Boost Your Career

Transfer Your UC Santa Cruz, Silicon Valley Professional Education Certificate Units Towards Obtaining A NDNU Master of Arts in TESOL

An official partnership between NDNU & UCSC

UC Santa Cruz Silicon Valley Professional Education (UCSC) and Notre Dame de Namur University (NDNU) are proud to introduce an innovative pathway program for students seeking to extend their skills on teaching English to multilingual learners in the United States and worldwide. The program welcomes students interested in advancing their skills as a TESOL educators as they pursue their goal of earning an advanced degree in teaching English in the global classroom.

Addressing Growing Demand

With the growing demand around the world for educators prepared to teach English through in-person, hybrid, and online instruction, UCSC and NDNU are collaborating to provide a seamless transition from the UCSC TESOL Certificate program to NDNU’s Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). This collaboration allows UCSC students, those who have completed the TESOL Certificate and those who have not completed the TESOL Certificate to apply the courses they have completed to an NDNU MA TESOL degree. This is your opportunity to extend your expertise and advance your career by preparing to support learners from a wide range of entry points into language learning among various multilingual populations, from adults to their children, as well as underserved populations.

Advance your career:

MA TESOL graduates are working in a range of positions in the US and around the world.

Instructor at a community college or university
Adult literacy and ESL instructor with a non-profit organization or a regional/national or international language center
Teaching and administrative leadership positions in for-profit language schools
Expand your ESL teaching skills in K-12 schools.
Explore research, and use of technology in instruction and curriculum development in schools, districts and educational focused companies

What makes this collaboration unique?

Tailored for Non-Traditional Learners

Designed for working professionals and education workforce re-entry, this partnership extends accessibility to advanced preparation. By offering courses in an asynchronous format, one course at a time in an 8-week intensive format, NDNU provides their adult student population with the ability to plan and achieve a work-life balance.

Courses are offered year-round, fall, spring and summer semesters, allowing students to move through the program at a pace that fits their specific needs. NDNU provides students with a values-based education that provides access to a wide range of instructional materials, approaches, and methods including the latest advance in the field and in the use of technology.

Join an academic community that educates for life

NDNU students become part of a community for influential professionals and gain access to supportive network of faculty, students, and graduates. Our faculty are active TESOL practitioners who bring current experience and expertise into course instruction and assignments.

“Digital storytelling and discussion forums were an integral part of my learning here at NDNU These communication skills are useful to have, whether I’m teaching or tutoring online, or in a classroom. NDNU’s online MA TESOL program provided me with the flexibility that I needed. It’s a wonderful option if you have a full-time job or live in an area where MA TESOL programs aren’t offered.” -Bryce B. ‘19

Pathway to Success

The pathway program allows previous UCSC TESOL Certificate students to seamlessly transfer 24 quarter units (15 semester units) towards the completion of NDNU’s Master of Arts degree in Teaching English as a Second Language. Graduates of the NDNU MA TESOL are currently working in the United States and overseas as instructors at community colleges and universities, as adult literacy and ESL instructors for non-profit and for-profit organizations and at regional, national, and international language centers, and in K-12 environments.

Empowering Flexibility

One of the key strengths of this collaboration is the cost-effective flexibility it affords learners. Tuition for the MA TESOL program is $500 per unit, allowing UCSC TESOL Certificate students transferring all 24 quarter units (15 semester units) into the program to complete their final 15-units for MA TESOL at a tuition of $7,500.

Unlocking Opportunities

NDNU has created a pathway to provide improved opportunities for students who have completed their TESOL Certificate as well as for those who may not have completed the UCSC program but would like to earn the NDNU MA TESOL degree.

Through individualized, 1:1 meetings, the Program Director for the NDNU TESOL Program will work with students who have not completed the Certificate Program to plan a program that will allow them to earn a MA degree by taking additional NDNU course work to complete the degree.

Transform your career and the future of language education. Explore our partnership and begin a journey that combines academic rigor with flexibility and that builds an inclusive learning

Qualify for financial aid and scholarships:

Students interested in Fall 2024 enrollment should forward a copy of their FAFSA to us immediately. The NDNU FAFSA code is 01179. If you have not completed one for the 2024-25 academic year, you will need to do so to qualify for aid for Fall 2024. If you have questions or concerns about financial aid, please connect with one of our counselors.

