English education encompasses the four language arts of reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Accordingly, the English education major includes a broad range of English and professional education courses so that teacher candidates fully understand (a) each of the arts, (b) current theories of adolescent development, and (c) current best practices in secondary instruction. Teacher candidates also apply their knowledge and build their teaching skills during multiple clinical experiences in local schools.

For more information contact Dr. Rebecca Chatham-Vazquez

Professional Education Courses

Teacher candidates may enroll in the 300-level professional education courses before being formally admitted to the School of Education (SOE). Prior to enrolling in the 400-level courses, teacher candidates must complete the application for admission to the SOE; attain a minimum of a 2.75 grade point average overall in their course work and pass the Core Academic Skills for Educators exam or meet minimum scores on the ACT+.  

Student Teaching

Student teaching (clinical practice) is the culmination of the teaching program. During the clinical practice, teacher candidates apply the knowledge and skills acquired in their college courses to real-world classrooms under the supervision of experienced english teachers in middle or high schools. Faculty members from NDSU conduct regular on-site visits to support, encourage, and evaluate teacher candidates so that they gain the confidence and ability to join the teaching profession after graduation.

Student Advisement

Students will be assigned individual advisors who will work closely with them in program planning. Students are encouraged to meet with their advisor(s) at least once a semester.

Licensure

Upon completing this program, teacher candidates are eligible for certification to teach english in most states. Our program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and approved by the North Dakota Education and Standards and Practices Board (ESPB).

For information regarding state authorizations please review: https://www.ndsu.edu/onestop/registration/authorization

Career Opportunities

English teachers are in high demand across the country, so our graduates usually obtain full-time employment in school districts shortly after graduation. In addition to teaching careers, some English education graduates choose to teach English abroad or seek advanced degrees in English, law, library science, and counseling. Others obtain careers as corporate trainers or technical writers. Many options are available because an English education degree effectively teaches students to think critically, synthesize information, write and speak clearly and concisely, and to work effectively on teams.