Please also refer to Teacher Education Programs section for other important information.
Secondary Education Certification
Degree BA, English
Department Chair Patrick L. Hamilton, PhD
The secondary education program in English (ENG/SECED) is designed to prepare teachers of English for Grades 7-12. A unique aspect of the program is that it prepares teachers to effectively deal with students with disabilities who are likely to be included in their classes. It is approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education and leads to a PA Instructional I certificate. The University’s recommendation and the successful completion of other requirements established by the state, including meeting the pass scores specified by PDE on the required battery of certification tests, qualify graduates for a PA Instructional I certificate. Pennsylvania has signed an Interstate Agreement through the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification which facilitates certification in other states. States’ requirements vary; graduates should determine what they have to do to become certified in a state other than Pennsylvania.
Pre-service teachers in the ENG/SECED program must successfully complete the University’s liberal arts Core Curriculum, a content major in English, and series of Teacher Education Department courses. ENG/SECED majors must satisfactorily complete a series of field/practicum experiences that begin during the first year and continue every semester until graduation. By graduation, our pre-service teachers will have spent approximately 750 hours in community classrooms. During students’ final semester, they must complete two seven-week student teaching assignments (two separate placements).
Students in the English/Secondary Education have two academic advisors. The TED advisor is responsible for advising related to Education courses and field/practicum experiences. The content area advisor is responsible for advising related to the University Core and content major requirements. Each semester, students must meet with both advisors prior to registration to facilitate course selection and receive approval to register. The student is ultimately responsible for the selection and registration of courses.
Requirements for student completing degree requirements in May 2013 or later.
The secondary education program in English (ENG/SECED) prepares students to teach English at the junior-level and high-school level. In addition to providing the necessary knowledge base in language and literature, the program gives students the skills to identify and assist those with learning disabilities and to use technology effectively in the classroom. The program is fully approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education and leads to a teaching certificate valid in Pennsylvania for grades 7 through 12, which is transferable to many other states.
Students in English/Secondary Education must complete the same requirements for the English major , with the following exception:
- As ENG/SECED students are required to take University Writing Seminar as an English course (ENG 151 ), within their six (6) credits of English electives, ENG/SECED students should take three (3) credits in English at the 300 or 400-level (including ENG 415 Selected Studies in Literature and ENG 470 Internship ), in addition to courses fulfilling the requirements indicated.
- Courses with an asterisk are pending review by PDE for inclusion in the options for secondary educations students. When approved, requirements will be updated in the student’s degree audit to indicate their inclusion.