For more information and enrollment details, visit:

https://www.ndnu.edu/school-of-education/tesol-ma/

Join us in our commitment to addressing the constantly changing educational needs of our diverse society in our community, state, country, and worldwide.

Notre Dame de Namur University is an equal opportunity employer firmly committed to non-discrimination in its hiring and other employment practices and personnel policies. In compliance with all applicable federal and state laws, except where a bona fide occupational qualification exists, NDNU will make employment decisions irrespective of the staff member’s race, color, religion, religious creed, ancestry, national origin, age (except for minors), sex, marital status, citizenship status, military service status, sexual orientation, medical condition (a cancer-related or genetic condition), disability and/or any another status protected by law. When necessary, the NDNU will reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities if they are otherwise qualified to perform all essential functions safely and do it without undue hardship to the NDNU. Inquiries regarding the College’s equal opportunity policies should be directed to the Human Resources Department via email at hr@ndnu.edu. NDNU admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school administered programs.

Mark Dee

Magellan Solutions USA launched under the visionary leadership of Mark A. K. Dee, Chief Executive Officer – a consultant and service provider for healthcare administrative support, IT development, energy, call center, and business process outsourcing. Mark has served in various multi-level management positions in his 21 years of service in the United States Air Force (USAF). He performed as Immunology and Microbiology department manager, Medical Laboratory Assistant Director, Facility and Security Manager, and finally retiring in the military in 2008 as Superintendent/Assistant Chief of Operations of 330 personnel Medical Group. Mark has experiences in the services industries since he retired, including running a restaurant chain as the CEO. He has also developed other businesses in the Martials Arts studio and 3d-printing industries. He has a BS in Health Sciences and Hospital Administration, Board Certified in Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Graduated in the Senior Executive Leadership School from the USAF, Master’s in Business Administration, and a Master’s of Science in Systems Management at Notre Dame De Namur University.

Chosen Cheng

Chosen Cheng is owner of CMC Group, a privately held engineering and marketing consultancy for small business startup ventures. He currently works with project teams developing patented award-winning solar roofing systems and patent pending drone-based augmented reality geological and thermal mapping solutions. He was formerly a Silicon Valley marketing and innovative corporate training manager. As an avocation and a way to “pay it forward” he enjoys teaching and career coaching college and graduate MBA students many of whom are pioneering first generation college students from underserved communities. He and his wife, a Notre Dame alum, celebrated their wedding reception at the Ralston Mansion in the 70’s and have two stupendously successful, married adult children who between them have four stupendously adorable grandchildren.

Arthur Chait

Entrepreneur, Executive, Engineer, Investor, Professor, Mentor. Founder & CEO EoPlex Inc. ($31 million VC funded startup acquired by ASTI Singapore). President Stanford Research Institute (SRI) Consulting Division (800 staff worldwide). SVP Flextronics (responsible for $8 Billion in global accounts). President Zitel Software. Principal Booz Allen. R&D Director Halliburton. Adjunct Professor Menlo College, Visiting Professor Universidad Francisco Marroquin (Guatemala), Mentor Draper University, Judge Startup Chile. BS Engineering Rutgers, MBA Strategy University Pittsburgh.

Kelly Cansler

Kelly completed both her BS (Finance/Economics) and MBA from NDNU. She utilized her business education to launch an insurance agency in 2008 with Farmers Insurance. It’s grown into multi-million-dollar agency, organically and through acquisition. She has been recognized by Farmers Insurance being ranked within the top 10% of agents nationwide, but also as a speaker, trainer, and mentor within the Farmers Insurance Community. Kelly is extremely connected with local businessowners through several networking channels.

Cliff Burnette

Cliff is the senior vice president and chief human resources officer at Rambus, a global chip and IP provider that advances data center connectivity and solves the bottleneck between memory and processing. Cliff has over 20 years of experience leading global human resources operations for publicly traded companies with expertise in employee relations, organizational development, and compensation strategy. Prior to Rambus, Cliff worked for several other high-tech companies in the semiconductor and medical device space and holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Management and Marketing from Texas State University and a master’s degree in Human Resources Management and Organization Development from the University of Texas at Austin.

