English Education (Grades 7-12), B.A.

The B.A. program in English Education prepares graduates to be effective and engaging educators in English language arts.

Students pursue a double major from both the School of Education and the College of Arts and Sciences, providing deep exploration into English content and pedagogy at the secondary level. You’ll develop knowledge and skills in integration of media and technology, multi-level teaching, and standards-based assessment, all with an emphasis on cultural and linguistic diversity. This program aligns with the professional standards of the National Council for Teachers of English, and meets the academic requirements for New York State initial teacher certification in English Language Arts (Grades 7-12).

Why English Education at Syracuse University?

• 98% of School of Education graduates are employed or in graduate school within 6 months, and English education students have a 100% pass rate on the New York State edTPA examination.
• We develop educators committed to equitable, antiracist, and inclusive practices. Graduates are ready to work with the full range of learners in schools, including students with disabilities, students who are not native English speakers, LGBTQ youth, and students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.
• A total of 5 field placements start in your first year, including full-time student teaching experiences as a senior. Your field experiences are supported by faculty and experienced mentor teachers in a diverse range of urban, suburban, and rural settings.
• Engage in rigorous professional preparation courses with a student cohort that progresses through the program together, providing opportunities to create lifelong colleagues.
• Syracuse University is the pioneer of experiential learning through SIMs—clinical simulations of common interactions in classroom and school environments to help you identify your strengths and develop your professional skills.
• Two careers for the price of one—a major in English and Textual Studies and a major in English Education gives you a leg up in both fields, preparing you for lesson planning or project management, problem solving in the publishing world or the classroom!
• English education majors have the opportunity to study abroad for a semester in London, England or other Syracuse Abroad centers and world partners. School of Education students are also eligible for exclusive funding to support study abroad experiences.
• Continue your graduate studies at the School of Education with our SOE 50% Master’s and Certificate of Advanced Study Scholarships.

As a School of Education student, you’ll enjoy small classes, personal advising, and a close-knit community with all the benefits of attending a dynamic research institution. You’ll work closely with our faculty of nationally recognized scholars as you develop your professional identity and portfolio and receive tailored career advising.

Graduates of this program have a strong foundational knowledge of English and an excellent preparation in inclusive pedagogy. Our graduates are in K-12 school, community, and other settings including:

• English/ELA and writing teachers
• Teacher leaders, department chairs, or school administrators
• Authors, translators, or other roles in writing and publishing
• Further studies in Literacy Education, Educational Leadership, Public Administration, or another area of interest

Program Details

As a student in the English Education program, you will combine studies in the secondary English curriculum, education methods, classroom practica, and academic requirements from the liberal arts core. You will choose courses to make up a major in English and Textual Studies and liberal arts courses in collaboration with your advisors, allowing you to tailor them to your personal and professional interests. English topics include but are not limited to poetry, Shakespeare, drama, the short story, the novel, structure of the English language, creative nonfiction, expository writing, and multicultural literature. Sample courses in your program may include:

• Literacy Across the Curriculum
• History and Varieties of English
• Methods and Material in Teaching English
• Introduction to Shakespeare
• Reading and Interpretation
• Advanced Writing Studio

Your first semester will include liberal arts electives, writing, and and an introductory English course. More information on academic requirements available in the Syracuse University Course Catalog.

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