Major in English Education

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:

• An application process is in place for English Teacher Education. While a 2.50 GPA is required for application, a successful applicant typically has a GPA of 2.75 or higher.
• 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, 283, 296, and 297. ENG 296 and 297 must be completed with a C or better; these courses include 36 clock-hours of state-mandated pre-student teaching Clinical Experiences.
• Additional required courses: ENG 100 with C or better, 102, and 300.
• 3 hours of British literature 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 literature.
• 3 hours of American literature selected from: ENG 130, 165, 231, 232, 233, 234, 236, 265, 266, 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 literature.
• 3 hours in language and linguistics selected from ENG 241, 310.
• 3 hours in multicultural literature selected from: 206, 255, 261, 266, 352, 374.
• 3 hours in adolescent literature: ENG 375.
• Of the remaining 9 hours of electives, 6 must be completed at the 200- through 300-level. Students should select their electives in consultation with the English Education Advisor. ENG 247 is strongly recommended for students who have not taken a high school or community college course in creative writing.

To download and print a copy of the English Education Requirements, go to the English Advising Froms web page.

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