Segment. Emphasis is placed on analyzing and reflecting upon lesson plans, instruction, and assessments as well as incorporating research-based learning theories into each of those areas. Additional focus is put on academic vocabulary, learning environments, and academic feedback.

Survey of Persons with Disabilities

Language Arts Methods

Classroom Management with Regular & Special Populations

This course explores two areas of significance and potential difficulty for the beginning teacher: effective classroom management and successful organization of the inclusive classroom. In this course, participants study management theory and teacher style, and explore a variety of strategies for developing a plan for classroom management based on Christian principles. They also gain an understanding of the special needs of the mainstreamed child and ways to meet these needs within an effective inclusive setting.

Reading Methods

This methods course includes in-depth study of methods of teaching reading in early childhood, elementary, and middle grades classrooms. Students come to know, understand, and use appropriate practices for promoting and developing beginning literacy skills for integrating reading instruction across all subject areas and for enabling all children to become proficient and motivated readers. Students begin to develop skills in applying explicit approaches to support student acquisition of phonemic awareness, decoding, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.

History & Philosophy of Christian Education

Foundations in Linguistics

This course introduces students to the complexity of human language. It is designed to introduce material in three interrelated units, including the nature of language, the grammatical aspects of language, and the applied areas of language. The course focuses on issues such as how the brain and language are related, how language sounds are produced and formed into words and sentences, and how those words and sentences are used to convey meaning. The course also addresses applied areas, such as dialects of English, pragmatics, bilingualism, language acquisition, and language instruction. While covering these various aspects of language, the ways in which the content relates to ministry are addressed.

ESL Methods & Materials for Teacher Education

This course is required for students seeking licensure in ESL or TESOL credentials. Students learn how to integrate language learning methods and subjects taught in the elementary and middle school, with special emphasis on reading, writing, listening, speaking, and vocabulary development. Students focus on methods and approaches used by educators for language instruction and effective lesson preparation using those methodologies.

Special Topics in K-12 ESL Education

This course provides candidates with the skills needed to acquire a deeper understanding of the academic needs of English learners in order to prepare them for the field of ESL education. Special emphasis is placed on specific ESL educational policies, legal requirements, and professional responsibilities. The administration of both formative and summative English language assessments is explored and practiced. Students analyze how the RTI process applies to students developing English proficiency. Students learn strategies in developing strong collaboration with administrators, educators, and parents in order to benefit English learners and their families. Students practice adapting general school and classroom practices in order to meet the linguistic needs of the English learners.

Field Experience: School Observations

This practical field experience is designed to acquaint entry-level students with a variety of schools and classrooms in the Knoxville area. Students examine various aspects of the classroom environment, management, and teaching methods in the classrooms they visit. This information is shared in written and oral form with their classmates and the faculty supervisor at regular meetings. This course is a prerequisite for other field experiences.

Field Experience: Tutoring

Field Experience: ESL Grades 6-12

Practicum: Day in School OR Practicum: Christian School

Practicum: Day in School
This course is a term-long experience for five full days at Maryville Christian School. Students observe classroom teacher instruction, prepare weekly lessons, reflect and discuss experiences with a field experience coordinator, and complete assigned tasks.

Practicum: Christian School
This course is a term-long experience for 30 hours in a Christian school classroom. Students observe classroom teacher instruction, prepare weekly lessons, reflect and discuss experiences with a field experience coordinator, and complete assigned tasks.

Practicum: English as a Second Language I

Practicum: English as a Second Language II

Senior Practicum: Reading

Educational Psychology

This course includes a study of the physical, social, emotional and mental development of the child from birth to adolescence. This includes the role of preschool through eighth-grade teachers as they work with these children. Observations and assessments of children are included in this experience. Special attention is directed to working with students with emotional and family problems in early childhood, elementary, and middle schools.