English Teaching
Available as a major and minor
This major prepares students to teach English in grades 6-12. Our program has NCATE and Illinois certifications. Students learn the foundations of English content, study pedagogy appropriate to language arts and develop professionalism in the teaching profession.
Besides literature and writing curriculum, students take two courses in language, one in general linguistics and one in descriptive grammar. They take two courses in fostering literacy. Students take courses in the School of Education and the College of Arts and Sciences, making the English teaching major an integrated major.
Our Christian mission is also integrated into the program, making it unique in that we prioritize teaching our majors to embody the love of God in their teaching –– treating learners fairly, believing in their ability learn, and teaching them respect for people and God’s creation.
The Department of English works in cooperation with the School of Education to meet the requirements for certification for the State of Illinois. In addition to field experiences within the classroom, students will complete a professional semester while student teaching.
Alumni in this field are teachers here and abroad, administrators, college professors or administrators in education or other related fields.
We are certified by the state of Illinois and national accrediting body, National College Association of Teacher Education.
English Teaching is part of the
Department of English and Modern Languages within the
College of Arts and Sciences.