OVERVIEW OF THE BACHELOR OF ARTS IN ENGLISH EDUCATION

The Bachelor of Arts in English Education is a teaching specialization designed for those planning careers in teaching English at the high school and middle school level (5- 12).  Students go on to teach language (grammar and writing) and literature.  Admission to the program is in the sophomore year through a qualifying exam, and students must file a “Declaration of Intent” with the Dean of Teacher Education during their Introduction to Education (EDUC 2200).  The program includes teaching observation (Clinical I), early placement during the English Methodology course (Clinical II), as well as student teaching (Clinic III).   Additionally, at some time during the program students study tutoring skills and have the opportunity to tutor students at the University.

Students in English Education choose a second specialization area.  Although there is no one prescribed second teaching field, some compatible fields are Library Science, Journalism, French, Spanish, Speech and Theater, and Social Studies.

Students will have an advisor in School of Education as well as in the Department of Language and Literature. 

The program is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and recognized by the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE).

Licensure is through the PRAXIS II exam in the content area as well as the general PLT exam.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES IN TEACHING ENGLISH/LANGUAGE ARTS

Career opportunities in teaching at the middle and high school level are readily available to the new teacher after graduation through job fairs held on campus, through the School of Education, as well as job opportunities posted online for West Virginia and surrounding states.