Memo Morantes

Memo Morantes has been a San Mateo County resident for more than 45 years. He has been a three-term San Mateo County Board of Education incumbent, a Redwood City/San Mateo County Chamber of Commerce board member, a Sequoia Hospital Foundation member, a co-chair of the Latino Leadership Council of San Mateo, and a civic/community activist.

Sheryl Young

Sheryl serves as a director for Philanthropic Ventures Foundation, which provides $10M each year for innovative teachers and social entrepreneurs throughout the Bay Area. Prior Sheryl served as CEO of Community Gatepath and AbilityPath.org. She has over 30 years of managerial experience in operations, finance, and marketing. Young is a graduate of the Stanford University Graduate School of Business Executive Program for Non-Profit Leaders, earned an M.A. of Public Health from UC Berkeley, an M.A. in Special Education from Ball State University and a B.A. in Political Science from Purdue University.

Brian Schumacker

Brian manages South San Francisco-San Bruno’s wastewater treatment plant and with a dedicated staff of over 40 professionals who safeguard community health and protect the fragile San Francisco Bay ecosystem. Brian holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Administration, both from Notre Dame de Namur University. Brian has also earned the highest levels of professional certifications in wastewater treatment.

Mario Rendon

Mario Rendon serves as District Director for State Assemblymember Kevin Mullin. He develops the communications, public relations and constituent service strategy for the office and supervises a small team that represents Mr. Mullin in the 22nd Assembly District within San Mateo County. He has over twenty year’s experience working with elected officials at the local, state and federal level developing public policy.

Jerry Hill

Jerry’s public service started with his local neighborhood association that progressed to the California State Assembly and Senate where he authored legislation resulting in laws on issues related to consumer protection, utility safety, coastal protection, public health, education and the environment. Jerry was born and raised in San Francisco, receiving his BA from the University of California, Berkeley and a Teaching Credential from San Francisco State University.

Magda Gonzalez

Magda was most recently the City Manager for the City of Half Moon Bay, California. Prior she was the City Manager of East Palo Alto, California and Assistant City Manager, Redwood City. Magda was President of Cal-ICMA, representing the Local Government Hispanic Network and serves on the Board of Directors for the San Mateo Credit Union and the Latino Leadership Council of San Mateo County. Magda is also a member of ICMA and the State Bar of California and received several awards and recognitions, including Career Excellence Award (WLG) and the Ethical Hero Award from Cal-ICMA.

Jeremy Dennis

Jeremy currently serves as Portola Valley Town Manager. Previously, he’s worked for elected officials at all governance levels, including twice as District Director for local assemblymembers. He worked as the Palo Alto Long Range Planning Director, and for San Mateo County in management roles. Jeremy has a Masters in Urban Planning from the London School of Economics, and graduated from UC Davis studying US History/Political Science.

Kate Comfort-Harr

Kate is Executive Director of HIP Housing, a nonprofit specializing in creative affordable housing solutions throughout San Mateo County. Kate is a frequent speaker on a wide array of affordable housing topics and is passionate about the cultivation of collaborations between the private, public and social sectors. She serves on the Board of Directors for the San Mateo Credit Union and was awarded the Chamber San Mateo County’s 2020 Business Woman of the Year Award.

Jeff Cox

Program Director for Master of Public Administration

Jerome Nadel

Jerome Nadel is Internationally experienced design-led marketing executive (CMO and GM) with a track record of improved market position, revenue growth, and M&A. He is an advance degreed psychologist and user experience product/service design expert, board member and advisor. Jerome recently retired from Rambus as where he was CMO and GM of the security software division that he led the sale to Visa. He has had a variety of chief marketing officer and chief user experience officer roles at companies including Human Factors International, SLP InfoWare, Gemplus, and Sagem. He started his career in the IBM Human Factors Labs. He is also an avid cyclist with National and multiple California State Champion titles.