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English Education Major

The English Education major and teacher certification at Illinois State University prepares candidates to become successful secondary English language arts teachers in inclusive classrooms. We prepare novice teachers to provide successful learning experiences for students in urban and rural schools as well as suburban districts. Our students learn the value of theory that supports best practices in the teaching of English and gain valuable experiences in applying these ideas to the classroom. We emphasize the need to build democratic partnerships with communities, schools, and teachers for improving the quality of teacher education and to enhance the learning experiences and achievements of all secondary students.

The program emphasizes five core areas of theoretical and practical knowledge:

  • Teaching and learning for democracy.
  • Multicultural education and respect for the diversity of learners.
  • Reader response theories of literary study.
  • Composition emphasizing writing as a process.
  • Teacher research and reflective practice as central to the improvement of teaching and learning.

Degree Requirements:

  • GPA of 2.50 cumulative and 2.75 in all English courses taken at Illinois State University required.
  • 46 hours in English required, exclusive of ENG 101.
  • Completion of entitlement program leading to certification: secondary 6-12.
  • Required courses for certification and accreditation: ENG 243, 246, 285, 296, and 297. ENG 296 and 297 must be completed with a C or better; these courses include 35 clock-hours of state-mandated pre-student teaching Clinical Experiences.
  • Additional required courses: ENG 100 with C or better and 300.
  • 6 hours selected from ENG 283, 284, 286.
  • 3 hours of British Literary and Cultural Studies selected from: ENG 110, 213, 214, 215, 216, 217, 218, 219, 222, 223, 311, 320, 325 327, 328, 329, 378, 386, 387, 388. ENG 110 is strongly recommended for students who have not taken a high school or community college survey course in British Literary and Cultural Studies.
  • 3 hours of American Literary and Cultural Studies selected from: ENG 130, 165, 231, 232, 233, 234, 236, 265, 328, 332, 336, 365. ENG 130 is strongly recommended for students who have not taken a high school or community college survey course in American Literary and Cultural Studies.
  • 3 hours in language and linguistics selected from ENG 241, 310.
  • 3 hours in multicultural Literary and Cultural Studies selected from: 206, 255, 261, 352, 374.
  • 3 hours in Adolescent Literature: ENG 375.
  • The remaining 3 hours of elective must be completed at the 200- through 300-level. Students should be guided by the "Goals of the Major in English at Illinois State University" (print copy available from the Department undergraduate advisor) in choosing their elective. ENG 247 is strongly recommended for students who have not taken a high school or community college course in creative writing.

For more information, please contact us at krgray2@ilstu.edu

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