The Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in the Teaching of Writing in High School/Middle School is available only to those already certified as middle school or high school teachers. Teachers earn a Certificate in the Teaching of Writing in High School/Middle School by satisfactorily completing six graduate courses in the Teaching of Writing in no particular order:

Eng 409.01 Major Figures in the Teaching of Writing in High School/Middle School
Eng 409.02 Issues of Grammar in the Teaching of Writing in High School/Middle School
Eng 409.03 Writing Assessment in High School/Middle school Course Description
Eng 409.04 Using Technology to Teach Writing in High School/Middle School
(Course wesite)
Eng 409.05 Applying Rhetoric to the Teaching of Writing in High School/Middle School
Eng 409.06 The Writing Project (Offered Each Summer)

Aims of the Program:

The new courses create opportunities in the ISU English Department for full-time high school and middle school teacher to develop and enhance expertise in the teaching of writing in their classes.
The Certificate (appearing on the transcript) professionally recognizes the significant accomplishment of those who pass six graduate courses in the teaching of writing.
All credits earned for a certificate can be applied toward an M.A. or Ph.D. in English.

When Can I Start?

You can start the program any semester. Contact Dr. Roberta Trites, Director of Graduate Studies in English, for registration information. (seeling@ilstu.edu or 309/438-3651) You can also download the application and instructions. (PDF)

When Are Courses Offered?

We know high school and middle school teachers have especially full schedules. These courses will always be offered on weekends or weekday evenings to facilitate teachers’ busy weekday schedules. Weekend courses are usually offered in six-hour blocks every other Saturday during the semester.

Who Takes These Courses?

With few exceptions, all students in these classes already hold teacher certification in a middle or secondary subject. Most are full time high school or middle school teachers and share a high level of investment in the courses.

Who Teaches These Courses?

Teacher of these courses are members of the ISU English Department writing faculty who have substantial experience as full-time middle or secondary educators or very substantial experience working with teacher in middle and secondary schools.

For more information on the specifics of the certificate program and courses, please contact the ISU English Department Graduate Office at 309/438-3651. (Ask for Dr. Janice Neuleib, Dr. Robert Broad, or Dr. James Kalmbach)