English for Secondary Teachers

FAQ: English for Secondary Teachers

I’ve heard of the English/Allied Language Arts major, but not English for Secondary Teachers. What is it?

After consulting with former graduates who are currently teaching and with high school principals, the English department has made some needed changes in our certification program. The new program (English for Secondary Teachers) will go into effect in fall 2010. Since it will provide greater flexibility—for example, students may elect to focus more on one of the “allied arts” (communication, journalism, theatre) than the other—we anticipate that students currently enrolled as Eng/Allied Language Arts majors may want to make the switch when it becomes available through Topnet in fall 2010. 

How many hours does this major require? Does it require a minor?

The new major requires 127 hours, including General Education, English, and Professional education courses. No minor is required.

Can I major in literature, creative or professional writing and still teach high school?

Since certification to teach high school English is closely regulated by the state of Kentucky, majoring in literature, creative or professional writing would not be sufficient to qualify as a high school teacher. You would still be required to complete the English for Secondary Teaching program.

I already have an undergraduate degree in English, and I have decided to return for certification. Will my former coursework count toward the degree?

In your case, completing certification will probably mean earning a second baccalaureate degree (minimum of 33 hours required). After reviewing your transcript, the undergraduate English advisor (Dr. Katherine Green) can inform you as to which English, communication, journalism, and theatre courses we can count toward the degree and how many hours you will need to take to complete it. Your Professional Education requirements will be determined by the secondary teaching advisor in the School of Education (Ms. Michelle Kahler). 

I have certification to teach elementary and middle grades and would like to be certified to teach high school English. How much coursework will that entail? Can I earn certification with a minor in English? 

We do not offer certification with a minor in English. Since elementary and middle-school certification does not require much if any coursework beyond General Education English, teachers who want to add high school certification often find (after consulting with the undergraduate English Advisor, Dr. Katherine Green) that they will need the full complement of 55 hours as listed on the English for Secondary Teachers Advising Worksheet. To determine Professional Education requirements, they will need to consult with Ms. Michelle Kahler.

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