Rache Nader is a current ESL teacher in the St. Paul Public Schools. She completed her MEd degree and dual licensure in French and ESL in Curriculum and Instruction and graduated in May, 2022 after spending time teaching abroad and studying French and linguistics. She talks with us about her program experience.

What drove you to enroll in the MEd and Teacher Licensure in Second Language Education program?

I was drawn to the program for its solid reputation and accelerated timeline. I wanted a program that would allow me to get both my master’s degree and provide me with the opportunity to get licensed and do student teaching. 

When did you realize you wanted to be a teacher?

I started working with kids and teaching in high school. All throughout college, I continued coursework in education, tutored ESL and French, and worked as a summer camp counselor for French immersion. After college, I taught English abroad in Cote d’Ivoire, West Africa. Even after all these experiences, I still hadn’t totally embraced teaching as a career path. After working in international development and having so much time to reflect during the pandemic, I realized how much I missed teaching and supporting learners and decided to circle back to my background in education as a teacher. 

What did you hope to gain from the program experience, both coursework and student teaching?

I was hoping to learn theory, as well as how to apply it. Additionally, I wanted to gain a professional and personal network and classroom experience through student teaching. I also wanted to learn more about social justice and anti-oppressive practices in education. 

Were there any surprises and challenges along the way?

The coursework is heavy and the entire program is challenging, but it’s also great to be able to earn an advanced degree and licensure in one year. 

How have you felt about the cohort model and experience?

I have loved having a cohort. It has been a great asset to our learning as we all have unique experiences and areas of expertise that we get to share. From a personal perspective, having the cohort has been such a strong support system. 

Describe your experience student teaching. 

My first student teaching placement was in a small district just north of Minneapolis. I had been working with 3rd and 4th ESL classes, primarily newcomers, or students who have just recently moved to the US. Almost all of my students had Spanish as their home language and were from Central and South America. Working with them has been a really enriching experience and they have taught me so much about teaching, their cultures, and how to speak Spanish! 

My second placement was with Saint Paul Public Schools in a secondary setting (grades 6-9), where I ended up accepting a teaching position.

Did the student teaching helped you feel prepared to enter your own classroom?

Yes, definitely. I’ve had the opportunity to take the lead on managing the classroom and instruction during full time student teaching. 

Find out more about the MEd and Licensure program in second language education, including licensure in world languages and ESL.