The ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS TEACHER LICENSURE program has consistently been recognized as among the best programs for preparing English Language Arts teachers, not just in the state of Illinois but nationally. The National Council of Teachers of English lists EIU’s program as an “exemplar program for training Secondary English Teachers.”
Consisting of 55 credit hours in English along with 34 credit hours of education coursework, this program gives students mastery of pedagogy and the content knowledge that they will need to excel in the field of high school teaching.
WHAT WILL I STUDY?
With three courses in the methods of teaching and an upper-division course in young adult literature, the major ensures that students will arrive at their own future English Language Arts classroom equipped with the latest best practices in teaching. In addition, broad coverage in literary studies including two required courses in multicultural literature, a required course in digital writing, and options for incorporating film studies, pre-adolescent literature, creative writing, and literary editing and publishing among others, allows students to prepare for the needs and interests of today’s secondary students.
WHAT CAREERS CAN I PURSUE?
Students pursuing the English Language Arts degree typically want to teach at the high school level. The majority of our students have job offers even before they graduate. To enhance their competitiveness on the job market, many students choose to participate in our Accelerated MA program, which allows students to start working on a future MA degree while completing their undergraduate degree. With credits already completed towards a graduate degree, students are particularly attractive job candidates for prospective employers looking for teachers who can teach dual credit courses to high school students in the future.
More Information on Student Teaching
English Language Arts Program Requirements for Student Teaching
Already Have An Undergraduate Degree?
Check out this information on our Traditional Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Licensure Program & Accelerated MAT Program. Interested in earning a graduate degree or certificate while becoming a licensed ELA teacher? You can work with the Director of English Education & the Graduate Studies Coordinator to customize a path that applies your graduate coursework to ELA requirements. To discuss this possibility, send your transcripts to Dr. Melissa Ames, mames@eiu.edu.