LCC International University signed a cooperation agreement with Vytauto Didziojo (Vytautas Magnus) University’s pedagogical studies program, opening the doors to teacher certification for LCC MA TESOL graduates.

LCC’s MA TESOL Program

LCC International University has been offering an online MA TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) program for 12 years. The program trains pre-service and in-service teachers in current theories and practices in teaching English. It is fully accredited by the Ministry of Education and Science of Lithuania; students complete 90 ECTS credits in 2 years.

Required Lithuanian state pedagogical certification for Lithuanian public schools

Graduates of LCC’s MA TESOL program teach in many countries and in many different settings – both public and private secondary and elementary schools as well as private companies. When graduates search for teaching positions in public schools, they are required to have an official pedagogical certification issued by the host country. Our Lithuanian graduates also are required to earn official state pedagogical certification to teach in public schools in Lithuania. Vytauto Didziojo University, located in Kaunas, offers the Lithuanian pedagogical certification. With this agreement, graduates of LCC’s MA TESOL program may transfer 30 credits from LCC to VDU’s teacher training program and complete their training at VDU.

Vytauto Didziojo University’s non-degree Pedagogical Studies program consists of 60 credits. When a graduate of LCC’s MA TESOL program enters VDU’s program, they automatically transfer 30 credits from LCC to VDU, essentially halving the number of credits needed at VDU to complete the program.

This cooperation agreement between LCC International University and Vytauto Didziojo University signals the quality of both programs. It offers more job opportunities for our Lithuanian graduates wishing to enter the teaching profession in public schools in their home country. Additionally, it is evidence of mutual cooperation between two universities who fully support Lithuanian schools and wish to strengthen our national public education programs for all pupils.

Blended model of theory and practice

LCC’s program uses a blended model of education (online and face-to-face). Students attend two-week Summer Residency Sessions in August each year during which they study with their instructors in traditional, face-to-face classrooms. Students then continue their studies online throughout the year in a fully interactive online learning platform. All students receive a quality education in pedagogical practice and theory. Courses in pedagogy include such topics as curriculum design, methods of instruction, classroom management, assessment, and program administration. Courses in theory include action research, second language acquisition, linguistics, and research methods. The culminating theoretical project is the thesis.