Michael Wei, Ph.D. 

(University of Maryland at College Park)

Professor, University of Missouri - Kansas City
School of Education, Social Work and Psychological Sciences

319 Education Building, 615 E. 52nd Street

Kansas City, MO 64110 

📧  weiyou@umkc.edu

Teaching Honors

I was honored to receive the Missouri Governor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2020 and the UMKC Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2019. The Chancellor’s Award is the highest teaching recognition at UMKC and is given to full-time, tenured faculty with at least five continuous years at UMKC and ten or more years in higher education. It celebrates sustained excellence in teaching at the undergraduate, graduate, or professional level.

Professional Background

I joined the School of Education at UMKC in 2006. With over 30 years of experience in teaching English language learners (ELLs), I have taught in elementary and secondary schools in the United States, in middle schools in China, and at universities in China, Thailand, and the U.S.

Research Interests

My research focuses on areas including:

• Applied linguistics

• Second language acquisition

• English reading and writing as a second or foreign language

• Second language literacy

• Learning environments
  
  

TESOL Program Options at UMKC

We offer three TESOL-related paths:

1. M.A. in Curriculum & Instruction – TESL (30 credit hours)
This program is designed for educators in U.S. PK–12 schools or intensive English programs domestically or abroad.
You will take courses in:

• Human development and educational psychology

• Foundations of education and assessment

• Research methods and diversity

• Action research and TESL-specific content (e.g., linguistics, second language acquisition, teaching methods, and intercultural communication)
  
  

Graduates will gain a rich understanding of English language learning, pedagogy, and diverse learner characteristics.

2. ESOL Endorsement (30 credit hours)
An add-on endorsement for teachers already certified in another area. Courses include:

• Linguistics

• Intercultural communication

• Education of exceptional learners

• Literacy intervention

• Teaching methods and assessment for ELLs
  
  

📝 Note: Starting September 1, 2024, a passing score on Praxis II Exam 5362 will be required by DESE for the ESOL Endorsement.

3. Combined M.A. in C&I – TESL and ESOL Endorsement
By pursuing both together, six courses (18 credits) count toward both credentials, saving time and cost.

Ph.D. Pathway in TESOL

TESOL is part of the Curriculum and Instruction discipline at UMKC. If you’re considering a Ph.D., I encourage you to contact me before applying. Upon admission, I will help develop a customized program of study tailored to your interests.

Important Forms

Courses for MA in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in TESOL (Don't submit this form)

Masters TESOL POS SGS Template (30 credits)

ESOL Endorsement POS SGS Template (30 credits) (Don't submit this form, either)

Doctor of Philosophy in Education Plan of Study

Request for Program Change

Add/Drop/Registration

Comps-Application Education PhD Form

IPHD Core Program Requirements

Copyright © Dr. Michael Wei