Secondary Education - Message from the English Education Program Coordinator
Dear Prospective Student,
In our increasingly diverse and interdependent world, the need for teachers who can prepare students to communicate effectively in a variety of settings is vital. The M.A. in Secondary Education with Initial Licensure in English (7-12) prepares candidates with the pedagogical knowledge and skills needed to assist 7-12 students with their literacy skills so they can become effective participants in and contributors to our complex world.
As an enrolled student for English certification, you'll explore research, theory and best practices in the teaching of writing, reading, speaking, viewing, and listening through a variety of courses and field experiences. As definitions of literacy continue to expand, you'll learn ways to support students' diverse approaches to becoming and being literate in today's complex society. The diversity of our English candidates - representing a variety of ages, work and life experiences, and cultural backgrounds - provides rich opportunities for you to learn with and from your peers.
As part of your planned program, you'll complete field work experiences in local secondary English classrooms. You'll come face-to-face with the daily dilemmas and exciting possibilities of teaching English in both urban and suburban settings. The licensure program culminates in a semester-long student teaching experience, where you'll develop and deepen your abilities to facilitate literacy learning in 7-12 classrooms.
In addition, many of the English candidates are active participants in the Student Affiliate of the National Council of Teachers of English, planning professional development events for their peers in literacy and across the Graduate School of Education and Allied Professions.
As you explore our website further, please feel free to contact me by e-mail if you have any questions about the M.A. in Secondary Education with Initial Licensure in English (7-12) or would like to schedule a time for us to meet.
Dr. Emily R. Smith
Coordinator & Associate Professor, English Education
Department of Curriculum and Instruction